Tuesday, December 25, 2001
Christmas from patriot's past
Sampling of letters sent to The Enquirer
Click a card for a larger image & description:
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I was working with a Kindergarten class in November 1990. We wanted to do a special project for Thanksgiving. My son, Marc's long time friend, Shane Hardin was serving in Operation Desert Shield in Saudi Arabia. We sent a care package to Shane along with letters. The asked him many questions about various things, such as his favorite color, age, food, weather, and sports, type of work and if he was a Pilgrim. Shane's response to the group on this classic card has been in my special box of keepsakes for 10 years. I get it out every Christmas to share with family and friends. Shane was 19 at that time. I think his answers to the children's questions are very poignant, but within their understanding. When Shane returned home, he visited our class proudly wearing his uniform. He shared pictures and stories of his adventures with us. The children sang "Proud to Be An American" for him. It was a wonderful experience for all of us. An appropriate ending to this patriotic story is Shane has re-enlisted. He will report to For Campbell, Kentucky on January 3, 2002.
Dear Children and Teachers of Villa Hills Day Care,
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I received your package about 2 days after Thanksgiving. I was really surprised! I loved it and every thing in it. Thanks a lot!
All of your letters were very interesting and I'm going to try and answer all of your questions. I have been here in Saudi Arabia for 2 months now. My job here is to drive a jeep for the Sergeant Major of my unit. He's a very important person. I take care of my jeep and take the Sergeant Major wherever he needs to go. The desert is very hot during the day, but at night it gets very cold. Everywhere you look there is sand, sand, sand. In my unit we have 18 big guns. They are called Howitzers. The look like tanks, but shoot a much larger bullets. It's called Artillery.
I don't like it here at all, but I'm trying my best to do what I have to until I come home. That is what we are all looking forward to. The food out here is gross, but we have to eat something. We drink a lot of water from bottles. For sports we play volleyball, football, soccer and we lift weights. My favorite color is blue. I am 19 years old, and my birthday is on January the 20th. My favorite food is steak and potatoes. No, I'm not a pilgrim, but I sure feel like one in this strange land. We are all over here to defend freedom, which is something that all of you should cherish. I hope that I have helped you better understand what I'm doing out here. Thanks again for the goodies and I hop you all have a nice holiday season.
From your friend faraway.
Love,
Shane
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