Somewhere in Vietnam

4 Jan 1967

Dear Jim, Bev and Monique,

     Happy to hear your Christmas was nice.  I'll bet my "Rose" is a doll with all of the new gear she has.  I sure miss her.  I was in high spirits Xmas even tho I had duty.  Same New Years!

     Gee, the sick bug sure has hit you brother.  Hope you kick it all soon.  You need something to build up your resistance.

     I miss the snow.  It is pretty cold here now.  It rains and we get soaked then cold.  I think it is better than the hot weather by a long shot.

     Yes, things do get pretty exciting at times.  Have about got my ass blown away twice.  I have been scared before but not like this.  Let me tell you Jim, I sure appreciate living more than ever before.  Don't mention this to Mom!  I don't want her to worry.

     Send me Jack Garner's address.  May run into his outfit if I get up north.  Seems he is in the same organization as Jim Ledlow except for a different company.

     This "Zip" whiskey is something else.  I bought a bottle of "45".  We haven't drank it yet.  I'm saving it for when we get a day off, if ever.

     Hope my box of goodies gets there soon.  I ordered late but didn't expect it to take this long.

     I feel heartsick about Jeanne.  If only she could get to Regina's for this summer.  ...  I have become so much stronger as a Catholic.  The chaplins we have over here are wonderful.  I go to Mass every sunday and receive holy communion.  One of my good friends is Catholic also so we have a lot in common.

     ... I think Eric and Regina would be a great influence on her.  Eric has sure been an influence on me.  Jim, he is a wonderful man.  I hold him as high as any priest.

     I have a four hour post today.  Got two pairs of boots spit shined.  Got to clean my rifle yet tonite.  The Commandant of the Marine Corps will be here tomorrow.  Lots of extra duty for us but am looking forward to seeing him.

     Got a letter from Mom also.  Wrote one early this morning so will wait until tomorrow to write again if I have time.  Get Mom and Bev in gear and get some goodies off to me.  There is no snack bar so they are greatly appreciated.  Told Mom to have Jan get me a bottle of beef jerkey from the Elk.

     Sure hope Dad gets a good job.  I would like to see the family get out of D.C.  It grows on us all, but there are better places.  I'm going straight to Boulder if I don't come back over here for RMK (Const.).  Could make a pile of money if I can swing the deal.  would have to stay 17 months.  It isn't like being in the Corps so could be okay.

     Something is up!  Gotta go.  May get some action tonite.  One patrol is out now.  We just got put on standby.

Alan