April 2, 1967

Dear Lorraine,

Hi Honey! I know I’m doing a crappy job of writing on a regular basis but I just can’t think of any good things to write about. When I do start a letter I get home sick and depressed so I stop. I know I’ll get over this and you will still be there. Enough of this.

Today is Sunday and I have the entire day off. I plan to catch up writing and then work on my ship for a while. After that I’ll just hang out around here and have a few beers with the guys. Its a nice day out, the temp is about 85 with a bright sun. Might even work on my sun tan for a while.

We have been flying missions around Kontum and up at Dak To. Things are starting to get active. Some of the patrols are making contact and getting casualties. Most of the CA’s have been Hot. The other day we picked up two prisoners and flew then back to the 4th Division Base. Sure did feel weird having the enemy on my ship even though they had blindfolds on and had there hands and feet tied. The whole company is finally back at Holloway. We have been split up for some time and its good to be together again even if it isn’t going to last for long. Some of us are going to Dak To in two weeks and will be there until the end of May. I still don’t know much about what we will be doing except that when you work with the Special Forces you are on 24 hour alert. That means you have to be ready to go 24 hours a day. Their missions are usually classified and in very remote areas near the border. Not sure how near or on what side of the border.

I’m still in an I Need A Big Hug mood. How was your trip to Florida? I bet you got a good tan. When October gets here I’ll take you to the beach for a long weekend, just the two of us. I think I’m going to need some time to readjust to the real world and you’re just the person to help me. Just the two of us walking on the beach holding hands sounds like good medicine. I guess my Prescription reads: Life Time supply of Lorraine, Take as needed for Loneliness, Bad Dreams, and Feeling Insecure.

I’m going to write to my parents now. I will try to write again soon. I do Love You Very Much.

Tom
S.W.A.K.

Tom Gator 851.