slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

As of late, I have been posting others' letters/articles from Reminisce Magazine. The following is a letter I received from my Dad while on the USS Sanctuary in 1968...just a few days after my arrival in Viet Nam. It remains one of the most memorable in my life. I had not been raised by Dad and having spent rare time together, I hardly knew him prior to the last two years of high school. Dad (likely as a result of being a WWII/Korean Vet) was a hard man. Over the years, I had often (in my mind) questioned his thoughts of/for me. This letter went a long way in answering those questions and bolstering confidence in my value and worth to him. It served as an elixir to my heart, mind and soul.
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Dear Lon,

I got your 1st letter yesterday and answered same a few minutes ago. June then called, read me your letter to Kenny in which you said you were rec**ping on a hospital ship. I thank God your wounds have had no permanent damaging effects and prayerfully trust that you have a speedy recovery. I called Mike and sent him over to a f**g company to get you a Texas f**g which we will ship to you today or tomorrow.

As you have already learned...an areal or artillery bombardment is a traumatic and frightening experience, because of the patterns used. The density of coverage and the overwhelming power levied against you and the fact that there is no defense except to just hit the deck, hang on and pray. Having shared the experience many times, I can well understand the natural feelings of fear, frustration and helplessness that one feels. If your recovery is good, I suppose you will be back on the lines within a few weeks. I wish to God you could get a "survey," but understand how the machinery operates.

I wrote Don several times to the effect that heroes are made and not born...that, in a sense, every combat veteran is a hero if the word means or connotes a spirit of manliness. The every day life experiences of the foot soldier...not counting the extraordinary situations, require the very best of a man's fibre in strength, will and determination. Unquestionably, you satisfy all of those requirements and will account for yourself in an admirable manner, so...do not undertake to do more than you are directed to do. The Corps is the best judge of where they need you and what you should do in the line of service.

I can visualize the smile fleeting across your face as I write...don't be a foolish volunteer on extraordinary assignments, but I say it nevertheless. ('Skull' knows!) If there is anything we can send you, let us know. Of course, we will all write you often and regularly. June will bake some pogey-bait and cookies for you and ship same.

I bought a 12-gauge pump shotgun...plan to go out when bird-duck season opens...sure wish you were here to go with us, but we will lay our plans accordingly when you get home.

May I say that I am especially proud of you son, and I know that you will continue to manifest the finest traditions of the Corps.

God bless and keep you.

Love, Dad

teabag09

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service. Mike

cesspool jones Loc: atlanta

We need a draft

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

I agree with you on that, C-J.

Larry the Legend Loc: Not hiding in Milton

So you approve of s***ery then? Because that's exactly what the military draft is. Any time a person is forced to serve in any capacity that they have not volunteered for, they are s***es. Offering anything in return does not detract from the fact that their free will is being ignored in favor of some 'benefit to society' bunkum.

As a matter of fact, yeah, re-institute the draft, and you get to go first.

cesspool jones Loc: atlanta

then they can leave. you would be amazed on how many would re-up.

cesspool jones Loc: atlanta

I already did my time.

Larry the Legend Loc: Not hiding in Milton

I see. Did you volunteer or were you d**gged in there kicking and screaming?

cesspool jones Loc: atlanta

only f*ggots kick and scream...like you

Larry the Legend Loc: Not hiding in Milton

Oh, looky here! An ad-hominem attack, directed squarely at Yours Truly! Aww. Ain't it cute? And a sexual slur, no less. I don't get many of those.

I'm guessing by your lack of an answer that you were actually d**gged in there kicking and screaming. I don't blame you for being touchy about being made a s***e like that. I actually volunteered, had to get my father to sign for me because I was still 17. Did C-5-1 and jump school at Ft. Benning, got out 4 years later just barely old enough to v**e. Yep, good times...

Sorry you had it so rough though. I do try and understand, honest!

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

Thank you, Teabag09. I am sorry, however, for the direction my post has lead. My message was as to how, in an odd way, Viet Nam brought my father and I much closer together. It often tore families apart.

How we Americans have come to be at each others' throats so much is beyond my comprehension.

Larry the Legend Loc: Not hiding in Milton

I think it has a lot to do with the anonymity afforded by the web. I doubt most people would be so rude or obnoxious if they were being identified as who they really are. Being able to hide behind this 'online persona' gives them the ability to lose all pretense at common courtesy and throw insults around like little brats who find themselves beyond the control of the adults in the room. I expect it will, eventually let up. Even now, it's not as bad as it used to be.

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

I have no doubt as to the t***h of your words, Larry. But, I recall a quote that might well serve ones thoughts and words..."Take care of your thoughts when you are alone...and take care of your words when you are with people." I also would point out the signature line beneath each of my postings, "We should be too big to take offense, and too noble to give it." Mind you, it is hard advice to follow. Being a grandfather to so many, I learned some time ago to attempt following both quotes.

cesspool jones Loc: atlanta

You did alot better than me. I got court-marsheled. i joined at the same age.

Larry the Legend Loc: Not hiding in Milton

Meh. All I managed was 3 Article 15's and a bust back to E-1. Didn't care then, not much bothered now.