Unknown Soldier

My father spent my childhood and much of his adult life in the US Navy. I remember expansive time periods that he was away, "out to sea" is what we called it. Of course, he didn't actually spend all of that time in the middle of the ocean, but nevertheless that's what we called it. Some of my fondest memories include tape recording letters for him to listen to, and gently packing homemade cookies and other baked goods for him to enjoy. I remember drifting off to sleep those nights picturing the smile and the sparkle in his eyes when he opened the packages we sent. So, when it was suggested that some friends and I send cards, letters and care packages tosome overseas Marines, I eagerly jumped at the chance.

We started with half a dozen names, the son of a friend and some of his comrades in arms who weren't receiving much from home. I sent each man on the list a postcard to start off. My contribution quickly escalated from postcards to boxes packed with toys, candies and homemade cookies. The cookies were a hit, I got a lot of requests for more and believe me, I was happy to oblige. A couple of the soldiers even wrote back to me. One of those soldiers was Billy.

Billy was a 20-yr-old kid from New Hampshire, who wrote to thank me for thinking of him and his buddies. It was courtesy, something that the military-the Marine Corps especially, demands. The letter wasn't very long, just a brief thank you, your support really means a lot to us, type of letter. Didn't even fill a page, but it was very special to me. So I wrote him back. I asked him about himself, and told him about myself. Inquired about his reasons for joining the service, and thanked him for doing a job I don't have the courage to do. He responded, answering my questions and sharing a little more about himself.