A.W. (Peter) Machen to Arthur, Rose, Jack and Henry Machen and Angie Hungerford

April 23, 1969

Camp Lejeune, NC

Dear Mom Dad, Jack Henry and Angie,

Well, I have one more day of mess duty before starting training.  The training is 4 weeks but I may get an extra 2 more for specialist training.  Above he is a picture of flame throwers.  For all I know I might get that.  I don't know.

I'm glad I got you on the phone, it's great to hear you all, and I'll try to call once a week.

I'll write Mrs. Miller and thank her for the Easter eggs.

The there was a good fight today.  Two men are going to correctional custody (the Brig) for fighting.  Here they send you to the brig for nothing.  This is one place that you have to be at the right time and place when you are supposed to be.

It rains almost every other day down here but there are no sand fleas.  Whew!

Thanks Mom for the flat present.  That was a pleasant surprise.  I guess you'd say that's what mothers are for but you are for a lot more!

I missed Angie coming in the morning and greeting me with a cup of coffee at 1:30 p.m..  I wanted to take you with me, Angie but the Marines didn't go for the idea.

I'm real pleased you got into great Princeton --- Tiger.  GRRRREAT!  Tell Williams to bust.  That's a real achievement.  I knew all along you could do it.   I could never begin to match an outstanding academic achievement like that.  Keep out of the service.

This summer I’ll be majoring in rice paddies at the University of Vietnam.  Good luck, Jack!  I know you will do well.  You must be very proud.  I'm proud as punch!

Henry, I hope you like the USMC sweatshirt.  You can sign up in seven years if you want to.  You'd make a good devil dog.

I got letters from both of you and they were the greatest I've ever gotten.  Dad I'm so pleased how you feel.  I'll never forget that letter as long as I live.  I'm lost for words in a sort of humble way.  It's just like you'd said which is something I will cherish the rest of my life.  I can't tell you how pleased I am.

Got to go to mail call.

Maybe I'll get another letter.

Love to all,

Pete