September 2, 1967

Dear Lorraine,

Hi Honey! How is everything back home? I have some news for you about my next Duty Station after Vietnam. My orders are for Sharps Army Depot in Stockton, California. I’m not sure what I will be doing when I get there but at least it won’t be for long, I will only have about 80 days left out of my two years. If I extend my tour here for another 60 days I can get an early discharge from the army but I feel like my luck is just about used up and with all the things that are happening here I don’t want to be here any longer. I just know it’s going to get ugly real soon. The monsoon season is all but over and I’m sure the fighting is going to pick up when the weather breaks.

The search for Ron and Richard went on for several days with no luck so they have called it off. At this time they are listed as missing in action. The Pilot that was responsible has been shipped out which is a good thing. He would not have lasted long here. I was thinking about going off of flight status for the rest of my time here but I just can’t see myself watching everyone else takeoff each morning and then go to the hanger and work on other ships. I like being up there so I’m going to fly till the CO tells me to quit. It’s my job and I can be more help flying than some new guy.

Thank you for the cookies and candy you sent, I shared them with the other guys I hope you don’t mind. I wish I had something to send you since I still owe you a birthday and Christmas present. You will just have to wait till I get home and we can go shopping for something nice. You will have to help me out since I’m kind of out of touch on that kind of stuff.

Sorry I am not writing very much but like I said before I just don’t have much new to tell you. It won’t be long now before I can tell you in person. I love You and Miss You Very Much.

Love
Tom
S.W.A.K.

Tom Gator 851.