October 21, 1966

Dear Lorraine,

Babe, you’re the greatest!!!! Today my whole day was made when I received a large mailing envelope full of letters, 21 to be exact. I felt so good I just had to show the rest of the guys. Everyone wants to know what you put in the letters that smells so good. What ever it is keep it coming because everything over here smells like “crap” (I’ll explain that later). The picture you sent is just what I needed, I’m going to hang it on the wall by my bunk.

Your roommates sound nice and I am sure you will get along with them. As for me please don’t worry Pleiku is a pretty safe place. The day I filled in as a gunner was exciting but nothing happened. I still haven’t heard any shooting. You mentioned in one of your letters something that your Geography said about Vietnam being disease ridden. You can tell him I said that he is full of it and it’s not as prevalent as he thinks. We have been given enough shots to protect us from anything. Did I tell you that you’re the GREATEST and that I love you and miss you.

Well, it rained off and on all day here but who cares I got mail. The hanger is full with ships in for maintenance and one was outside waiting for some work. We got lucky and had to work on it anyway. I think that’s because we are new the other guys call us FNG’s ( _ _ _ _ _ _ _ New Guys) you can fill in the first word. We had to Track the Main Rotor and Tail Rotor to correct a vibration and then go on a test flight. We got lucky and got it right the first time.

I’ll be sending some pictures as soon as they come back from developing. It will give you a better idea of what its like around here. The country is really beautiful.

I need to write my mom so that’s all for now. I’ll write again tomorrow.

Love Tom,
S.W.A.K.

Tom Gator 851.