E-mail:
“Dear Mr. Lowry, In the past I have always enjoyed reading you opinion pieces and see on cable shows. However, today I need to write and thank you for this article. My son is scheduled to graduate from Parris Island next week. Right now he is going through the Crucible and so, God willing, he will pass that test and graduate on schedule. I could spend hours describing the letters I’ve received from him detailing his transformation from a directionless boy to a Marine. I heard about the sand fleas only once (47 bites in one day but who’s counting). Not because they disappeared but because he stopped complaining and starting talking about his successes. It is often asked where these remarkable young men come from. I still don’t have the answer but I do know one thing. As long as there is a need, they will keep on coming.”