Lucy and Ruthie in “The Known Soldier”

Lucy

[about Ruthie's pen pal] So, how did he wind up in Afghanistan?

Ruthie

He had just gotten back last September and he wasn't supposed to go anywhere for a while, but on September 11, the world changed. That's what Dwight said. He got his orders to go to Afghanistan in November, and he didn't want to leave his family so soon, but that's just part of being a Marine. They go where they're needed. He left the day before Theresa's birthday and the day after the Marine Corps birthday ball. Dwight and Theresa had a great time, but then they had to say good-bye. It was sad, but sad good-byes are just part of being a Marine, too. [Mary and Lucy look upset] Hey, the Marines are tough. They can take it. And their families are really brave. They have to be.