Disclaimer: I don't own MASH. But I do own Alice. She is my own creation but you can borrow her if you want.

I am dedicating this story to Arnie, the only WW 1 vet I ever knew. I am also dedicating it to the 116th Cavalry Brigade National Guardsmen who are training to go to Iraq.

Summary: Letters between Alice Pierce and her grandfather Hawkeye during her Iraq deployment.

Hawkeye sorted through the mail looking for a coveted letter from his granddaughter. They stayed in contact by email once in while but there was nothing like a real letter and or pictures. It was always a sure sign that she was okay. It didn't take him long to find what he had been looking for and he ripped it open to find a letter and two pictures falling out.

Dear Grandpapa,

It's been awhile since I wrote you. Life here goes on as usual if you call 14-hour surgery sessions the usual. We help a lot of civilians here as much as possible to the best of our abilities. They remain thankful for our assistance in caring for the sick. I don't know what the media tells you but it's not all negative. There are a lot people here that are glad that we freed them.

Just recently we had a man come in asking for help. His hands had been cut off while Saddam was in power. We were able to fit him with new prosthesis hands. He can use them just like real hands. It was wonderful to see the look on his face when he lifted a glass of water for the first time in 13 years. I have to that is a very positive outcome from this war. It all seems terrible and when I'm about ready to give up, I see a smile on a happy Iraqi's face and it melts my heart. It's good for me to be here. There is so much pain and yet there is a lot of happiness if you look for it.

I miss you Grandpapa. It has been hard being torn from my family and friends. I keep pictures of you, Grandmama, the MASH gang, and many others. You and Granmama were always there for me. You took Dominic, Albert, and I in when Mom and Dad died in the car wreck. Thank you so much for all that you have done.

I love you Grandpapa. Tell Grandmama that I love her and miss her. The pictures I have enclosed are that of the man with the new "hands" and you will see just how happy he is. Goodbye for now.

Love,

Alice


Hawkeye smiled when he looked at the pictures. The man seemed very happy with his prosthetics. He looked like he had just been given a new life. Alice was in one of the pictures helping him to try the prosthetic hands on. Maybe something good could come out of this lousy war.