GULF MAILBAG

CPL. STEVEN K. BRANDON

U.S. MARINES

Cpl. Brandon is the son of Bob and Margaret Brandon of Cape Girardeau. He graduated from Thomas J. Kelly High School in 1983 and later attended Southeast Missouri State University.

He joined the Marine Corps in 1987 and served two years of active duty in California, where he was trained to repair communication equipment.

Before joining the Marine Corps he was a member of the Missouri National Guard for four years.

He was sent to Saudi Arabia Nov. 30. In letters to his family, he writes that he thinks of his service in the gulf as "a way of saying thank-you to his friends, family and country for the great life he has had," said his mother. She added that he loves to receive letters.

His address is:

Cpl. Brandon, S.K.

487-804-517

H & S Company Comm. PLP

3rd BN 24th MAR

FPO New York, NY 09502-0830