Letters from a Two-Front War

What's Inside

Read letters to and
from deployed troops

Post a message to deployed troops

Share your letters

Discuss Letters from
a Two-Front War

Photos from a Two-Front War

See letters written by children
to deployed troops

      

Command Master Chief (SW/AW) J.D. McKinney III, was just getting settled into a new house with his wife and children when the call to action came. He had just been transferred Sept. 7 to Norfolk from the Chicago area and shipped out on the guided missile destroyer Oscar Austin.

Dear Charla,

I know this deployment is a sad occasion, but I remember how we felt on 9/11 and how those events drew us closer together. It sure makes you appreciate family much more.

One of the outcomes of this whole ordeal is the feeling of urgency I got as an American fighting man — a call to arms, a desire to do what I have trained to do in my 19 years in the military.

The children have a right to grow up as you and I did, carefree. Others before me have ensured our freedoms, and now it’s my turn to stand on the wall.

The American way of life must be defended. I must do this, to bring honor to my Navy and my country.

I love you.

Love,
J.D. III

      


    
Use of this site signifies your agreement to the Terms of Service