...how do you ask a man to be the last man to die for a mistake? -John Kerry, US Navy
John,
It was Quintin and he wouldn't shut up about you. Saying a lot of shit that wasn't true, not at all. And I know you rather not fight, but what was I supposed to do? Sit back and take it? If you're not here to defend yourself, I'm certainly not going to let them run your name into the mud.
Whatever you said to Mom worked, because she's been letting me watch the news. The things they show, you don't do that, right? They keep saying we should pull out and we're suffering too many casualties and we're killing more civilians than enemy. But you're not killing women and children and old men like they say, right? I don't think you are. Quintin's just a prick. He's just getting to me. I try to ignore him, but I can't let myself believe you're doing the things he says. I'm just being stupid, I guess.
Mom and I went to dinner at David's house. Daniel and I talked about this whole thing. Says Quintin gives him the same shit. He hasn't gotten in a fight with him though. Does that make him or me weak? Daniel says that David doesn't want to be in this war either, but he'll fight for his country. I think Daniel would join the Army if he could, if he was old enough I mean. He doesn't really think we're going about the war the right way, but he wants to protect his country. I think I agree with him, on both counts, but I don't think I could do what you're doing.
Uncle Jake said you might be going on another patrol, but with the whole company. Stay safe.
Love,
Bernie