‘Not Everyone Came Back’

I asked my mom how to best do this, and she was the one that suggested writing to the Journal and asking them to publish this letter. Words just can't begin to describe how much the letters and packages mean to me. I spend anywhere from five to nine days at a time out on a mission, and don't receive any mail. When I return, I get all my mail at once, and it just does so much to raise my spirits when I finally find time to sit down and open them all. What was really touching were the Christmas letters that people would normally send out to their families. I felt very special and in a small way a part of their family at least for that Christmas. I just don't know what else to say, other than I can't begin to write how much your words of support mean for me. I also share them with my soldiers, and you can take comfort in knowing that they also appreciate the support. Regardless of when we come home, my soldiers and I want you all to know that we couldn't have made it this far through the deployment without your support from back home.

We all thank you very much, and wish that you all have a safe rest of the year.
Very Respectfully,
1LT Jacob Fritz
2/A/2-377th PFAR
Platoon Leader, FA

Fritz, 25, of Verdon, Neb., was killed Jan. 20, 2007, in Karbala.

Army Capt. Kevin C. Landek
Dec. 31, 2006

Dad,
It was good talking with you the other day. I am doing fine but as I keep telling you I am frustrated. The military wants us to be policemen and not soldiers. I don't feel like we are fighting terrorists or terrorism here. If we fire our weapons we have to be accountable for those shots. It does not make sense to me to be here and not be able to do what we are trained to do. It sometimes seems as though some commanding officers are more concerned about what is in their own personnel file then they are about us on the ground. I guess they feel like we are replaceable.

But I just keep on keeping on and ignore their attitudes. My guys are my first concern. I want to bring them all back without any injuries. Keep mom busy because I know she is worried about me but I am fine and as long as I stay focused things should be okay. Say hi to Jenny and I will call you in a couple of days. Happy new year and hoist a glass for me.
Love, Kevin