She was 7 when she wrote to a soldier in Vietnam — Nearly 60 years later, they finally reunite in Kenosha

KENOSHA — What started with a simple letter in 1966 turned into a lifelong connection that neither ever forgot.

Anita Anderson was just 7 years old when she wrote her first letter to Gary Beltoya, a U.S. Army soldier serving in Vietnam, as part of a school project. The two became pen pals, exchanging letters throughout his deployment.

Kenosha woman reunites with Vietnam soldier pen pal after nearly 60 years

“We were pen pals when I was a 7-year-old Brownie Girl Scout and Gary was in Vietnam, and we wrote back and forth to each other,” Anderson said. “Thankfully, my mother saved all this stuff because I have his letters that he wrote to me.”

When Beltoya returned home, he visited Anita’s family for dinner in Kenosha and even brought her a special gift: his Medal of Merit.

“He brought m