Lance Cpl. Nathan Haskins writes a letter to his family in Huntingburg, Ind., while at the Marine operating base at Kandahar International Airport, Afghanistan, Dec. 20. (Rob Curtis, Times staff).

Mom and Dad,

By now it’s very apparent that I am in Afghanistan’s Kandahar International Airport, where all the news is coming from. I called Camp Rhino home for a while, then moved out here, dirty, tired but still kickin’. We have all our positions set up. The days resemble nothing of the Christmas holiday I am used to celebrating. I really couldn’t expect much more, though. I block it out and concentrate on my work instead of the luxuries I cannot have.

Though needless to say I miss you all very much, hopefully my return in the spring is still locked on. I love you all. I am safe and will stay that way.

Love,
Nathan