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Letters to My Soldier Dad

February 10, 2005

Hey Dad,

How are you doing? Mom is still bummed that you were deployed to Iraq two weeks before Isabel’s first birthday, but she knows that you are risking your life for our country and she’s really proud of you (so am I). Speaking of birthdays, I overheard Mom talking to Aunt Carmen about Cousin Maria’s Quinceañera celebration. I think they want me to be in the Quinceañera Court, but I don’t want to dress up in a tuxedo and look like a penguin. Anyway, I know I won’t have a choice in the matter so complaining is a waste of time. I’m working on a new model plane, the Vought F4U-1A Corsair. It’s a classic! I can’t wait to finish assembling it so I can send you some pictures.

Stay Safe!
Te quiero Miguel
AKA Your Little Soldier

March 25, 2005

Hi Dad,

Did you get the pictures of the plane? Could you see the plane’s glazed canopy…awesome, right??

I’m saving up money to buy the Schleicher ASK 21 Glider. The kit is on sale for $25 — 30% percent off the regular price — that’s a great deal. Oh, we started rehearsing for Maria’s Quinceañera. I’m actually having a good time. The girl I’m escorting is really cute. Maria is having a fairytale princess theme. I know it sounds kind of girly but it’s actually pretty cool. We’re going to do a hip hop dance and a famous rapper is supposed to perform. Maria won’t tell anyone who the mystery rapper is, so rumors are going around the school about who the rapper might be. People keep coming up to me asking me if I know who is getting invited to the party. I feel like a famous celebrity.

Stay Safe!
Te quiero, Miguel
AKA Your Little Soldier

April 5, 2005

Hey Dad!

Guess what? Isabel just started walking! Wait, Mom probably already told you this. Anyway, Izzy looks so funny when she’s trying to keep her balance.

I missed the sale, but Mom got the plane for me at the regular price because she thought I did a great job in Maria’s Quinceañera. Actually, it turned out to be an awesome experience and I got a new girlfriend out of it. Her name is Carmen. Can you believe that Maria got Daddy Yankee to perform at her 15th birthday party? Maria entered womanhood in style! I wish you could’ve been there.

Stay Safe!
Te quiero Miguel
AKA Your Little Soldier

P.S. I broke the wing off of your beloved P-51D Mustang IV Fighter. Gotcha! Okay, you can pick yourself up off the floor now. Hope you enjoyed my belated April fool’s joke!

In the passage “Letters to My Soldier Dad”, Miguel sends letters to his father who is a soldier in Iraq.

• Describe why you think it is important for Miguel to write often to his father.
• Discuss why you think Miguel closes each letter in the same way.
• Explain what you think Miguel will probably write about in his next letter to his father.