DEAR ABBY: I'm currently stationed in Korea. Being far from home is really depressing, and "Operation Dear Abby" is a boost in morale for troops separated from friends and family. I have seen firsthand the effect it has. I know a few soldiers who rarely get mail from the states except for bills, and those letters were a really big deal to them.
Thank you, Abby, and thanks to everyone who took the time to give someone else a lift on a normally depressing day.
If you could please ask your readers to take a moment to remember five fellow soldiers who died on Oct. 31, 1998, here in Korea, I'm sure it would mean a lot to their families and those who served with them. -- SPC. KHRISTOPHER D. TRULL, CAMP HARVEY, KOREA
DEAR KHRISTOPHER: Thank you for your touching letter. And to the five families who lost a loved one on Oct. 31, please accept my deepest sympathy. Read on:
DEAR ABBY: On Dec. 3, my unit received a bundle of mail from your readers. Please express our thanks to everyone who sent "Any Soldier" mail overseas. The holiday season is a particularly difficult time for deployed service members. The letters made us feel appreciated and reinforced our decision to serve our nation. -- CAPT. RICH DEBANY, CAMP COMANCHE, BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA
DEAR CAPT. DEBANY: You are most welcome. My readers and I feel privileged to support your efforts.