[ClutterbusterNY]

For those who may be wondering how the extensions are affecting morale, I thought I'd share some excerpts from a letter I received from a young Marine just yesterday. Just by way of background, he was injured on 12/11/06 and returned to duty. Instead of being down, he wrote a poignant and inspiring letter addressed to me, and "the guys of Engine 54".

"Hey guys, how's it goin? Life in Iraq is OK for the most part. I got extended for 3 more months which isn't so good but I just look at it with a positive outlook. I will be getting paid more and doing what I was trained to do! Good times:-)."

"To the brave guys of FD NY... I too know what it's like to loose a friend and a brother to tragedy. MSGT. McAnulty was killed in the Helo crash that I was involved in and not a day goes by that I don't think about him. He was a good man and a great Marine."

"Thank you so very much for your sacrifices to keep people safe in the USA. I'm honored to serve under the Red, White & Blue! Thank you for your thoughts and prayers"

SEMPER FI,

LCpl. B.T.