A.W. (Peter) Machen to Arthur and Rose Machen

April 22, 1970

Quang Nam

 

Dear Mom and Dad,

I'm a real sorry I haven't written in a log while.  I got your letter yesterday Mom and I'll write Angie.

Well, I've only got 101 days in the bush left.  Yesterday morning everybody's ears were glued to the radio listening to Nixon’s speech.  There are 30 ships about to leave for San Diego.  If I'm lucky, I’ll be on one of ‘em.

I left the Wa Than and came here with the 2nd  Fire Team to Quang Nam to help the other CUPP unit out.  This is harvest time for rice at the VC are trying like hell to get it here to get it.

If I want, I can come home as a civilian.  I’m eligible for the 19 month cut.  But what about embassy duty at DC?  I guess I'd be a fool to turn it down (if I get it).  If I don't, I'm getting out just as fast as I came in.  I know what I want to do and as far as I'm concerned that military is wasting my time.

Hey Mom, could you please send me a couple of cartons of Marlborough.  They are scarcer than hens  teeth and all there is to smoke are these chest-breaking desert mules (Camels), some 124 instamatic film, gum, insect repellent pads, 1 bar of soap at the latest issue of Playboy.  I’d sure appreciate it.

All I can think of is chowing down on some real food.  Yes!  I’m talking about Mom’s home cookin’!  I've been eating nothing but C-Rats for the past 6 months in a getting sick and tired of it.  What I give to sit with Mom and Pop sipping on a drink Cabin Still, shooting the breeze under the heat--air-conditioned.  The temp here it is in the 90s—humid and never cools off much except at night.

Well, I'll keep writing as much as possible.  Excuse my poor spelling and salty version of the King’s  English.

Love to all,

Pete