Author's Note: Again, thank you guys so much for all the reviews, favorites, alerts and PM's. I have a question for you guys, though. Would you like to see all the different one-on-one reactions, after the letters are read? It might make this fic longer than I anticipated, but I think it would be fun. Let me know what you think! On with the story.

I am thankful for Agent Hanna because he manages to keep an air of proper protocol about your proceedings. And while he frequently damages my poor vehicles, he never does so unnecessarily. He keeps accurate records-although it would be nice if he turned them in on time-and has, to my knowledge, never lost a camera button. But more than that; I am thankful that he has such a large heart for his team, this organization, and his country. It will serve him well, all through his life.

"Look at you, getting compliments from the big cheese." Eric grinned at the ex-SEAL, then paled at the look Hetty shot him.

"Mr. Beal, I do not appreciate the comparison to a slice of mozzarella."

"Sorry, ma'am." Eric squeaked.

Hetty continued.

I am thankful for Agent Blye because she is respectful, hard-working and above all, loyal. She always thinks of others first, but is not such a martyr she forgets to take care of herself. Her humor and grace softens this agency considerably, and I shudder to think what this team would be like without her charm. But the thing I am most grateful about her is the fact she can handle her own; whether from enemy fire or the bantering that I hear every morning coming from the bullpen. That is an admirable trait.

Kensi was smiling sweetly as the others nodded in agreement with Hetty's observations.

I am thankful for Mr. Beal because he is the only man I know who can reprogram an entire bank's security system in three minutes, backstop an agent in five, and track a terrorist who underwent reconstructive surgery in seven…all at the same time. His skills are unrivaled and his confidence in his own abilities even more so. While it would be nice if he could learn to keep his sandal-clad feet off of my desks, his quirks are consistent and part of his personality, not attention seeking ploys. That is something I have always admired: consistency. In this line of work, it could save your life.

Eric was grinning, eyes shining with happiness. Getting a compliment from Hetty was rare and always savored.

I am thankful for Ms. Jones because she adds a unique flavor to our humble team. Her quick thinking and out of the box reasoning has helped in many, many ways. She is rather fun with her bouncy attitude and always interesting conversation. She also has a large heart that she has a fondness for wearing on her sleeve. While that can be a problem sometimes, she has a remarkable handle on herself and the way she is. I am most grateful for the way she handles what is given to her: with a smile and a hammer. A go getter if I ever knew one.

Nell blushed at the praise and smiled happily.

I am thankful for Detective Deeks because he works for this team every bit as hard as if he were NCIS himself. His rather unorthodox methods have proved valid and essential time after time, and his witty remarks- which do admittedly fall flat sometimes- can lighten the darkest of moods. He is not easily intimidated, and I have a feeling would fight with an intensity of a thousand suns if he had to. Loyalty is a trait to be treasured above all others. I hope he continues to cultivate this trait; it will be his saving grace one day.

Deeks finally poked his head out from behind his hands and saw the sincerity in Hetty's face. He gave a half smile, then hid his head again.

I am thankful for Agent Callen more than he will ever know. It is his leadership and guidance that truly is the reason for this team's success. If he were ever to leave, I have no doubts this very branch of NCIS would crumble. His readiness to do whatever is required of him, at any time, is both admirable and commendable. But the thing that I am the most thankful for- the thing that he perhaps is not grateful for- is the fact that since joining us, Callen has finally begun to learn the most elusive of all emotional attributes. Trust. I pray that is an attribute he continues to embrace, although I have no doubt he will.

Callen looked thoughtful as Hetty set aside her paper. The rest of the team were still glowing from their unusually high praise and did not see the look Hetty shot Callen over her glasses. The operations manager took another long drink of tea, then picked up the next.

"Agent Blye, are you ready?"