Somewhere in Vietnam

16 August 1967

Dear Jim and Beverly & Regina +1

      It is still cool and peaceful this morning so will write a couple of letters.

      The last word I got from Mom was no baby yet.  That word was of the 7th so I hope all is well now.  My prayers are with Beverly and the new baby.  I been a nervous wreck waiting for the mail each day.  I sure hope all goes well.

      From what Mom says, Monique must be growing like a weed all really picking up a vocabulary.  I sure miss that sweet little girl.  Between Jon, Jeanne and the boys I guess she makes out, huh!

      How do you like working out at Owens elevator? What all do you do out there.  I guess the wheat must be coming in pretty strong.  I used to work my butt off out there.  I sure like Mr. Owens and Mr. Coker, they are good men to work for.  How much are they paying now?

      I have put my request in for R&R for Bankok for September.  The quotas should come in this week sometime.  If a quota doesn't come in I'll wait until November and go.  I wouldn't mind going on "in country" R&R.  It is three days at China Beach so I could go to Da Nang and see my buddies at III MAF.  Holmes and Farmer are going to try to go the same time I go.  If it works out, stand by Bankok!!

      It is cloudy and cool this morning.  I hope it rains today.  It was hot and miserable yesteday.  It isn't bad when the lieutenant leaves us alone.  I have never seen such a sweater!"  He and his platoon are moving out tomorrow and 1st platoon is coming to take their place.  We are supposed to get three or four new men today.  Our section will be almost T.O. when they get here.  Some of my men can catch a little slack now also.

      I imagine Monique will be wanting to go to school with the rest of the kids.  She is probably big enough, huh!  School sure is staring early this year.  The summer is almost shot and I will be glad to see this month end.  I'll be under 100 days then!

      I think I would have rather stayed with "Kilo" company for the rest of my time.  They are out on the operation now.  True, it is safer in 81s but time goes faster out there and a guy doesn't get bored.  I would have made E-5 too!(Sergeant).

      I have about five packages on the way, if they ever get here.  A girl I been writing in Denver sent one.  Jennie sent one.  Mom has a couple on the way and Uncle Frank sent one quite a long time ago and I have about given up on it.  So, if they ever get here, I should be eating pretty good for awhile.  I hope I gain some weight before I get home.  My legs are like tooth picks and my shoulders are skinny as hell.   My waist is about 31 inches now and I still have a bit of a gut.  Ha!  That is from beer tho!

      I am gonna close now and take a nap!  My love to all of you and may God Bless Beverly and the new baby.

Love, your brother

Alan