Letters Home at Christmas

I recieved this letter from my brother who is in Iraq. I think it is profound and touching.

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED

Jones,
You know when I joined the service 51/2 years ago, I did not know what
to expect. I was scared and alone, and I thought I had made the mistake
of my life. I knew in my heart though there was a bigger purpose. I
still to this day don't know exactly what God had in store for me here.
As I have traveled around the world, and seen death and destruction
first hand, I have grown closer to my savior and my family. There was a
time in 2005 when I thought God had forgotten about us. We were trapped
in a house, and taking fire from all four directions, we were quickly
running out of ammo, and I was afraid. Really afraid. I had a pocket
full of letter from my marines to there families, and you can imagine
what they said. But as I racked back the bolt on my rifle and opened
fire on the enemy that was so close to taking us that day, I saw the
faith my marines had in defending our country and the faith that they
had that I was not gonna die. I realized then that I was going to live
another day. It was like they walked with there head held high, afraid
of nothing. They were truly devoted to defending what we so easily
embrace. When we finally made it back inside friendly lines, it was like
Gods angels had followed us all the way back, and were safe and free
from deaths chains. I will never forget that day, or the sound of
bullets breaking the sound barrier as they flew past my head. But I want
you to know, we are grateful for a grateful nation. I will probably get
out of the military, and go on with my life, but those days of glory and
pain will never leave me. I can honestly say that I never thought I
would have been able to go to war, and with out the marines that I
fought beside and held as they breathed through pain of injury I would
not have been able to at all. And last but not least, I want to say
thank you for believing in my. Ever since HS you have let me be a part
of your life not just as a brother, but as a best friend. You truly are
a blessing. Thank you I know this is bunch of random words, but I hope
that you get something out of them. I love you Jones you are my favorite
sister.
Chad