Feelings
Find a sentence that shows how the veteran felt proud.
The days here are long and sometimes cold, but I’m proud to wear my uniform and do my part.
What does the veteran say he does each morning?
"Every morning we wake up before the sun comes up. We clean our gear and check the mail."
What was hard for the veteran during service?
Being away from his family, eating canned food, cold and long days
Who does the veteran mention writing to?
His wife and kids
Find a sentence that shows the veteran felt sad.
"Some nights I really wish I could be home eating dinner with you instead of canned food in the camp."
Find one detail that shows what meals were like.
"Some nights I really wish I could be home eating dinner with you instead of canned food in the camp."
How does the veteran get through the challenge of cold weather?
"Please tell Grandma I still wear the scarf she knitted me—it keeps me warm when the wind blows."
Find evidence that people supported the veteran.
"Getting a letter from home always makes my day! I keep the kids' drawings in my pocket for good luck." and "Please tell Grandma I still wear the scarf she knitted me—it keeps me warm when the wind blows."
What feelings do you think the veteran had while writing this letter?
Lonely, hopeful, sad, proud
When does the veteran say he wakes up every morning?
"Every morning we wake up before the sun comes up"
How did the veteran show courage?
He helped Tom carry supplies when James was probably tired himself
How did the letters from home help the veteran?
“They made him feel happy and not alone.”
Find evidence that shows the veteran cared about others.
My friend Tom was feeling tired yesterday, so I helped him carry supplies.
How did the veteran describe the weather?
"The days here are long and sometimes cold" and "We’ve had a lot of rain lately, and our boots are always wet." and "...it keeps me warm when the wind blows"
What did the veteran do to stay positive?
He kept thinking about his family and the reasons he was doing this: "Even when it’s hard, I remember why I’m here—to help protect our country and make sure everyone back home stays safe."
What does the veteran thank people at home for?
Sending letters, drawings, and a scarf
How did the veteran’s emotions change from the start to the end of the letter?
“He started lonely but ended feeling proud and thankful.”
What details help you picture what life was like for the veteran?
He talked about eating canned food, there is a lot of rain, they have to carry supplies
What lesson can we learn from the veteran’s challenge?
“To be brave and keep trying even when things are hard.”
Why is support from home important to soldiers?
“Because it gives them hope and reminds them they are loved.”