I'm just so excited--I got a short letter

[nativetxn]

From my British Corporal in Iraq, I've adopted him. I sent him a letter asking him to let me know what he might want and need and I would do my best to send it. I later sent him a care package, when I hadn't heard back from him, with some snacks and sun block and eye drops and things like this. I mailed that about two weeks ago.

Today, I got a reply to my letter to him. Is it alright if I post here what he said?

I'll take my chances, knowing that if this isn't a good idea my friends Shirley and Janice will save me from myself

He says:

<i>Dear Katholyn:

Thank you very much for your letter. During this war, the vehicle I was in was involved in a mine strike. Fortunately I was not too badly hurt but all of my possession were lost. The lads have been very good and rallied round but sadly, I lost my treasured CD Walkman. I don't know if you would be able to help me in my predicament but I would be eternally grateful.

Your friend and ally,
Stu (thought I shouldn't give his full name)</i>

I am just so excited that I have actually heard from at least one of the marines and soldiers to whom I have sent letters, cards and packages of goodies. None of the Americans have replied but the only Brit that adopted actually did.

He probably knows that I'm an honorary Brit and that's why he replied--ya think? (I'm teasing)

I can't tell you how happy I am to get a letter from him. I'm off to buy him a little walkman. I wish I knew what kind of CDs to send. I don't know anything about him except that he is possibly in the Royal Logistics Corps? I don't even know how old he is or what kind of music he likes.

If the British military is similar to the US military a cpl is likely to be only like 20 or 21 years old. Any suggestions for music?

 

[neo's white rabbit]

That's great you heard back from someone Katholyn.

Do you get those recent chart hit compilation CD's in the US? I'd think that would be a safe bet. If he's young that would give him a good mix of what's out at the moment. There's a series called 'NOW...' and then a number for the edition here, but you don't seem to have the up to date ones in the US. Or can you download and burn your own?

Amazon.com sometimes have people selling those kinds of things on quite cheaply.

 

[kazzie]

It must have been lovely to hear back from your 'adopted' serviceman

 

[KayleeUK]

Nice that you heard from him Kath

 

[nativetxn]

We wanted to get this mailed off as soon as possible, so here is what we did.

We bought him a Sony Walkman and a Sony armband radio. Then we went to the music store and asked if they knew of any British musical groups that were popular right now. The young man suggested White Stripes Elephant so that is what we bought for right now.

Is this really a popular group? Well, if my corporal doesn't care for this group, hopefully he has a friend who does and he can give it away.

Thanks, neo's white rabbit, for the suggestion. I'm going to see what I can find on AmazonUK

 

[UKDEB]

Kath, that is so sweet. Obviously music is a very personal thing, but White Stripes are certainly big at the moment - kinda Indie/Alternative. They sound like the Rolling Stones to me, but they've been likened to lots of bands and they clearly get their influence from many sources. Of course, music is a global thing so we like all the US artists too!

I'm sure he'll be touched by your kindness whatever music he's in to.

 

[neo's white rabbit]

I'm sure whatever you choose will be very appreciated Katholyn - thank you for being so thoughtful and caring.

 

[TracyK]

What a lovely thing for you to do. I'm sure it will mean so much to him.
Tracy

 

[TraceyL]

Thank you !! You really are too generous ! I'll organise some CDs to send as well

 

[Penny12]

Kath, that's so cool to hear from your 'adoptee'!

And so sweet of you to be looking after him - just like you. I'll admit, it must be very difficult to lose all your possessions like that - especially so far away from home

 

[SidB]

Originally posted by nativetxn
I lost my treasured CD Walkman. I don't know if you would be able to help me in my predicament but I would be eternally grateful.

When I read this the alarm bells started to ring. But then maybe I'm getting more cynical in my old age.