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

February 18, 1970

In the rear (CAP School)

Dear Mom and Pop,

I got your letters all at one time.  The mail is only delivered once a week while I'm in school.  Today is Wednesday and Saturday I graduate.  I think I already briefed you on what school consists of.  Mapping and compass, radio-calling in artillery airstrikes, naval gunfire and choppers-plus a course in personal response and Vietnamese language.  It's a hell of a tight schedule.  Revely at 0600, class starts at 0800 and ends at 2000.  Then four hours of guard duty every other night.  Believe they're not, this compound is considered secured and jungle boots have to be shined, haircuts, shave, etc..  I'm not used to all this garrison.  I'm strictly a “grunt” bushman-a salty one at that.  Most of the Marines are boots fresh out of the States, pvts + PFC's.  So it makes my life a lot easier being among the few L/CPL and CPL’s.  These CAP and CUPP units are one of the most highly trained, mobile and affective units in Nam.  Every man has to know how to do just about everything.  In the event a CAP member needs a replacement, any one of the Marines would be qualified in any field, even to take command of the unit if by some chance the commander got zapped.

As far as Henry and the raccoon is concerned.  I don't know if Hank knows what he's up against.  There is nothing meaner than a trapped raccoon!  He is a dangerous animal.  A raccoon can give Bluff one hell of a fight-I've seen it!  Don't let him fool with wild raccoons.  They are capable of inflicting injuries on any man, especially around the face and eyes.

Only 164 days left.  I'm looking forward to calling you up around then to tell you I'm on my way.  Time is going pretty fast.

Would you send me two things?  The address of Boys Latin School and the serial number on my high school equiv diploma. Thank you very much.  There is no rush.

I got the $40 and thanks a lot!  After paying off a couple of small debts I have been broke all month.  I will send home a check most likely to you.

I've been thinking about college.  Frankly I think a junior college would be best for me.  It might interest you that my name has already been submitted to 16 Jr. or community colleges and 21 universities in the state of Maryland.  I've already written personally Baltimore Junior College, Catonsville Comm., Montgomery Comm, and in Prince George's Comm. College.

I'll let you know when I get your package.  Please let me know when you find out something from Clarence Long.

I'll write again real soon.

Miss my family so much!

Love to all,

Pete