The following are excerpts of letters written by a fourth grade class to Kevin White, a soldier in Iraq. He and the children were pen pals.

Dear Mr. Kevin,

I love to play baseball. I play on a traveling team. I play outfield, 2nd base, short stop, third base and pitcher and catcher. I have hit one home run over the fence this year. I bet it is very hot up there. What kind of vehicles do you use? I bet it is not so fun being up there. Are there any women in your group? Do you have to put gas in your truck?

From A-Kid
Ethan

Dear Mr. Kevin White,

I bet you miss your wife very much. I am in the 4th grade. What do you eat? Where do you sleep? Are there any scorpions in Iraqk? What tempture does it get up to? I am full of questions. From your name it sounds like you have brown hair + (and) brown eye's. I have brown hair + (and) blue eye's. We might have the B's in common if you do have brown hair + (and) brown eye's. Thank you for what you have done.

Best Wishes,
Elizabeth

Dear Mr. Kevin,

I like to play baseball and football. How hot is it? Is it over 100 degrees out there in Iraq? Where do you sleep when it is night time? Some people here at school says that y'all dig holes and sleep in them. Is that true? What do you have to eat? I hope you make it back safely.

Love,
Cullen

Dear Mr. White,

I would like to know what it is like up there in Iraq. How do y'all sleep? I bet it is very hard what y'all have to do. What do y'all eat? How do y'all stay clean? I know it is very "hot" where you are in Iraq. I really thank you for what you've done for our country. I hope you come home safe and live a good life. "Oh" I almost forgot. I am in the 4rth-Fourth grade. "Good luck."

Best Wishes,
Brandie

Dear Mr. Kevin,

I love your name! My name is Mackenzie. Most people like that name. Do you? We tried Army food before. I thought it was kind of good + kind of bad. I feel sorry for you! Have you hurt yourself yet? Hope it gets well soon. How long has the war been going on? I feel great right now. You probably aren't. I love people like you who want to fight for a country.