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

July __?, 1969

Camp Pendleton, CA

Dear Mom and Dad,

I enjoyed talking with you over the phone. I'm sorry you weren’t there Mom but I got your letters.  Thanks

Guess what?  I'm not a private any more!  I just got promoted to PFC.  Oh well, one stripe is better than none.  In about 10 days I'll be overseas and frankly I'm looking forward to it.  Things are going well. I'm holding on to my money better that can be expected, and I'm having good times when liberty permits.

There really isn't much to say.  I do a lot of “Mountain Climbing.”  The terrain is supposed to be identical to that of Vietnam.  Bill also got PFC.

I'm sorry this is such a short letter.  I'll write you again soon.

Love to all,

Pete