Friday, February 2, 1968

Friday 2, Feb.

1968

Dear Mother & Dad,

How is everything back home? Its been over two weeks since we left San Diego and the days have really gone fast. Actually its hard to tell one day from the other out here. I hate to say this knowing how it is back there, but it gets quite warm during the day. They let us go around in T-shirts and that sun is really hot, just like summer.

I had a good time in Hawaii and hope we stop again on our way back. I have three rolls of film being processed now and will send them to you as soon as I get them.

Tomorrow morning we arrive in Guam. We will only be there for about 8 hours then are on our way to Subic Bay, Phillipines. That will take about 6 days. After that we go to Da Nang for a couple of days then off the coast of N. Viet Nam for about 40 days.

Have you heard anything about Bill? I suppose he is over there or on his way by now.

We have only got mail once since we left the states and that was in Pearl Harbor. There should be some tomorrow. After we get into the combat zone they will fly it to us about twice a week. That will be better than none at all like it has been.

Tuesday morning I began working topside where we have two of our directors. As you know I had been in the gun control room as a working space. They decided to switch me and this other guy around for a while. I like working out side in the sun and I find things pretty easy up there. I still stand my four hour watches on the radar console as before. I'm still keeping busy on my correspondence course and find it keeps some of the time occupied. Believe me there is plenty of that (time) out here.

The way things are shaping up over there, I hope we don't get extended while we are here. It would just be my luck that things would get real serious and they would extend the reserves about the time I get out.

By all means keep up the prayers for Bill and me, because there is no safe place when you are in the combat zone. We figure to draw combat pay 5 months of the 6 so you know we will see some action.

I hope David is making good use of the boots. I'm sure he is quite proud of them. How is he doing in school. Good, I hope.

Is there anything like cameras, radios, silverware etc., that I could get anyone while I'm over here? I have a few things that I am going to get.

I'm sorry but there isn't really too much to tell about. When you're out here not too much happens. But I do know for sure that there will be a lot to talk about the next time you see me.

I have to close here and will write again when I know the mail will go out. So long for now.

Your son,

Mike