Letters go a long way in telling a story -- letters and e-mail exchanges from Iraq.

Without actually traveling to the Middle East and spending Christmas with the troops stationed throughout the region, it's hard to say how the men and women will adjust to spending the holidays away from home, many for the first time.

Recent correspondence, however, may shed light on their plans and lend insight to their holiday spirits.

Lt. Chris Casne, a Helena native and commander of a Navy mobile construction battalion based at Al Taqaddum, Iraq, wrote home for suggestions on what he could do to help his fellow sailors through the holiday season.

Here at home, Casne's inquiry launched a brainstorming session that, in the end, resulted in the idea of a Montana Hold 'Em poker tournament.

In place of gambling away their hard-earned pay, however, the sailors will win Montana prizes donated from local businesses.

"Several local people were instrumental in making sure this project got off the ground," said Bill Beaman, who helped the project move forward. "They're making what could be a dreary day for these sailors a lot brighter."

Bob Gilbert of Nickels Gaming Parlor donated a check to pay for supplies. Earl Charles of Alliance Neon created a colorful banner promoting the tournament. Montana Marketing donated T-shirts bearing the Montana logo while Sage Advertising tossed in ball caps, also emblazoned with the Montana logo.

The efforts didn't stop there. Col. Jim Martin and Chief Warrant Officer Terry Fong helped cover the cost of shipping. The University of Montana ROTC program sent cards stuffed with Montana decals.

"The support has been overwhelming," Beaman said. "Casne has sent e-mails indicating that the enthusiasm is building within the ranks of his sailors, and they now have something to look forward to on Christmas Day."

In an e-mail sent to the IR on Saturday afternoon, Casne described his fondest Christmas memory, which involved viewing the lights in the Helena Valley after Christmas Eve Mass.

While he and his siblings only wanted to open presents, he said his parents would have nothing of that. The lights were high on their Christmas Eve list.

"By the time I got into high school, I began to realize that looking at those lights was a time that would stay with me forever," Casne wrote. "I don't remember many of the gifts that I received, but I will always remember going to Mass and spending time with my family -- just looking at the beautiful lights and enjoying Christmas."

Efforts to make Iraq a better place continue more than four years after U.S. troops stormed into Baghdad and toppled the old regime. On Monday, from Camp David, President Bush called 10 troops stationed overseas to wish them a merry Christmas.

Not being able to spend the holidays with family could be a low point for the soldiers, sailors and Marines based overseas. But Casne said the efforts from the home front have served as a morale booster.

The poker tournament, he added, will help embolden their spirits.

"I was sent everything from felt for my classroom tables to Montana Hold 'Em shirts, hats and trophies," Casne said. "It will truly be a day to remember, and my prayer is that it takes my troops' minds off what they're missing back home."

Casne said it's not easy being so far from Montana during the holidays. Christmas 2007 will be remembered as his first away from his family, including his wife. The hardest part, he said, is not getting to see his new nephews, Liam and Avery.

Still, Casne said, he and his peers will make do. Their friendship is strong and their tour is only temporary.

"We have truly formed a bond here in Iraq," he said. "It's the kind of bond formed when you know that the person next to you would literally lay their life on the line for you, and that you would do the same for them."

Other troops in Iraq have benefited from the generosity of local volunteers as well. Liann Meyer, who heads Montana Supporting Soldiers, has received several e-mails from men and women overseas who received one of the group's many holiday packages.

A good number of the gifts included in this year's bundle of boxes were collected through the group's Stockings for Soldiers campaign. Along with local donations and contributions from local businesses, the gifts have already reached eager hands in the Middle East.

"I saw one of the officers in my unit taking a bunch of boxes into the day room, so I figured I would help," wrote Spc. Victoria W. "As we were opening and sorting things out, I took a glance at the sender's name and saw that it was a Montana support group. Boy did my spirits soar."

Victoria said she misses Montana -- she being the only Montanan in her unit.

"I've been saving newspaper clippings of anything about Montana, and have been putting them on the wall near my desk," she added. "Capt. Nelson-Parrish even let me keep the Montana Magazines."

Reporter Martin Kidston: 447-4086 or mkidston@helenair.com