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

January 8, 1970

Namu Bridge

Dear Mom and Dad,

I'm working on a tape now and will send it off either tomorrow or the next day.

Well, March 18 -25, I'm going to Tokyo Japan for R&R.  If someone else from Kilo with more T.I.G. wants to go, he could bump me off.  I doubt it will happen though, course I'm really in WPNS Plt. As far as money goes, I'll tell you at a later date.  The quartermaster said I've been overpaid $85 and that it will all come out of my January pay.  I'll find out the 20th of this month.

Could you please give me the address of the Adams.  I'd like to see ‘em when I get there.

Six more days we leave the bridge.

Could you, at your leisure, send me some Marlboro (box) top.  It's hard to get to the rear anymore and when we go into the vills, there will be no way to get out except through the jungles.

Quota for L/Cpl. came out.  I've been put up for it but I may not get since I've just made six-month time in grade.  3/26 Marines should be in San Diego by April 15. OFFICIAL WORD.  Pullout of 50,000 troops will begin next month. How about that. Fancy cars. swimming pools, round eyed girls, hot showers, good liquor. We will be teaching the Vietnamese to take care of their on problems by themselves (like we should have done years ago)

Well, I best shut up and get working on this tape.

Love,

Pete