Dear Soldier

My name is Samantha O’Donnel and I am 21 years old. I work as a preschool teacher and my father was in the military so when I saw this pen-pal organisation I wanted to join up since I know how much just one letter from home can mean to someone on the front line. It has been quite a few years now since the last time I have sent a letter via military post but I’m sure I can offer some kind of support from back home and fill you in on any updates on the home front. Maybe I can even help to ease the loneliness and take your mind of the job even for just a few minutes.

I’m not really sure how all of this works but I thought it was worth a try to see if we can get to know each other and be friends. I hope to hear from you soon and that all is well.

From
Samantha

Samantha,
These letters are always kind of awkward, but usually it is little kids who write us. So nice to have someone my own age. My name is Cole Cooper, I am also 21 and work in the Air Defense sector of the Army. I don't have any people writing from home as it is just my father and I left, so getting one of these means a lot. Not sure what to write but tell me more about yourself. Also, we're not allowed internet here so how are the flyers doing this season? Thanks!
Sgt. Cole Cooper


Cole was skeptical about these letters as like he said, they always came from classes and schools of little kids who had to write them letters thanking them for their service etc. It was nice to see a breath of fresh air coming in and he looked forward to the letters. Who knows, maybe he'd have a new friend when going on leave in a couple weeks.

Dear Sgt. Cole.
Air Defense! That sounds pretty interesting. What is it you exactly do? My father was involved in the guerila forces units.
I can also understand how it might be a lot nicer to get a letter from someone a little older rather than the school groups. From what I can imagine they would more likely be one off letters so hopefully I can do a slightly better job. As for the flyers I have seen quite a few around now that I am aware of them. I just hope more people actually follow through with it.

You said you wanted me to tell you more about myself, so here goes. I live with my golden retriever puppy Max in a small house just outside of the city. He was the first pet I have ever had and also the first house-warming present I bought myself when I moved into my place. I grew up as an Army Brat so as you can imagine my parents never let me have a dog so as soon as I settled down I got one. I'm not really sure what you want to know about me... I love books and children but I hate green vegetables and horror movies.

I know that there are certain things like where you are and what is going on that you might not be able to tell me but I would love to hear about what you do and any little stories you can and want to share.

From Samantha


Samantha so far had been enjoying writing the letters and it was good to know that someone had actually responded to her and that her letter hadn't been lost in a pile. She really wanted to be able to make someone's time just that little bit earier while they were serving their country and she hoped that Cole appreciated the letter.

Cole was excited to get another letter and actually quite shocked most people only send one to feel like they are doing their duty and then forget about them.

Samantha,
Thanks for writing back again. Most people always forget about us over here. I truly appreciate the letter. It makes mail days a lot easier to get a letter from home.

I am in Afghanistan right now but can't say much else, you know how the military is having a dad and all involved. I was never an army brat but couldn't imagine it. I grew up in Philadelphia with my mom and dad, but my mom passed of cancer a few years back. I live in barracks with 12 guys and our black lab moose, which can be crazy at times but definitely fun. We take shifts on missions so I usually have 3 days on 3 days off, but it is pretty boring on those off days. I have about 2 months left on deployment Luckily my buddy over here got a care package from him wife with a couple decks of cards and we have poker games quite frequently.

I shoved a few pictures of our barracks, moose and myself, but don't feel obligated to send any back.

Hope to hear from you soon,
Cole

Cole,
I promise to keep replying as long as you do. Its feels good knowing that I am helping out, even if it is a little bit and honestly sending letters to you doesn't feel like a chore at all. I loved your pictures and Moose is so cute! I have sent back a picture of myself and Max, I hope you like it. You have no idea how many photo's were taken to try and get Max to actually be looking at the camera.

I'm sorry about your Mum. That must have been hard. I know what it is like to loose a parent since my father passed away four years ago in June while on deployment. I'm sure she would have been really proud of you out there serving your country.

Is there anything you want me to send over with my next letter? It is no trouble at all. Just let me know what you would like or what would make the time go quicker for you on your days off. I'm sure the two months will go by really quickly. Are you going to re-enlist at the end or do you have grand plans for when you get back?

Awaiting your next letter
Sammie

Samantha would have sent something over to him with this letter but she honestly didn't know what he would want or need. It was no trouble at all for her to go out and get things for him and post them over, especially since he seemed like a really nice guy.

"Samantha,
You know honestly some socks and underwear (size large) would be amazing. You'd be the real hero between the two of us. But again, don't feel obligated. We're supposed to send you a large list if you offer to send us stuff but honestly that, and maybe a box of popcorn would be awesome. The only things we're not allowed to have are alcohol or porn.

I am not sure about re-enlisting yet. I have always thought so but lately my father has really been on my case about it, so it's something to think about. I'm sorry your father passed away on deployment. I sincerely thank him for his service and ultimate sacrifice for our country. I forgot to tell you exactly what I do. I am a pilot, I fly why people shoot down at the ground. My dad is afraid we're going to get shot down and I won't make it home. I try not to think about it.

Max is cute too, but you're the beautiful one, if you don't mind me saying. Hard to believe a girl like you has time to spend writing to the troops.

Where are you from exactly?

Can't wait to speak again soon.
Cole"

Cole was liking this girl more with each letter and found it easy to write to her, he only wished the letters would come more often. Oh well, he thought to himself as he sealed the envelope and dropped it at the post.

Cole
Your wish is my command. I have packed some socks, underwear and two boxes of popcorn for you with this letter so I hope it all makes it to you okay. I'm positive that this was hardly an act of heroics but I'm glad that they will bring a little joy into your life... especially since you are not allowed alcohol or porn. Please let me know if there is anything else that you need. It is the least I can do.

I can understand your fathers worry. I used to worry all the time about my father and I know my mother did. I also found myself even worrying about you after reading your letter. So please try and stay as safe as possible while you are over there. When do you get leave or do you have to wait until you
finish up in two months?

Maybe it was just the picture but I am not that beautiful, well at least not that anyone has ever told me. I'm surprised you dont have a special someone back home to write letters to.

I'm from New Jearsy, just outside the city although I'm sure the stamp on the outside of the envelopes would have given that away.

Hope you are well
Sammie

It hadn't bothered her at all to go out and buy about seven pairs of socks (Army grade of course) and a matching number of underwear. The lady at the shop had given her a funny look since Sammie had been in there on more than one occasion and only bought female items. it felt weird for her to be shopping in the mens department but she would do it again for Cole.

Sammie,
Thank you so much for the socks and underwear, but mostly the popcorn. It was definitely a treat and brought lots of joy into my life, and made that mess hall food a lot better to deal with. Plus, it made the guys in my barracks jealous too which is always nice. They're always getting giant boxes of cookies and such (they share most of the time) from their girlfriends and wives. I just never met a girl willing to wait for a guy deployed. Your dad was lucky to have a family waiting for him back home.

I will be safe, and home in 2 months, no leave until then but It will go by fast. As for you being from Jersey, that's only a couple hours away. Who knows maybe I will have to come meet Max... and you too. That is if you'd like. I'll buy you dinner to make up for the popcorn.

I finally am able to get online so if it's easier for you my email is CCOOPER@AF.MIL and might save on some postage.

Talk soon,
Cole

The letter from Cole made Samantha smile when she read it. She was glad that he had enjoyed what she had sent him and was also a little excited about the idea of getting to meet him. After sending so many letters back and forth between the two of them it would be nice to actually talk in person.

Cole,
I hope this email reaches you alright. I jumped on to email you back as soon as I got your letter this afternoon in the post. I dont mind using email since it certainly is a lot quicker but if it is taking too much joy out of your life when there isn't a letter for you when the mail arrives then I can go back to post. It is no trouble.

Maybe I will have to send you a box of cookies so that you can either make everyone else jealous or share with the guys who have been nice and shared with you in the past? Dinner in exchange for popcorn sounds like a good deal. I think I would win that one. It would be nice to meet you though and I'm sure Max would like that as well. Although he likes everyone so you would have no trouble at all with him.

Cant wait to hear back from you
Sammie xx

Cole found himself checking his email more often than he probably should but he found he couldn't wait to hear from Sammie. He had grown to know the girl a bit from her letters and knew that when he was home he'd want to meet up with the girl and at least have dinner with her, who knows if more would come with it.

When he got her email he opened it quickly and instantly smiled. He read through it a few times and wrote back quickly.

Sammie,
I'm glad to hear you don't think I am a giant creep for wanting to take you to dinner. I assure you I will definitely win that deal. I get dinner with a beautiful girl. Cookies would be great and I'm sure all the guys I stole from over the last couple months would appreciate it as well.

I have found out that my date for leave will be June 3rd which means that I will be home around the 6th, and have about a month to decide on whether I'm going to re-enlist or not. I think maybe I'll get a room in New Jersey for a few days when I first get home, then drive back to Philadelphia, if you think that would be okay.

I find myself thinking more and more about receiving your emails, which makes me check it over and over again. Can't wait to hear from you soon.

Cole xx

He sent his email off and then kind of face palmed and wondered if he was being stupid and developing some kind of pointless crush on Sammie but there was nothing he could do now. He went off to work and was gone for the next 3 days unable to email back, which seemed like torture to him.

Sammie had been doing the same thing as Cole and had become obsessed with checking her emails. She had even set up an alert on her phone so that she would know when they came through. Sammie was at work when the latest one came though and quickly read it but had to wait until the end of the day before she could replay back to him.

Cole,
I would never think that you were a giant creep and consider those cookies already in the mail. I hope you like choc chip!

Your leave is coming around so quickly. I would love it though if you came for a visit once you are back. Are you sure you want to come here first though before going back to see your father in Philadelphia? I'm sure that he is missing you. As for you getting a room, you are more than welcome to stay at my place for a few days if you like. I have a spare bedroom which isn't being used that you can have.

I cant wait to hear back from you and I will be counting down until the 6th of June.

Love Sammie

She hit send on the email and found herself with a smile on her lips. She really was beginning to like Cole which was strange since the two of them had never even spoken to each other in person. Sammie shook her head, thinking herself crazy and that he certainly wouldn't feel the same way about her.

Cole was out on the mission when he recieved Sammie's email back. As soon as they got back to base he took a hot shower, and rushed to the office were he was able to use the computer. Sure enough, he saw Sammie's email and a smile was instantly brought to his face. He read the email and responded back immediately.

Sammie,
Chocholate Chip are our favorite! They haven't come yet, but I also haven't been to post. I got back from a mission about an hour ago and am trying to wind down so that I can get some sleep. Unfortunately half of the guys here on base are trying to get pumped up so they can leave in the morning. It's 4:30AM here and I find myself wondering what you're doing with your day.

I want to visit there first, because I know my dad will be on my case about leaving again once I get home. So for now I've told him that I don't get leave until the 15th of June. Nothing like a little white lie. We are obligated to stay in a hotel our first night back (some stupid military rule) but after that I would love to stay at your place if you're sure. The first night, maybe we could go for dinner at the hotel and I'll request two beds if you'd like to get away for a night.

I can't wait to receive your email, and your cookies!

Talk soon,
XO Cole
p.s. 26 days!

Cole,
I hope you were able to get some sleep. Judging by the time you sent that email I was getting ready for bed, probably in the shower. My days are long and generally filled with the same old thing, going to work and such. The highlights are certainly when I get an email from you.

I like the sound of meeting up with you at the hotel. If you let me know which one you are going to stay at then I can book my own room so that you can have your own space, which I'm sure you will enjoy after living with all those men over there for so long. And I'm sure about you staying at my place, you are more than welcome.

Hopefully the cookies arrive soon. Is there anything else you would like?

Love
Sammie xx
P.S. 25 days!

Sammie was really looking forward to meeting Cole and the very next day at work she put in for a week off work for when he would be here. She never took time off so her boss was more than happy to give it to her. All that was left to do was to book a room at the hotel and she was set to go.

Sammie,
Sorry I didn't get back to you, we had a bomb go off near base. Luckily no one was injured and it was taken care of quickly. It just took our internet down for a few days.

I am looking forward to our meeting and find myself more and more excited every time I think about it. I won't let you book your own room! The military books ours so there are no worries about cost. I got your cookies yesterday, and they were gone in about 5 minutes between me and the guys. They were delicious. Feel free to send more.

I just recently got my assignment switched and am now on Patrol, which means no more trips away. I am glad that you are going to get a break from your long days. My days have been filled with sitting in an office lately, checking in vehicles to base, which is a nice welcome change for the last few days.

I am counting down till I see you. I actually ran out of sunblock and bug spray. If you send some over I will make sure to give you the money for them when I see you and you will again be my hero. How are my Flyers doing? I heard they're going for the cup. What was the score the other night?

I just got a couple calling cards from my dad, so if you wouldn't mind, I'd like to give you a call. Let me know what time is good for you and I'll try and make it as close as possible.
See you soon
Love,
Cole xo
P.S. 20 days!!

Dear Cole,
I'm so glad to hear that you are alright and that no one was hurt. I must admit I was getting a little worried when I didn't hear back from you especially since you are normally only gone for three days at the max. I was even considering flying over there to find you myself... Well not really, but I was worried about you. I know I have said this before but please stay safe, I dont know what I would do if something happened to you.

Consider sunblock, bug spray and more cookies already on their way over there. I picked some up from the shops on my way home from work today and sent them off. Hopefully they arrive soon. Also there will be no paying me for them. Seriously I like to help out and it hardly cost anything at all. Plus I am getting a dinner out of it.

You know I have never watched a game of hockey before in my life! But I did look up the score for you and they won 7 to 2 so I would say they are doing pretty well. Maybe we will have to watch a game together and you can teach me the rules while you are here.

I would love to get a phone call from you but shouldn't you use the credit on your father? I'm sure he is expecting a phone call. My number is 9945-983-098 and I'll be around any time you are free for a chat.

Cant wait to see you in just 19 days!
Love
Sammie

Sammie,
I got your cookies, bug spray and sunblock pretty quick! Thank you so much, Again. The cookies were devoured. But I managed to save a few from the scoundrels. We get free phone calls home but my dad doesn't get it and sends them anyways. I usually give them to the other guys who have more family than me to call but I figure it would be great to talk to you. It's late there now, so I will try and give you a call tomorrow afternoon.

Those are my boys. I've never been much into sports, except for Hockey, and the Flyers are my team. If they are still in the playoffs we will definitely be watching a game together, and I will get you into it. Who knows, maybe I can whisk you away for a game.

Only 16 days until I get to see you. I am very excited, Sammie. I can't lie. Hopefully I will talk to you tomorrow.

Love,
Cole

He looked at the time again. It was 11pm in the states but he wondered if he should just call. She did say any time. He sucked it up and scribbled down her number, walking over to the phones. He punched the number in and waited for it to ring, when it did he paced as much as he could with the cord connected to the wall.

Sammie had been waiting a few days for a reply from Cole but was yet to recieve an email back. She put it down to the fact that he was probably pretty busy and she was sure that there were a lot more important things for him to be doing than emailing her back... like saving lives and instilling peace into a war situation. This however didn't mean that she didn't worry not only about him but that she had said something in her last email to upset him. Sammie must have re-read that email at least ten times checking what she had written.

After a long day at work she was tucked up in bed and didn't hear her phone beep with the sound of an incomming email or else she would have already been awake when her phone rang. She woke up with a start and rubbed her eyes a little as she reached over for the phone which was ringing. Still half asleep she hit the accept button and held it up to her ear.

"Hello?" Sammie said in a sleepy voice, hearing a slightly distorted line on the other end as she sat up a little more in bed.

"Sammie?" Cole asked. "Oh my god.. I woke you up I'm so sorry." He blurted out from the distorted line. His voice was masculine but soft and the fear in his voice couldn't help but make anyone laugh.

Once the awkwardness of the beginning of the phone call was over he talked a little more smoothly, but still paced around a bit. Luckily for him, it was a little late. Not many people were calling home at that hour so he didn't have any of his buddies busting his balls.

He talked about the trip first, telling her the hotel and check-in date etc so that she would be prepared. He knew that the last few days before he was sent back home were always hectic and he wasn't sure that he would have too much time to email. He told her as soon as he got his phone turned back on he would call her and confirm everything was still on, and he'd try to email as much as possible.

Then they talked about other random things, about each other's day and what was going on in their lives, what their plans were the next couple of days. Before Cole knew it the phone was beeping that he'd been on for a little less than an hour.

"Oh my god, I should let you get some sleep. I work for the next 48 hours but I will try and get you an email out." He said wrapping it up before they were cut off.

Sammie was surprised when she realised that it was Cole on the other end of the phone and it took her a few minutes of listening to him talking to realise that she was awake and not in some dream sound asleep. Her voice was still a little sleepy throughout the phonecall but soft and not once did she appear to be trying to get him off the phone so she could go back to sleep. In fact it was the complete opposite and she found that she loved talking to him and before too long it just seemed natural.

"I dont mind missing out on some sleep if it means I get to talk to you" Sammie admitted into the phone quietly. "And dont stress over the emails. I understand that you are busy" She said before pausing. "But stay safe..." She said wanting to add something more to the end but not being able to work up the courage to tell him how she was feeling in that moment. Despite the beeps on the line telling them that time was almost up Sammie wasn't ready to hang up the phone just yet.

"Hold on..." He said for a second and talked to someone softly then she heard punching of the buttons. "I just put on another 30 minutes... I don't think I'm ready to say goodbye just yet." He smiled and she could hear it in his voice.

They talked more and then said their goodbyes once the time was up. "I really can't wait to see you." He said. "It's going to be one of the first times I'm really looking forward to coming home." He said.

They said their goodbyes and he hung up the phone standing there. He shook his head and had a permanent smile plastered to his face. He headed back to his barracks and relaxed before his long shift.

The next day at work he had a chance to get away so he sent her a quick email.

"Sammie,
Last night talking to you was amazing. I hope you weren't too tired this morning. Can't wait for our time together!
Love,
Cole.
P.S. 10 days!!

Sammie was a little confused when Cole had told her to hold on but she smiled when she heard that he had extended the amount of time that they had to talk. The smile never left her lips throughout the whole conversation and it really was like the two of them had known each other for years. Sammie also loved the sound of Cole's voice, finding it both strong and confident as well as having a soothing quality about it. She was sure she could quite happily fall asleep listening to him speak.

Finally the time was up again and reluctantly Sammie once more said goodbye to Cole but this time instead of him extending the time she was left sitting there listening to a dial tone. It took her another hour to be able to come down from the phone call enough to fall asleep and all too soon her alarm was ringing to signal it was time for her to get up and ready for work. Sammie was exhausted but she wouldn't have missed that phone call for anything. Work was long and boring and all Sammie wanted to go was to go home and relax before having an early night sleep.

When she did get home Sammie found an email from COle and she isntantly wrote back to him.

Shouldn't you be working not sending emails?
I loved talking to you last night as well and I really cant wait to get to meet you in person. It is getting so close!
I wasn't too tired, although it was hard getting out of bed this morning. How is work going?
Love Sammie xxx

P.S. 9 days!

Shhhh! You're gonna get me in trouble.
I had to grab something from post so I stopped in and wrote a quick email. Now I am on the office computer since we don't have anyone scheduled coming in for a couple of hours and by then thank god, my shift will be over! Only a few more of these.

I will be busy the next couple of days, and ship out but like I said I will try and get here as much as possible. They make us get physicals, do paperwork up the ass, etc when we're getting ready to leave. I promise I will be safe and make it there though!

7 days until I see you... 1 week. Wow!

Cole xoxo

The next few days were crazy and hectic for Cole. There was no chance of him getting to a computer but he did have a little bit of time left on his phone card. He walked over to the phones and though about the time 5:30PM in Jersey. He dialed the number and it rang again.

When he heard an answer on the other end he smiled instantly, "Sammie? It's Cole."

I would never dream of getting you in trouble. Just think, pretty soon you will be back home and can use a computer whenever your heart desires.
Sounds like you are going to be very busy over the next week on top of your normal work. Seriously dont stress about emailing me back. I will get to see you in a week and that will be much better than any email.

Love Sammie
xxxxxxxxx

Sammie had just walked through the front door when her phone began to ring. She instantly rushed over to her phone to answer it in case it was Cole. "Hello?" She said as she put her bag down on the kitchen table and moved to the couch to sit down. A smile spread across her face when she realised it was him. "I was hoping it would be you calling. How are you? Are you excited to be coming home soon?" Sammie asked as she got comfortable, not wanting to move for however long as Cole could be on the phone for.

"So Excited." He answered. "3 days and we will be hanging out...can you believe it?" He talked with her for a bit, a little under an hour but then his time was up. "I leave tomorrow morning. And as soon as I am officially discharged I can call and turn my cell on." He said knowing that the two days of traveling he had would be torture. "I will be an emailing machine." He joked.

A smile was permanently slapped on his face the entire time he talked with her but he couldn't lie he was sad he had to hang up with her. "I'll see you in 3 days..." He said as they said their goodbyes.

He was right, the next few days of flying were torture, but they did email quite a bit back and forth. He told her the exact time his plane landed at base and that he would be at the hotel around 5PM. He'd want a shower and what not and then they could meet for dinner, so he asked if she could come at 6:30.

He got there and got checked in and was surprised, the Military did good in booking. There were two other guys staying in rooms adjacent to his and they all got checked in quickly, and showered with plenty of upgrades. As always. The military did have some perks.

He rushed up to his room and shaved then got showered. That took all of about 15 minutes. He got dressed in some dark jeans and a polo shirt. It felt so weird to be in civilian clothes, but he didn't hate it. He looked in the mirror probably about 40 times, then started thinking, "What if we don't get along and she hates me?" He shook his head and said out loud, "Shut up."

Around 6:15 he started to pace. That was his thing. He went down to the lobby to wait for her.

It was hard saying goodbye to Cole on the phone but Sammie knew that it would only be a short goodbye. Soon he would actually be standing there in front of her and they wouldn't have to worry about time limited phone calls. They would be able to talk for however long they wanted. Despite being excited over the prospect of being able to see Cole she was also very scared. What if he didn't like her? Or what if he didn't feel the same way about her that she did about him? Sammie had fallen for Cole. She hadn't meant to and in fact she hadn't wanted to. Getting into a relationship with someone in the armed forces had not been part of her plan.

The next few days had gone so slow for Sammie. She went about her normal day to day life but she couldn't stop thinking about Cole. About what he was doing at the moment. About what he would think about her when he met her in person. About what she would think of him in person. Sammie was extremly anxious and it was as if time was ticking by so slowly. Finally though the day arrived.

Sammie was running about five minutes late. She had tried on nearly every single outfit in her closet to find something perfect before settling on a pair of tight dark blue jeans and a white fashionable blouse with small black heels. Despite the outfit looking good on her, Sammie wasn't completely confident about it but by this stage she didn't have time to change and had quickly applyed some make up and done her hair before rushing out of the door. When she arrived at the hotel she pulled up out the front and handed her keys to one of the men waiting around to park her car.

After taking a deep breath Sammie began to head inside the lobby of the hotel. This was meant to be where she was meeting Cole and she hoped that he wouldn't be upset that she was a few minutes late or worse that he hadn't hung around to wait for her. However walking inside Sammie instantly spotted Cole pacing off to one side. He looked exactly like his photograph just not in uniform. She smiled as she approached him.