‘That’s Why I Am A Soldier’

Letters home

Staff Sgt. Dennis Frederick, 37, is a mill operator for Dawn Mining in Ford, Wash., where he lives with his wife and daughter. He is in charge of supplies, maintenance and scheduling for the hospital operating room in Tuzla.

I’m proud I was chosen to be here. I know the loneliness and the sadness that I feel from being so far from home this time of year is a small sacrifice to pay.

As I look out across the perimeter wire and pass the guard towers that keep me safe, I can see the Bosnian countryside dotted with houses and farms. I know they will be safe this Christmas because we are here.

That’s why I am a soldier. The soldier within me understands.

But the father within me has a hard time understanding what I feel when I think about my 18-month-old daughter who is growing up without me. She is doing things for the first time in her life, and dad is not there to see it.

It’s sad to think of my loving wife and all she must take care of by herself, that two people used to do together.

Yes, Christmas time can be very sad so far from home. But we do have each other and we will make a merry Christmas for ourselves - the soldiers and fathers in Bosnia for Christmas.