Too Short a Life

April 11, 2007 -

Marine Lance Cpl. Lance T. Graham
(An undated letter to his father, postmarked March 14, 2005)

Hey there Old Timer,
Just writing to say Hi and to let you know I'm OK. We've been really busy and I don't have a lot of time to write. I can't call because I need to get a calling card online and I need a credit card which I don't have. ... Also there is only 4 phones and 11 computers for 1500 marines with a 30 minute time limit so it takes awhile to use them. Those Wiley X glasses I sent back ... Yeah, I could use those. Sorry, I know you will probably be upset but could you send them to me. With the bore snake. The bore snake is like a long sock (green I think) that's the size of the barrel .223 cal. [...] How is everybody doing? How is Melanie? We are doing 24HR patrols when we're not escorting the colonel and Sgt. Mason around. It's long hrs little sleep and crappy chow. Gotta go now we're heading out.
Love Lance
Graham, 26, of San Antonio, Texas, died May 7, 2005, when suicide bombers struck his convoy near Haditha in Al Anbar province.

Marine Cpl. Dale A. Burger Jr.
Sept. 6, 2004

hey jen. well i wasnt one of the seven killed today. but my best friend mike allred, the guy in almost every picture i have from over here, was one of them. i found out a couple hours afterwards. i just got done writing a letter to his parents. it was one of the hardest things i've ever had to do. he was the closest thing to a brother i ever had.

I am doing ok though. i just got back from a pretty nasty place. we came out fine, but there was quite a bit of fighting going on. things are really starting to get worse around here.

its good to hear that your coming home. i should be home by december or January if i'm lucky. i really dont want to miss christmas but its looking like im going to.

well jen, i gotta get going. i havent slept in a couple days so i'm about to fall asleep. talk to you soon, be safe.

your brother,
dale

Sept. 14, 2004

well things are really starting to pick up lately. not in a good way either. its good to hear that your home. hows mom doing? keep reassuring her that i'll be ok. and do me a favor. this isn't something i can tell mom.

if i don't make it, make sure [to take care of our sisters] especially rachel. and make sure mom takes care of herself. i seriously think she'd lose it if i was killed. everytime i talk to her on the phone she cries. just make [sure] shes taken care of, you know. ok jen, i gotta get going. i still got work to do. love you and miss you.

your brother,
dale
Burger, 21, of Bel Air, Md., was killed Nov. 14, 2004, in Fallujah.

Marine Staff Sgt. Anthony Goodwin
May 23, 2003

Mom,
Finally was able to open the card you sent. I thank you so much. Looking forward to seeing you and dad both upon my return. I am glad to know that although my career path is at times difficult for you to endure, you understand and support my unwavering duty and dedication. I have chosen a rough path to say the least and it demands great sacrifices from all those involved. Remember, with great pride, that there are not many who are willing to give so selflessly, and those who do are needed and truly deserving. I thank you for being there with that smile or that hug when I needed you to be. I love you mother.
Anthony
Goodwin, 33, of Mount Holly, N.J., died during his second tour on May 9, 2005, after being shot in Qaim.

Army Col. Theodore Westhusing
May 10, 2005 (E-mail to his mother and brother)

Sorry dear mom, didn't save the note. Tim is a great brother.

VBIEDs [car bombs] really are a nightmare. Life is worthless over here to so many. Killing everywhere and always ongoing. So many people don't care and have appeared to have given up. But I won't, I need to be here to help them...... Innocents suffer. Terrible stuff. Kids that would break your heart, and mothers too. We did a squatter removal mission yesterday that just breaks the heart. Had to fire on a vehicle that wouldn't stop at our checkpoint, wounding the driver. The people in these temp villages have no were to go and are targets too, so they need to be protected. We try to, the best we can.

And the graft and pursuit of money off this thing and all that, it is just pathetic.

Oh well. Only thing to do is drive on and do your best. Love Ted

Westhusing, 44, was found shot to death June 5, 2005, in his Baghdad trailer. The Army ruled the shooting a suicide, but Ted's brother, Tim Westhusing, believes his brother was murdered.

Unlike this administration, I prefer to put names and faces and stories to the fallen and their families. After all, these are real people with real families and real lives. They pay taxes and love their moms. They are proud to be an American soldier. Proud of their honor, proud to serve.

The DESERVE our respect. And they get it, from everyone except those who believe they are nothing more than a pawn is a game of chess or a political propaganda tool. These are men and women of the United States Armed services, not machines to be placed in harms way over and over and... not to be used as target practice, not to be placed in the center of anothers countries civil war.

My God, can you imagine reading one of these from your son, after knowing about his death? What would his death mean to you? What about this war? Isn't it time we force this administration to respect our boys and bring them home? At the risk of repeating myself, together we can make this happen, together we can have peace once again. Together we must demand a change of course in Iraq. We must not allow another country to become our victim. We must demand impeachment. We must do this now!