Letter from Iraq

Dear Ms. Krell,
 
    My platoon received your care package two days ago. Yes, the mail is slow out here. We have kinda gotten used to it. The past few days have been kinda hectic for us. So, I don’t know if anyone has sent you a proper thank you note or not. If you haven’t received one yet, please let me be the first.
 
    Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity. As you might expect, life out here isn’t the easiest in the world. The outpouring of support from great Americans, like you, really does make the difference. Our lives and jobs are enriched knowing that such wonderful people like you exist. It is the pleasure of my unit to serve fellow Americans that know and understand what we are going through in order to achieve the goals that have been set before us.
 
    I’m very sorry to hear about your son. I will add him to my prayer list. My father flew helicopters in Viet Nam for one year. He served with the Army. I’m in the Marine Corps, so naturally there is a lot of good natured ribbing that goes on between us.
 
    I haven’t seen my family in about two years now. I plan on going back to the east coast in order to visit with them upon my return home. I really miss America. I love my nation very much. The kindness of people like you make it that much more worthwhile.  Thanks again for everything. We really appreciate your time, effort and energy. I hope that the patriotism you have shown is contagious.