Rick Holt's Adventures in Vietnam
Letters Home from Vietnam, 1971

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Da Nang
September 1, 1971
Wednesday
9 pm

Dear Folks,

Cheney was supposed to bring the mail up today. The plane came up with the mail but Cheney wasn't on it. I heard the CO told him to get a haircut. He was the hippiest of them all, so I think he was ashamed to show up here with his new haircut. At least that's the rumor.

Well, got 8 letters dated up to the 27th. Also got the pictures back from Wards. I mailed them about 3 this afternoon so I imagine you got them the same time you got this letter. And if you're anything like me you probably opened them already. I always open the fat ones first. Am I right?

This month of September is full of big events. The 20th is 15 months in the army. The 24th is 8 months in-country. The 29th is my 21st birthday and the next day is payday. Hope I'm back in Long Thanh by then. I can get a free steak dinner at the club on my birthday. Of course, I'd prefer a Big Mac and fries with a 20 cent coke, but you can't have everything. This is a hardship tour you understand. I think you get a free steak dinner when you get off that freedom bird back in the states. Too bad they can't squeeze that into September too. Does that answer your question, Dad? If they try to put me in a boat I'll call my congressman. The next time I see the sun rise over a watery horizon it had better be on the Chesapeake Bay!

Well, by the time you get this letter the kids will just about be ready to start school. Soon you'll be feeling the cold of winter. I really dig this weather here, but to be truthful I'd like to feel what it's like to be bitter cold again. I've been cold here but it's a lonely cold. I'd like to scrape the frost off that cold aluminum boat seat and feel that cold wind blow. 'Cause that's where it's at. Just me, my boat, the fish and my fishin' partner. Can ya' dig it.?

Rick

(read the next letter home)