A.W. (Peter) Machen to Arthur Machen

April 19, 1969

Camp Lejeune [Parris Island stationery, but context suggests not]

Dear Dad,

Well I've caught two weeks of mess duty before training starts and I won't be home before June 6 and maybe later.  I am doing fine.  They at least treat you like a human being here.  We can smoke, listen to radios, go to movies, the PX, laundry, snack bar, etc.  Instead of calling us grunts and the “Troop Handlers” call us Marines and most of them are pretty nice.

Dad, I need some money.  I planned on getting paid but since I've got mess duty won’t for another two weeks and I've got laundry and necessities to purchase.  I'd say $20 would do need fine if that sounds reasonable to you.  I'm not sure if I can cash a personal check or not.  Possibly a money order?  Anyway Mrs. Chewing probably knows.  I sure would appreciate it Pop.

When I get some more time I'll sneak in another letter.

Love,

Pete