Letters from Sand Dunes.

"Dear, Leann1

This is the first and the last letter you will get from me, not because I do not yearn to give you a million letters more, but because, like thousands of other soldiers, I have past on. 2

Before you read on I want you to know that I loved you more then anything in this entire world, more then every breath I have staggered to breathe, more then any word I managed to utter. my only regret is that I couldn't be there for the birth of our first daughter, and that I had to leave you.3

I want you to know that through these perilous times I know you will be strong for our children and for yourself.4

I know that thousands of other wives are going through the same thing you are, but I know you will be strong, I know that you had the knowledge of why I have done what I have, that it was for the protection of my nation, but mostly for my family... for you, Leann. I want you to know that I do not blame our country or her president. G. W. Bush was just doing what he felt was right, I don't blame him one bit for sending us over there, he was merely fulfilling a promise to a people. I miss you. I only wish I could have held you one last time, your warm beautiful body against my own. I wish I could have kissed you one last time.5

I am saddened to know that you mourn me, for I know this is merely a new chapter to your wonderful story, I know that one day you'll move on and find someone else and that's okay, I want you to be happy, and mourning over me for to long will not help you, do not forget about me, but do not remember me as a weight, my death shall be no burden to you or the children. Find someone new and love him as you loved me, hold him as you held me and pray for his soul for I know you won't marry a church going man... you always did like the bad boys, Leann. Oh, how your father hated that harley of mine and that black leather jacket.6

We knew what was coming when I enlisted, I don't regret it at all, though I do miss you terribly, love. 7

I know you will be strong and move on, away from the past, I love you, Leann, with all my heart and have until the very end of my days.8

Tell Dad I don't regret that I followed in his shoes, tell him I love him and that I'll miss him... tell him I was proud to die for my country and that I'm sorry I didn't loose my right eye and that I broke the family tradition.9

I love you.10

Love Anthony.11