Chapter1
June
June3,2008
DearAaron,
My name is Ruby Santos, and I’m your new pairing through the Help a SoldierFoundation.
I’m not sure if you’ve participated with Help a Soldier in the past or if this is your first time, but if you aren’t familiar with the fine print of the program, I’ll break you in so that you aren’t wondering why this person named Ruby from Houston, Texas is e-mailing and sending you letters. (It’ll probably be a month or so from now before you start getting mail from me, so this might get a bit awkward. After we get the hang of this, I’ll try not to send you the same message that I also e-mail because that would getboring.)
According to the foundation’s guidelines, I’m supposed to reach out to you once a week while you are deployed… wherever it is you’re deployed. They don’t tell me these things. All I know is that you’re a staff sergeant. Please don’t feel obligated to tell me where you are unless you want to. It doesn’t matter to me. Since I’m not sure if you prefer e-mails or getting letters, I’ll do both in the meantime. You can let me know which you wouldratherget.
I’m not even close to being rich, but hopefully every once in a while, I can send you a care package. Hopefully you understand. I’m sure you’re busy, so I won’t bore you toomuchnow.
Since we’re in this for the long haul, I’ll ask you a few questions so we can start getting to know each other. Hope that worksforyou.
Do you go by Aaron orsomethingelse?
How many months do you have left in yourdeployment?
If I could send you one thing from home, what woulditbe?
I look forward to hearing from you, but if you’re busy, that’s okay, too. I promise I’ll write every weekanyway.
Allthebest,
Ruby
* * *
June8,2008
DearAaron,
It’s your new Help a Soldier pairing, Ruby fromHouston.
I hope you’re doing well and that you received my e-mail and/orletter.
I’ll answer the questions I asked you last week so you can get to know me alittle.
I go by Ruby. Rubes. Rubella (only my mom calls me that). Squirt (everyone I’m related to or knows me through family callsmethat.)
N/A since I’m not the onedeployed.
If our roles were reversed, those packets of microwave-ready macaroni and cheese would be exactly what I would miss and want more of. Please don’t ask how many I can eat in a singlesitting.
There isn’t much to tell about me, but if you have any questions,askaway.
Allthebest,
Ruby
* * *
June15,2008
DearAaron,
