Context
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This month’s post is a letter I happened to come across back in 2011, while searching for primary sources from military servicemen. His was one of maybe 20 letters the Houston Chronicle posted, written by fallen service members. These letters were removed a few weeks later, but before that, I was able to read every one of them.They were hard reads. Hope, love, family, honor, duty, and longing were common themes throughout them all. I chose Donald Valentine’s letter, downloaded the original, and told his story countless times in teacher workshops. I’d like to share his story with you.
The backstory, copy of the original letter, and transcript, follow. Thank you for being here.
”"Of the humble private who falls at his post, history is oblivious."
Noah Smithwick
Imagine a letter, raw with affection and grit, penned by a soldier far from home, an ordinary life lived in extraordinary circumstances. Days of relentless heat, frequent sandstorms, severe cold, restless nights, balanced thoughts of duty and longing. His words carry the weight of decisions about a future yet unwritten, a future where the contingencies of war shape the path ahead.
He holds his family close and dreams of milestones – a brother’s journey, a graduation, a shared future with the woman he loves. There’s a quiet pride in the work he does, a sharp acknowledgment of its inherent dangers, yet a fierce determination to remain safe for those who wait.
Through his simple requests you glimpse a profound and ageless human need for connection, a lifeline to a world that truly matters. A closer look reveals the honest, unspoken, unguarded words omitted from the grand narratives of history. Here is a soldier, an ordinary serviceman pouring his heart out, giving his all in a faraway land. His experiences, the adrenaline and the fear, the longing and the love – the intimate details often lost in the sweeping headlines of conflict.
Donald Valentine, Corporal, United States Army, died on September 18, 2007, in Iraq, three days after speaking to his wife on their anniversary.
For those who loved him, his story is everything. His hopes, his resilience, his unwavering faith – these are the threads that weave the memories of a life truly lived.
Donald’s letter is a testament to the enduring power of family and the quiet heroism of those who serve, often unseen and unacknowledged by a busy and self-absorbed world. Another reminder that history’s silence on the individual stories of such devotion is a profound loss to us all.
Whats up mom
Hello there babycakes! Remember that hows it goin is the house lonely or what I know Im lonely Not really I have my family buried in my heart always today we had a sand storm its common but today was really bad so how was Daniel’s meps going what his mos Im still thinking about what Im gonna do after Iraq maybe reenlist I still don’t know yet if we do have a kid Im gonna reclass to a different job because of the hearing I did shoot my weapon without earlplugs. I got to shoot at bad guys its really weird but its an adrenaline rush I’ve also been shot at twice really close but don’t worry really it’s the life I chose and you should already know how dangerous it is but trust me I’m keeping myself safe so don’t worry please Ive got about 3 more months till I can come home Im so excited hopefully you get a phone call before you get this letter as soon as Daniel gets an address give it to me I wanna keep in touch with him I know he probably wont write or maybe he will but anyways how are you doing hope your not working too much I told Lucia were going on a honeymoon in the summer she’s really excited plus I could use a vacation your know what I mean I got all of our guys pictures on my wall I see you guys every single time I get up Im really excited I love the pictures Lucia sent me a graduation picture I’m so proud of her she’s known that since day 1 we met I lover soo much hows dad doing I hope good he better be doing good well Im sorry to end this but I do have guard take care of yourself tell Dad too love both of you guys
Muah!
Your son
Donald the III
P.S. God will take care of me always Thank you mom for always being there
Why Historify?
I discovered the power of story as a history teacher, and the singular privilege of working at a Texas state archive filled with letters penned by people whose thoughts, attitudes, and experiences reflect the times in which they lived.
This simple website was created as a free, uncomplicated, and time-saving introduction to the richness and value of historical sources.
Please join me as we study the past through the words of those who lived it, one life at a time, and thank you for being here.
Buck
Why Historify?
I discovered the power of story as a history teacher, and the singular privilege of working at a Texas state archive filled with letters penned by people whose thoughts, attitudes, and experiences reflect the times in which they lived.
This simple website was created as a free, uncomplicated, and time-saving introduction to the richness and value of historical sources.
Please join me as we study the past through the words of those who lived it, one life at a time, and thank you for being here.
Buck