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

March 1, 1969

Parris Island, SC

Dear Mom and Dad,

Hope you had a good time at R&R in New York. 

Things are going well except the training gets more and more demanding and I hardly have a moment to myself.  We have the first phase test coming up on Friday.  I never studied this hard in school.

I appreciate a lot of things I took for granted before such as a cigarette, a cup of coffee and freedom.  I never missed my family and friends so much in my life.  I realize now that I abused much that was given to me and that I was trusted with.  I wanted to make it up to you some way.  That may be part of the reason I'm here.

March 2

Today we had a field meet against two other series.  That's a total of 8 platoons.  We came in first and one a large silver bowl.  We’re the best. 

I have to go now.  I look forward and enjoy all your letters.

Love,

Pete

PS.  To give my best to Jack and Hank.  Maybe they would write.

Pete