john+and+mike

Dear Dante Lombardi,

I hope to meet you today on the border of Italy. We will be able to do some target practice before we become allies. We can go onto my fathers shooting range to take down some birds or other little animals. We could also play some baseball. I would really enjoy kicking your butt at that. Today, we can even go to one of the spots you really enjoy being at. I know that Italy can make a great pizza. I would also like to meet your family. We could tell them that we will be comrades soon. But I must keep it so that Hitler won't kill me for letting out too much information. He is one of the strictest leaders, my parents told me. I would love to know what makes Mussolini a great leader. Would he hurt or kill you if you tried to betray him? My leader would. Hitler sometimes goes over the top, but he is definitely a glorious leader. I know he will lead us to victory. But, unlike you, I hate Jews. Hitler has told us that they most definitely are a race, but are not human. I absolutely agree with this staement. I hope that we can purge our culture of them forever.

Markos Schmidt

Dear Markos Schmidt,

Yes, meeting on the border of Italy and Austria will be great. I actually do enjoy shooting birds very much, so this seems like it will be a fun time. Back in the Sons of the Wolf, I was known for having accuracy as good as our mentors’. Although I haven’t really tried my hand at baseball yet, you seem too overconfident to win. We’ll just have to see when we get there. I also do have my father’s pizzeria that we could go to after, since we will be working up such an appetite outdoors. He makes some of the best pizza in Italy. My family would like to meet you, when we are there. My little sisters have always wanted to meet someone from Germany, so now they'll get that chance. I also want to know why Germany trusts Hitler so well. Mussolini is a great inspiration for our country to rise up and believe in ourselves. I have respected him even as a little child. As for the other topic you brought up, I really had a big question that I want an answer to badly. Although I don’t really hate or love Jews, I have to know; why do you Germans hate all of them? I really don’t see the point to doing it. They aren't that different than you or I, and I find that Hitler quote a little odd. How could their race not be human? They function exactly like every other human race, and it really confuses me. I’m not questioning Hitler's authority; I’m just curious. But i digress. See you soon.

Dante Lombardi

Dear Dante Lombardi,

Today let's begin our alliance. I wish that today we will be able to join as one and work together. Our nation needs all the hope we can get. Both of our nations want Europe in our hands so if we can work together we can accomplish this goal. Also, my leader is still keeping from us what he us planning to do to the Jews. We have already begun purging the German culture, but Hitler still hides from us the secrets. Also, it has been a month since I have seen my father. My mother is hiding from me where he is. I fear that he might have been taken by Hitler. My father is not part of the Jewish nation, but Hitler might have taken him. Maybe it was because he tried to influence me to not hate the Jewish nation. But, I do not know who could have turned him in if that was the case. Maybe it was Hitler’s elite guard. I believe that they are called the Gestapo. They help Hitler in more private matters. But, I am afraid I do not know everything about them. I wish I did know where my father is. It would make me feel so much better. At least I have the rest of my family. I hope that they never go away. They are the most important thing to me. So many things are happening around here. I will get back to you on the details. I hope that this stuff is not happening around you. If it is I would be disappointed in Mussolini because I thought he was a better leader. Even though I think that Mussolini is a great leader I still think that mine is better even if he is doing what I said. Talk to you soon.

Markos Schmidt

Dear Markos Schmidt,

I believe that the beginning of an alliance will do us a lot of good. Not a lot of countries seem to want to team up with Italy, especially since after WWI, where the "Allies" cheated us out of land that was to be given to us earlier. That was part of one of the main problems that Mussolini is going to resolve for all of us; we are going to gain massive amounts of land. Ever since WWI, Italy has been deprived of major lands to have under its control. Mussolini is uniting us, but it wont be enough. That's is why with our combined power, we will surely prevail. On a lighter note, I really do hope that your father is found safe and sound. I can't imagine what losing your father must feel like. Also, the "Gestapo" you mentioned sounds very similar to the OVRA, the secret police force for Mussolini. My father approves of them, stating that measures must be taken to keep a country in line. However, the OVRA and Italians aren't nearly as brutal as the stories of the German officers I've heard. I believe that too much punishment can be unsettling for a nation's citizens, which is why I prefer Mussolini over Hitler. But hey, you can still be entitled to your own opinion, right?

Dante Lombardi

Dear Dante Lombardi,

Today we went through serious training. We had to learn how to kill anyone who dared to stand against our nation. We must learn to crush all rebellion. Also, we had to learn to hate the Jewish people. We must learn how to have no feeling when we take them prisoner. Hitler has a special surprise for them. I can’t tell you in full but it will shock them and hurt them. They will get what’s coming. During training I heard that you guys had to train from the time you were four years old. That is not like us because Hitler has only come to power a little while ago. He came to power in 1936. When did Mussolini come to power? He must have come early because you are like 15 now. That must mean that he has been in power for more than twenty years. That would be incredible. Mussolini is something more than a leader. Also, do you guys train harder than us? I know that we train hard, but I wonder if you train harder than us. Also, I hear that you guys are a lot like us because you guys are boy scouts. What kind of uniforms do you have to wear? We wear uniforms with the Nazi sign on it. I hope that yours is as special as ours. Well I hope that you have good luck training. I must get back with my squad. I have to get food for the night and build a fire. This time a hope I can build a fire to cook the animal I catch. See you later.

Markos Schmidt

Dear Markos Schmidt,

Today, I didn't have to go through any training, because today is my birthday! I had a lot of fun with the rest of my friends in the Avanguardista. I guess I should tell you how I got to this point in life, since we are starting to know each other a lot better. I joined the Sons of the Wolf at age 7, after I took down my first turkey with a BB gun. It just seemed like a fun little club to join and meet new friends at the time. I did not realize, however, that it turned into something much better than that. As I ranked up into the Balilla and Avanguardista, I really felt that I became a shining example of what Mussolini looked for in a teenager supporting his cause. He even told me this himself. The smaller children looked up to my friends and I, and it felt amazing. When not training, we play capture the flag and various other games (now baseball has been included, since I'm practicing to beat you next time!) Sorry I got so off topic. Now then, Mussolini came to power around 1920, because he had a huge amount of people supporting him. It was incredible, because he just has this great influence over everyone. As for our training, i don't go through a lot because I mainly focus on long distance shots for my sniper. For uniforms, the Avanguardista wears a b lack shirt, black cap, knickerbockers, and gray socks. It's a fun uniform to wear. Have fun training with your squad, while I enjoy this short break!

Dante Lombardi

Dear Dante Lombardi,

Thaks for telling me all of this. It really was eye-opening for me, and i shared common beliefs with you. Anyway, I am learning more and more about Hitler’s plan. I still don’t know everything, but I can’t tell you anything yet. Everything I have learned is classified. Also, I found out that my father has become one of Hitler’s generals. This is truly exciting. I wish you could be here on the day that we learned of our first attack. But, I still wish to know how you are. What has Mussolini been doing as leader? Hitler has already taken us out of the depression we were stuck in. My family was hurt badly by the depression. But, because of Hitler, we can buy food with our own money instead of asking for money. How were you affected by the depression? I hope that you were not as affected as me. What did you think of the depression? I thought of it as nothing more than the worst time of my life. I hope I never have to live through anything like that again. My family and I prayed for the days of the depression to be over. I spent a lot of nights thinking about how the world could be after the depression. I hoped that it would go back to being the same or beter. It was never in my imagination that the depression would lead to the rise of a new leader. It was not something me or my family expected at all. But, that is life for you. It is just a big world of unexpected things. Also, I hope we can meet again. I really enjoyed our last visit. The targets that we shot at last time should be there again. Also, the baseball game was exciting. I did great and so did you. See you soon.

Markos Schmidt

Dear Markos Schmidt,

Oh, so now you can't tell me anything about what you're doing at Germany? It's kind of hard to have an allaince if you keep things from each other! Maybe now I'll just stop talking to you about anything that goes on in Italy... haha, I'm just kidding around. I understand completely if information is classified, because we can't tell each other EVERYTHING that goes on in each other's nations, because that would just be spying. Did your father really become one of Hitler's generals? That's incredible! I am sincerely happy for you all. Having a relative that knows the ruler of your country is always a great asset. It also seems that Hitler is becoming a great leader. Similar things can be said about Mussolini. He took the broken remains of Italy during and slump after WWI, and is slowly molding it into one of the world's strongest nations. Everyone is believing in themselves and in the overall power of the great Italy. Although our slump was not nearly as big as your country's, we still had some large setbacks from losing out in the brutal war. On a final note, I do believe that hanging out was one of the most fun times I've had in a while. I still need to beat you at baseball, and I will!

Dante Lombardi

Dear Dante Lombardi,

How are you doing? Hitler wants use to become closer and closer friends for some reason. I guess if we become serious allies it can help him with his plan. But, even though you do not really like Hitler I think he is right. His ideas will lead us to a very glorious victory. So, how have your parents been? Has Mussolini done anything to your family? I still can not believe that it has been more than a week since my father became general. But, the weird thing is my father will still not tell me anything. My own flesh and blood father won’t tell me what is happening in the government. I wish I knew. The suspense is killing me. But, the cool thing today was that I got to shack hands with Hitler today. He is really something else. He treats use like we are like his own. I can’t wait until we begin this war. Everything will change after it all. I hope that you will be come to Germany soon. It really has become a glorious place. Everywhere has become completely covered in the swastika in a red flag. It is truly glorious. I wish you could see it. I know you do not hate the Jewish people, but this place is truly a sight to see. Also, when the older generation marches through the streets, it is truly glorious. We will win this war. I hope to hear from you soon.

Markos Schmidt

Dear Markos Schmidt,

I am doing fine, thank you for asking. I just got back from endurance training, which builds up our stamina for conflict. It's also an odd coincidence that you said that Hitler wanted us to become closer of friends, because Mussolini has been talking to me recently about the same thing. I belive the main reason for this is that we are both great examples of what Hitler and Mussolini want out of our respective groups. They might believe that together, we could be the "poster-boys" for the alliance between our nations. Everyone would see our bond, and strive to maintain it with someone from the country as well. We are like a fuse, setting off an explosion of cooperation and teamwork.I still am not believing in the extremes of fascism that Hitler goes to, but I won't hold that against you, or even him. Like my father said, changes must be made to keep a country in line. Although not nearly as extreme as Hitler's, Mussolini still has various methods of stirring up Italian nationalism throughout the country. I am so very proud to serve this new and improved Italy, and tobe allied with Germany.

Dante Lombardi

Dear Dante Lombardi,

 Today we did some more training. We had to make sure that we hit our target. But enough about me; how are you? I hope you are doing well. I also hope that Mussolini is not pushing you too hard. Hitler has put us though serious training. We now get to wear the boy scouts uniform with the swastika on the arm. It makes me feel like I am part of the Nazi nation. Also, we have to go out into the woods and be like boy scouts. Also, Hitler wants us to be strong in physical strength not mental strength. I know that he is smart but if we do not have mental strength we will not make it through this war. Also, I know you do not hate the Jewish people, but I was taught to hate them at age ten. We would raid their church to learn to hate. I did not originally hate them, but I had to because it was the law. My father used to teach me not to hate anyone. I do hate the Jewish people, but if Hitler had never come to be in charge, I would be friends with them. My father still tells me to be careful during this time period. There aren’t a lot of people I can trust. I hope I can trust you. Talk to you soon.

Markos Schmidt

Dear Markos Schmidt,

I am not doing so well today. I'm recovering from a stomach virus a got two days ago. I should be back for training tomorrow, but my stomach is killing me today. That's cool that you got your new uniform. Back when I turned 14 was when I got my newest uniform, as a member of the Avanguardista. I couldn't ask for a better uniform; the color black (the shirt's color) is a personal favorite of mine. I feel great pride while wearing the symbol highest authority I can currently have, just as I'm sure how you now feel about yours. A uniform can really boost up a man's confidence. As for strengths, Mussolini does push for physical power, overall. I prefer this, because my grades aren't exactly perfect. But, I do agree with what you said. If a country doesn't have any smarts, they can't survive. I still am indifferent about the Jews, but I support whatever actions you take from here on out. This is because we can absolutely trust each other now.

Dante Lombardi

Dear Dante Lombardi,

I have just asked my father if I could go to your house for the weekend. I would like to talk to your parents about the upcoming events. In Germany, Hitler is planning everything. He has already requested that the old factory, where my father worked, to begin building the armory. He wants them to begin constructing the weapons like tanks and guns for the older division. Also, he is building artillery cannons and so much more. Unlike World War I, as you know, the artillery cannons hear have definitely upgraded. The fire farther and pack a huge punch on the ground. I can not wait till I can fire one. I will truly be mind blowing. We still have to continue training. Hitler is still pushing us to the edge to get better. We must get better to be able to defend our great nation. We are the young division that will probably go to war before it ends. To be honest I am excited and scared. I don't know how Hitler will react if we lose a battle. He might get very angry since we are the youth and we must win to help Germany. Also, I am scared because of the stories of war from the men who survived the first world war. They talk about digging into trenches for days, weeks, or even months. Also, they talk about how soldiers go crazy and end up getting themselves killed. Getting killed it not something I want at all. But, I still hope that you aren't being pushed hard. All I want now is to begin this war. I really want to serve my country. It will truly be amazing. The glory will be like nothing I have ever known. See you soon.

Markos Schmidt

Dear Markos Schmidt,

Another meeting at my house sounds like a great idea! My parents find it a lot of fun to talk to you, and they really need to hear this information from you. It is great news that Germany is finally building their weapon supplies, because Mussolini has just barely started gathering. As days go by, I think I'm starting to notice a change in Mussolini. He seems to be becoming more and more dependent upon Hitler, and it really doesn't look good to people that notice it. I think Mussolini is seeing the pure rage and power of Hitler, and doubts himself as a leader, which really angers me! Where is the amazing leader that I joined the Sons of the Wolf for? All I now see is a nervous coward that doesn't know what to do with all his power. I really hope that Hitler can somehow help him snap out of it, because we all need him to. But, with war on the horizon, most of mind is occupied by the fact that I finally get to put my skills to the test! I only hope that we can make it out alive, in the end. Stay alive out there, in case this letter is the last.

Dante Lombardi

Dear Dante Lombardi,

Today might be the last time I talk to you. Hitler has talked to us about how he is going to begin his plans. Everything will change after it all. I hope your parents were fine with me coming over and talking to them. We might not be able to talk to each other with letters, but we might be able to talk to each other on the battle field. If Hitler plans to make an alliance with Italy and Mussolini then we will become allies. We will be firing guns and killing many to make our goal possible. Hitler has already built tons of tanks, U boats, guns from assault rifles to machine guns, and much more. My father is still working at the factory on his time off to make enough money for our family. Hitler has done so much. I think that we will win this war. My uncle has been training with the older division. They have been taught less then us. They have been just taught how to fight. They might have been taught to hate the Jewish, but my uncle will not tell me. Even though my uncle is inspiring, he does confuse me. One day, a few years ago, he told me one story about the first world war my grandfather was in and then the next day he would not even come to speak of the war. I still wonder why he will not tell me everything. But, one thing I can not believe is how long it has been since the day I first sent the letters. It must have been at least a month or just a few weeks. It definitely feels like a month. Hitler has reduced my stamina so much, but he is just training us for war. I hope that you are ready. I would hate to hear that you died the first battle. You have been like a brother to me. Thanks for everything, and believe in youreself! Talk to you soon.

Markos Schmidt

Dear Markos Schmidt,

I can't believe I got the chance to write this last letter out before we move out. I'm pretty scared right about now. Me and the rest of the Avanguardista are told to prepare to fight, though we don't even know who we are going to be fighting. All I know is that I'm going to have to be relentless and snipe until my dying breath. I had not realized that war was coming form behind us so quickly! Here i was, talking about how great it would be to serve my country, and that i loved practicing sniping so much. Now I've started to believe that I'm just like Mussolini was for that moment that i saw him. You know what, no! I am a great sniper, and I will serve the country well. Thank you for the words of motivation, and you do feel like a brother to me as well. These words were great motivation, and I'm going to make Mussolini and the rest of the world proud. Long live Italy and Germany!

Dante Lombardi