Here is a letter that I sent my wife in November 2002 from Afghanistan.
"Dear April,
How are the kids? How are you? My company takes casualties pretty much every month. A kid from back home, Private Gregory, was killed in action a few hours ago. The other day our convoy was hit by an IED. I am sorry for making you worry, I just feel like writing home, I'll call when I get the chance to go to Kandahar. Tell the kids I love them, and why their daddy has to go fight in this war. Like I told you April, orders are orders, I have to do what Bush orders me to. This is all I can bear to write but, I just want to let you all know that I love you, and that I'm fighting and killing just to get home to you three.
Love,
Brian.
2LT Boatman, Brian B Company, 508th Regiment, 82nd Airborne.