Ok, to clear some things up:
He broke up with Heather right before he left because he was supposed to be over there for two years and he wanted her to be able to live her life. He wrote that letter as a just in case and to let her know how much he loved her and that he PLANNED on giving her that engagement ring when he got back - but since he isn't coming back - he wanted her to have it anyway. She isn't technically his fiance, that is what he wanted her to be and he left her the engagement ring.
The family did refuse the military service - it seems because the grandfather is mad at them. I don't blame him for being mad. The mother loves Heather - she drove from LA just to see her and give her the things Paul wanted her to have. If she didn't like Heather she wouldn't have driven to M'ville to give that stuff to her.
And Alex - shut the fuck up. She isn't looking for sympathy - a lot of people on here know of the situation and keep asking for updates so she is posting them up. If you don't want to hear about it - don't fucking read it. Its that simple.
And I'm sorry Heather, but I am willing to pay for a ticket out there. It shouldn't cost too much and I will pay for you to rent a car or something out there as well. You need to go to pay final respects. I'm sure his mother would appreciate it.
Also - I have heard of people going over there for two years. A friend of mine was there for two years and came back and will be deployed again soon.
