October 16, 1966

Dear Lorraine,

Hi Honey! I hope things are going well for you at school. Do you get to see any of the old gang when your home on weekends? If you see Chris, Bob, or Dick tell them I said hello. I sure do miss hanging out with everyone on weekends you don’t know how good you have it until you don’t have it. The guys over here are OK but it’s just not the same. When we have time off there is just not much to do. Some of the guys asked me if I wanted to go Pleiku with them today but I’m not ready for that yet. This place still gives me the creeps there is just something about it that I can’t get comfortable with. There is supposed to be a war going on but it’s too quiet except for all of the aircraft noise. I have this feeling that its all gonna go to hell one of these days.

I just got off work about an hour ago. We had to finish an Intermediate Inspection on one of the ships. There is a lot going on in the field right now and they need every ship they can get, ready to fly.

I have not got any mail from home yet but I’m sure it will be any day now. Please write as often as you can it does not matter how long a letter is as long as it’s from you. Mail is going to be important since this is going to be a long year. I’m doing my best to keep you informed with what is going on. This letter will probably get there a little late but you can consider this your Birthday card (HAPPY BIRTHDAY) it’s the best I can do for now.

I’m gonna go take a shower now. Yes we actually have showers with hot and cold water. It’s mostly cold water unless you get there at the right time. The weird part is the hooch maids use the same facility. I’m not quite used to having them walk in when I’m in the shower. No they don’t take showers they just use the toilets but they don’t sit on them like we do they stand on the seat and squat.

I’m out of things to write about so I’ll close now.

Love Tom,
S.W.A.K.

Tom Gator 851.