If I’m your second pairing in this deployment, does that mean you have another person or family who still messages you or did things not work out with them? Don’t feel obligated to answer that. You’re my third soldier I’ve “adopted.” That’s a strange word, isn’t it? Like you’re not an adult. All I wanted was to make sure someone was getting my mail. I had some personal mess going on… nothing to do with you. If I could get something from home it would be a pizza… mac and cheese is number 2 on my list of things I miss. I have 8 months left before my deployment ends. My friends and family either call me Aaron or Hall, nothing original… sometimes asswipe. I appreciate you taking the time to write. You’re the first one that lives in Texas.

You’re the sixth match I’ve made through HaS, and the second one on this deployment. I kept putting off writing back to HaS about the reassignment. It’s okay that you didn’t reach out until now. If I could send you one thing from home, what would it be? How much longer do you have left of your deployment?

Since we’re in this for at least a few more months, I’ll ask you some questions so we can get to know each other. I’m sure you’re busy, so I won’t make this long. I am not even close to being rich, but hopefully every once in a while, I can send you a care package.

According to the program’s guidelines, I’m supposed to reach out to you every week. If you aren’t familiar with the program, I’ll break you in so that you aren’t wondering why I’m e-mailing and sending you letters. I was paired up with you through the Help a Soldier foundation.

Dear aaron mariana zapata