Jurassic War

Mary,

My apologies but I haven’t had much time to write lately. We are quite busy training and things are gearing up towards the end. I haven’t gotten mail from you in a few days, but I expect some letters will come all at once like always. I did receive the paper and pencils that you sent, along with more stamps. Thanks so much! We only get issued a bit of writing stationery.

I passed the third phase testing, with only 2 wrong out of 80. This means that I’m coming down the home stretch. I was acting guide (platoon leader) for a couple of weeks. There isn’t much chance of me not graduating on schedule, and so now I’m counting down the days.

Things have really picked up and I’m highly motivated. My Senior Drill Instructor called me into the duty hut the other day. He said that I’ve done so well at testing and physical fitness that I should consider changing my contract. All Marines are volunteers due to the nature of the mission. None of us were drafted. I enlisted to be in artillery. Mostly because I didn’t think that I was as tough as the guys that would end up on the front lines. Well, my drill instructors have shown me that mental toughness and perseverance are important in combat. And not street corner brawling. Anyway, he said that I should consider changing my contract from artillery to infantry. The decision is up to me, but he’ll push it through if I decide to make the change.

I’m writing to you about it because I’ve got to make the decision within the next week. This might come as a surprise to you, and it’s a much more dangerous role. I’ve come to realize that anything that you do in life that’s important, you have to dedicate your life to it. This is a bloody war and the infantry will be on the front lines. But I’m training with a great bunch of guys. And the infantry is the best of the best. I’m sure that I’ll be in good hands. The Marine Corps wants the most capable out there battling the enemy.

This means a sacrifice for you, too. You’ll worry a lot more, and my letters from the front lines will get held up. Let me know what you think.

Love,

Randell

P.S.: I won’t have much time to write in the next couple of weeks. We’ll have limited free time as the platoon moves into the final weeks.

Randell,

I got your letter today and knew that I had to write back right away. The prospect of you on the front lines is quite overwhelming. Scary actually. I’ll worry every day. But I’ve read your letter three or four times. And it seems like this is what you want to do. How can I stand in your way? Our country is at war, and we all have to do our part. Other young men go to the front lines. Some don’t come home alive. I’m not sure that we can ask such courage of them but seek to hold back our own loved ones. If you are being called to the front, then I must support you. You have to do what you think is best. We are all proud of you.

I’ll still plan to marry you. And I’ll wait for you, and I’ll write and someday this war will be over. You’ll be home with me. Our children will be blessed.

All my love and support.

Love you,

Mary