'I Had Such a Short Life'

Marine Lance Cpl. Lance T. Graham
(An undated letter to his father, postmarked March 14, 2005)

Hey there Old Timer,
Just writing to say Hi and to let you know I'm OK. We've been really busy and I don't have a lot of time to write. I can't call because I need to get a calling card online and I need a credit card which I don't have. ... Also there is only 4 phones and 11 computers for 1500 marines with a 30 minute time limit so it takes awhile to use them. Those Wiley X glasses I sent back ...

Yeah, I could use those. Sorry, I know you will probably be upset but could you send them to me. With the bore snake. The bore snake is like a long sock (green I think) that's the size of the barrel .223 cal. [...] How is everybody doing? How is Melanie? We are doing 24HR patrols when we're not escorting the colonel and Sgt. Mason around. It's long hrs little sleep and crappy chow. Gotta go now we're heading out.
Love Lance

Graham, 26, of San Antonio, Texas, died May 7, 2005, when suicide bombers struck his convoy near Haditha in Al Anbar province.

Marine Cpl. Dale A. Burger Jr.
Sept. 6, 2004

hey jen. well i wasnt one of the seven killed today. but my best friend mike allred, the guy in almost every picture i have from over here, was one of them. i found out a couple hours afterwards. i just got done writing a letter to his parents. it was one of the hardest things i've ever had to do. he was the closest thing to a brother i ever had.

I am doing ok though. i just got back from a pretty nasty place. we came out fine, but there was quite a bit of fighting going on. things are really starting to get worse around here.

its good to hear that your coming home. i should be home by december or January if i'm lucky. i really dont want to miss christmas but its looking like im going to.