February 2009 MINI GUNZ NEWSLETTER Written for and about the kids supporting the Gunfighters

1. Dear Mini-Gunz, Happy Valentines Day! We are almost through the Iraqi winter and excited for each passing day because that means we are one day closer to seeing you. Our winter in Iraq is almost over. Instead of cold and rainy like Southern California, Iraq gets cold and dusty. We actually can see snow out here in Iraq, but only in the mountains up north, just like the mountains in California. We had our first Iraqi Snow Day the other day. Well, it wasn’t snow but the blowing dust made it seem like a blizzard. The Iraqis don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day but we’re happy to receive cards from everybody at home. Thank you. Keep sending those cards, letters and emails. We love to hear about what’s going on with our Mini-Gunz. We also just celebrated President Lincoln’s birthday. It’s very interesting to look at the history of the United States while the Iraqis are in the middle of making history in their country here. So, did the groundhog see his shadow on Groundhog Day? We’re looking forward to the end of winter, but we know that the Iraqi summer can get very hot. The temperature changes fast and it goes from cold to hot very quickly. There is no spring season here and pretty soon it will be over 100 degrees during the day. But with the change in seasons, we are closer to coming home to our families. All of us are looking forward to coming home to you. Your Mom or Dad is working very hard out here, but they think of you often. Fortunately, we’re over half way done. Lots of work to be done but we can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel. Stay strong for all of your Gunfighters! Mini Gunz rule! LtCol Zamagni February 2009 MINI GUNZ NEWSLETTER Written for and about the kids supporting the Gunfighters

2. Mini Gunz Affirmation Mini Gunz are awesome Actually Mini Gunz rule! Respect, that’s what it’s all about, I feel it inside and shout it out! Never doubt my strength and pride, Even though I am small in size! FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

3. Craft page Valentine Heart Wreath Make a pretty Valentine wreath decoration from paper hearts and a paper plate. Supplies: Red and pink construction paper A paper plate Scissors Glue Optional – glitter, ribbons cut a large hole in the center of a paper plate Cut out a lot of hearts from red and pink paper. Glue the hearts to the paper plate.

4. I AM A MILITARY CHILD By the time I will be eighteen I will have lived in many places Experienced so much, And seen so many faces. But that’s okay, I am a military Child I will grow up much quicker, I will grow up so much stronger, I will feel older than my years Although I may be younger. But that’s okay, I am a military Child My mom or dad, I may not see For a year They will miss my birthdays, And be absent to calm my fears. But that’s okay, I am a military Child I am very proud of my parent, The one who has sacrificed so Much, I cherish every moment we have Together, Their love, their laughter, their touch. Do you see why I feel so special? Why I walk around with a Smile? It is because I feel so lucky To be a military child.

5. Coloring page

6. Use the alphabet code to solve The secret message about George Washington U= 21 A= 1 F= 6 K= 11 P= 16 V= 22 B= 2 G= 7 L= 12 Q= 17 W= 23 C= 3 H= 8 M= 13 R= 18 X= 24 D= 4 I= 9 N= 14 S= 19 Y= 25 E= 5 J= 10 O= 15 T= 20 Z= 26 ___ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ 7 5 15 8 7 5 ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ 23 1 19 8 9 14 7 20 15 14 ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ 23 1 19 20 8 5 ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ 6 9 18 19 20 21 19 ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____. 16 18 5 19 9 4 5 14 20

7. Cooking with the Mini Gunz Edible play dough You will need 2 cups- Powdered milk, 1 cup-honey 2 cups- peanut butter Put the above items in a large bowl Mix well and then let the kids shape and play with the dough. It is okay for them to eat it too.. Enjoy, from Susan Phillips