What is the name of the narrator’s sister who joins the army?

Darlene

Why does Darlene decide to join the army at the age of eighteen?

She wants a good career and for the army to pay for her college education.

How does Darlene’s mother feel about her decision to join the army?

She feels worried because she thinks it might be dangerous.

Describe the communication method Darlene used to stay in touch with her family while in Iraq.

Darlene taught her family to use email so they could stay connected, sending messages about her experiences and reassuring them about her safety.

What does the narrator believe about women in the army?

The narrator thinks women don’t fight on the front lines, so it might be safer.

What time does Darlene’s army training start every morning?

It starts at five in the morning.

What was the significance of Darlene's return on New Year's Eve?

Darlene's unexpected return on New Year's Eve turned the family's anxiety and sadness into joy and celebration.

What kind of work does Darlene do during her army training?

She does hard work like drilling and learning new skills.

What does Darlene tell her family about the weather and people in Iraq?

She says the weather is hot and the local people are nice.

What lesson does the story teach about courage?

It teaches that courage means working hard for your future, like Darlene joining the army, even when it’s difficult.

What challenges did Darlene face during her military training?

Darlene faced physically demanding training that required significant effort and patience, starting early each day and involving rigorous drills.

Fill in the blank: Darlene promised her mother that she would be very ___ while serving in Iraq.

Careful

How did Darlene's experience in Iraq differ from her family's expectations?

Darlene's service defied family expectations.

• Women can fight effectively.

• Deployment challenged stereotypes.

• Her experience was unique.