A NOTE FROM BECKY HASKELL
(Sister of a contributor to the 2003/2004 IWVPA Anthology)

Hi, my name is Becky Haskell, and I am Christina Sharik's sister and mother of Lance Corporal Dustin Haskell, USMC.

I just wanted to drop you a letter and let you know that I finally received my copy of the book, "Who Will Cry for the Soldiers?", and wanted to let you know that I do... I cry for the soldiers. Every time I open the book, I cry again. The poems reach into my soul and touch me deeply, and I just wanted to say thank you for all you have done to give voice to all the poets who contributed, and the ones who are still contributing to your site.

I recently kissed goodbye to another of my sons and sent him off to boot camp - for the USAF this time instead of the Marines. He has chosen to become an Explosives Ordinance Disposal Specialist... if he makes the grade.

When people ask me how can I stand having another son join the military, I know that I can never express how proud I am that they are choosing to serve, or how proud I am of those that have gone before them, and sacrificed so much. Some people will never understand.

Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart

Becky Haskell
February 9, 2004