Sacrifice for a Friend

McLeese, 19, of Covington, La., was killed during the battle for Fallujah, Nov. 13, 2004.

Marine Cpl. David "Bear" Stewart
June, 2005
Hey mom,
This is me telling all of you that  I love you and I hope that all of you are doing very well. I will try and call you as much as I can . I talked to Andrea and she seems to be doing well. I know that the both of you need to quit worrying bout me . I love all of you so much and I cannot wait to get back in the swing of things again in the real world. I hope my baby Bear will be doing fine . I know that you all have to do what you have to do . If he goes , then I do not believe I will be getting another dog . They seem to love me, but they do not stay around very long. Well , we think that we have made it to the halfway mark of this deployment . I hope so. There are rumors floating around about us heading back around Mid Sept. I received the letter from Chickie , hahaha , she is a Character. I hope to get the chance to write her soon. If you happen to talk to her please tell her I said to tell Nathan " Little buddy " hello. I miss playing pool with him. I miss riding the horses and I miss what it felt like being at there place. I pray there are many more times like that in that place and plenty more of our own hehe. I think I am going to try and put a motivated [with Marine Corps. and American ornaments] Christmas tree up this year. I look forward to all our families cooking this year and as far as the unit goes when I get home, I think they can put a little investment in someone else besides myself and Pit to do all of the functions. I already know that it is coming. I cannot wait till the ball this year . I know that last year was kind of crappy . They kept on busting me about a stupid friggin plaque hehe , can you beleieve that? This year , they can make it. I want to go hunting and fishing and spend lots of time with my soon to be wife. I miss her and love her like crazy. Well tell dad and Jo I said that I love them . Send my hugs and kisses to lilly rosie and bear . Ok, I love you mom, talk to you later.
Bear

Stewart, 24, of Bogalusa , La., was killed Aug. 3, 2005, near the Haditha Dam in Al Anbar province when his amphibious assault vehicle was hit by an IED.

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