I'm starting with this letter simply because I hope I am like the writer. I would have family photos as fast as possible, and interested in the other guy's experience. Sgt Barry was amazing if he'd made 5 jumps with the 82nd Airborne Division. The implication Sgt Barry was hit while in Belgium would seem to indicate he served in the Battle of the Bulge too, so he saw many of the major campaigns in Europe during World War II. It's no surprise the effect this would have on him as described in the last sentence.

It should be clear how important they felt home was though.