208                                   U.S. MARINES IN THE PERSIAN GULF, 19901991

rifles even more prepared for that time when they may be forced to fight. Some
days are very, very slow, and the only thing we do is clean our weapons, write
letters, and exercise. Then we will go day and night for up to five days without
any sleep rehearsing a possible combat mission. We even use our own Marines
as the enemy to make it as realistic as we can.      We are ready for Saddam
Hussein.
    One of you asked how I was.    First of all, thank you for asking. I feel great
peace in my heart that I am doing the right thing. From the comments from my
bosses and my Marines, I am confident I am ready to lead my Marines into
combat.  I have lost a lot of weight and no longer exercise like I want, so I feel
I should do more to stay strong.      That is one of the reasons I started a
band-to-hand combat class.    I do not get much sleep each day, so I am always
a little tired.  Because I am tired of the same food, I am always a little hungry.
I have had only one shower in 30 days, so I am very, very dirty.    Your parents
would not dare let me in their house.  I smell so bad.     My clothes are so dirty
they stand up without a hanger.      We have enough water for drinking and
shaving, not showers.     I am used to the heat. The real problem that I have is
that I miss my best friend, my wife Joan.     I love her so very much.    I miss
talking to her and holding her.  God blessed me with a very special partner, and
it is tough being so far away.  I can't even make a phone call from where I am.
Getting a letter from her gives me new energy and strength.        The people of
America should send mail and packages to the wives and girlfriends of the
Marines, not Marines.      They are the ones left alone with the pain of our
absence.
    I would like to end this letter by answering one last question.    "Are you
scared? " Many years ago when I was first a Marine, I would say yes.      I have
been all over the world for the past 11 years. I have seen several of my closest
friends killed.    I have held dead Marines in my arms, and I have survived
several very close calls.  When I am home in the United States, every minute
is precious to me.     I smile every second because I know I live in the most
beautiful, free, and powerful country in the world.  I am not scared right now.
I am not afraid to die for what I believe in.  There are a lot of people in this
world who would do anything to destroy the United States.         As long as they
know there are strong, dedicated leaders in the United States who will do
everything it takes to protect our society, we are safe.    I have freely accepted
my part in assuming that responsibility.  There is no room for fear.   If we are
to keep our country great we must all be responsible citizens.    Give more than
you take from others.     Care for everyone around you.      Get involved in your
government.      Keep the environment clean so it will last. Stop the waste of our
resources.     We can stop being dependent on oil if we use coal properly or
switch to hydrogen and solar energy.     It starts with you, our children.  God
bless you.     Semper fidelis.