By JUNE HETTGAR

Dear Ann,

It's Christmas time again, and I hope you're doing fine.
I bet you're real busy and having a wonderful time.

I won't be able to see you, 'least during this vacation.
I'll have to stay and fight at this familiar station.

They told me people sent a package of goods to us.
You should have seen the faces and the sudden rush!

All the men were hoping that they'd receive something­
No matter what they get, they're happy with anything.

The smiles and cries and cheers were heard about the glen.
You know it felt real good to see them smile again!

It may seem kind of strange but Christmas still hangs on,
Although we get no gifts and don't see our dads or moms.

We had sat beside a fire and most of us were cold.
Someone, though, sang "Silent Night," and the Christmas Story was told.

At this time, I looked around and saw all men's faces.
I saw tears come to some eyes of all the creeds and races.

It kind of hurt me, Anne, to see these grown men cry.
And I was just but one who had tears fill the eye.

We mostly miss the tree and also all the joys
Of hearing children laughing when opening their toys.

The children here get no gifts and are so poorly dressed.
But yet they manage a smile, with starving bellies and hair a mess.

But they know who's Jesus and what special day it is.
I saw a child raise a figure of Christ, as it he kissed.

And they know all the kings came to Him on this day.
They know He came to save us and was born on some hay.

I can hear some shooting so I guess I better leave.
Take care of yourself, Anne, as I always do of me.

Oh, and please pass the word I miss Mother, Dad, and Sis.
And deep down inside myself I've created a special wish:

To again be back at home and have my family near­
Maybe this time it's a dream, But I hope not next year. Love,

Scott
P.S. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year!