Rick Holt's Adventures in Vietnam
Letters Home from Vietnam, 1971
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Long Thanh North
June 15, 1971
Tuesday
10 pm
Dear Folks,
Got two letters and a tape from you today. I plan to make a tape soon. Just got to make the time for it. Duff says he has a few parting words to say.
I went in for the guide-on practice this morning with Capt. Bevans. Somebody left the ignition in the jeep on all night. So at the last minute we had to go by chopper. That's the first time I've ever been in a helicopter. It's a lot more fun than an airplane. You're closer to the ground. You also don't have anything between you and the ground since they leave the side doors open.
Well, I thought the practice was pretty good. But my 'expert' observers said I was very unmilitary in the way I handled the guide-on. I told them that if they don't like the way I do it they can find somebody else. I didn't volunteer for the job. I do my best under the circumstances. Considering that Capt. Bevans gives all his commands in a rather lackadaisical manner. I think we make a pretty good pair. Well, that's the least of my worries. If they don't like it they can lump it.
There was a USO show at the club at three o'clock this afternoon. Four real live American girls put on a show for about an hour and a half. It was pretty funny and they really did a good job. It was very much appreciated in this land of sun and fun. I'm sure everybody else liked it as much as I did.
Finished another Dale Carnegie book today, "How to develop self confidence and influence people by public speaking" Can't say It had any profound effect on my mind, but it was interesting reading. I think I may squeeze in a little American History or something before I start on the other Dale Carnegie book I have.
Rick