Letters to a Soldier

David Falvey was only a junior in college when the war began in 2003, but he was preparing to become an officer in his school's Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC). He knew that it wouldn't be long before he too would be called to duty in Iraq, but he was prepared to sacrifice for his country. He was only twenty-two years old and in October of 2007 he was to deploy with the 972nd Military Police of Reading, Massachusetts. David was now a 2nd Lieutenant in the Massachusetts Army National Guard and would be a platoon leader of 42 soldiers. It would be a daunting assignment, but he was ready. What he found "6,000 miles away in Iraq," would turn out to be a pleasant surprise. Mrs. Hutt's fourth-grade class had a few questions for him, some were not easy to answer, but others would make him smile and yearn for home. "Are you a Boston Red Sox fan? The answer was a no brainer. "I am a HUUUGE Red Sox fan . . ." The package of letters from Long Island was very important to him. It was his connection to his home and a life he had left behind. "Why are we fighting for Iraq's freedom? Do some people not want freedom?" It looked like David had his work cut out for him, but he would answer all the letters. Lieutenant Falvey, United States soldier, was mission ready and ready to answer some very interesting questions! I loved the many stories and questions the children in Mrs. Hutt's class had for David. They were so very interesting, insightful and thoughtful as were the answers. The letters and artwork are reproduced on one page and David's answers and a photograph or two grace the next page. There is an assortment of photographs showing where his unit went, their tent, their pet cat to a sunset in Kuwait. There is an excellent introduction and some material on the back of the dust jacket that gives the reader more information about Falvey, who was ultimately awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service. This book is an excellent way for a young student to learn what our hero soldiers are doing in service to our country!

... you need professional help. I got goosebumps over and over, had to stop and wipe my eyes a few times, and then went back and read it all over again, so I did not miss a thing. God bless you, David, and thank you for your service, and for the inestimable service you did by answering these letters, and allowing them to be published. Our children need this book. *I* needed this book. Ms. Hutt, you are one admirable educator. Blessings to you, too, for this project.