Dear Keith,

It is hard to realize that Feb. 13th, 2007, will mark the 4 year anniversary of your aircraft going down in Columbia and you, Mark and Tom be- ing captured by the Farc; and Tommy Janis and your Columbian guide be- ing killed. So many things have hap- pened since you've been gone. The war i n I r a q s t a r t e d , and is still raging; over 3000 American soldiers have lost their lives. The weather seems to have become more severe and erratic these past few years with killer tornadoes and category 5 hurricanes, and tsuna- mis destroying entire areas as well as taking hundreds of lives.

Your beloved Florida Ga- tors won another national football championship this year and the basketball championship last year. Swamp Gravy is still going strong, and we will be celebrating our 15th anniversary this year. I know how much you love stories and remember many great stories you told us. We haven't had proof of life evidence for you since Sept. of 2003; though we have been assured by our government and the Farc that you all are still alive in good health and are being treated well.

Everyone here continues to ask about you and continues to pray for you and your safe return. There has been very little publicity since the first year you were gone. There were a couple of times when it seemed that negotiations were imminent, but the attempts always fell through. Your children have grown up so fast. They are blessed with good health and the love of family and friends.

Your beautiful Lauren, now 18, graduated high school and is in dental hygiene school and is doing very well. She is definitely her father's daughter as she shows your courage in every aspect of her life. Kyle now 14 is playing football and making good grades. We got to go to one of his games in the fall; he was very fast and made a great tackle. He is looking forward to getting his driver's permit this year. He also reminds me of you with his great determination to do well.

He has grown so tall and is so handsome. Your dad and your brother Frank and family are also doing well. You were so much on my mind during hunting season when I saw the hunters bring in their deer because I know what an avid sportsman you are and how much you enjoy hunting and fishing. I also think about how much you enjoyed working on the farm and just being a part of nature. There isn't a day that passes that someone doesn't ask me about you, if we've heard anything, or tell me that they are still praying for you.

Sometimes I wonder why things happen the way they do, and it makes me realize that we as human beings have little control over the actions of others, but we do have the power of our faith to change circumstance, and this will see us through even our darkest hour. My hope is that soon you and your friends Mark, and Tom will be released by the Farc and will be once again reunited with your families.

My prayer is for your safety and the well being of your mind, body, and spirit; and the good health and well being of your families. Keith, you have a good heart, and I know as God watches the sparrows; He also watches over you. You are very much loved. Above all, I just wanted you to know that you have not and will not be forgotten. God Bless You. Love,

Mama Dear