November 2, 1968.  Fort Bragg, North Carolina.


Hi Honey,

Sorry about no letter for so long, but this has been one hell of a busy week.  We had a big inspection today, so all week long our platoon sergeant has been riding us about it. We had to move around again too, and I lost my cool corner bunk.  I’m in the same barracks but Clay had to move to another one.  Made us both kind of mad to lose our corner – it had our personal touch to it.

In a letter I got from you yesterday you asked again about Nam training.  I think I answered all your questions in that last letter I sent, so I won’t go into that again, except to say that we have started training.

I’m sending some money along — $45.  Ten is for that phone call, fifteen for the rings, and twenty for the Red Cross.  I’d like you to take it to her if you would.  That’s to Mrs. Taylor [on] 11th Ave.  You remember the place, don’t you?  After this month I’m through paying for the loan.  I’m not going to be able to send any for you to save this month.  I’ve only got fifty to last me the rest of the month and I’ve got some Christmas presents to buy.

Here’s something you might like.  I really thought it was good when I first saw it.



Love


Upon the Earth there is a Man,

And for Man, Women

And for Them, Love

Love which completes Life.

Love which starts deep

And ends never

Love, which devours all

Love is a gift of God,

For God is Love.



Believe it or not, that was written by a go-go dancer at a bar in Fayetteville.  Her name is Angel and she’s really something.  She looks like the dumb blonde type until you get to know her a little.  Now, don’t get any ideas – Kim P. is is going with her and introduced us.  It’s just that she isn’t my idea of the type of girl who would dance in a G.I. town.  She really has some brains and a great personality, which you seldom see around here.

I’m glad you finally got the ring taken care of.  Keep an eye on it though, and if anything like that happens again we’ll have them put it in a new setting.  Remember, that has to last you for many many years, right?

You asked about what math course I took my freshman year.  I took 145, algebra and trigonometry.  You had best do better than I did – I flunked it.  I know you can do better than that.  Just don’t let yourself get behind and you’ll be up tight.

I’m looking forward to some pictures of you, and the more the better.  And I’ll finally get to see what you look like in long hair!  That picture you cut out and sent me looks great.  I’m sending it back so you can have something to encourage you.  I sure hope you can make it that long without cutting it.  I would really love it like that.

No, I haven’t heard Pitney’s “Billy” yet, but I’m listening.  I think everything is kind of behind the times on the east coast, so it probably hasn’t come out around here yet. Have you ever heard of “Then” by The Vogues?  It’s on the flip side of “Turn Around Look at Me,” and is the greatest song I’ve heard in a long time.  I very seldom hear it on the radio, but if you ever see it on a jukebox, play it.  It makes me remember so many things we used to do.  It makes me homesick is what it does.

I’m going to have to go now Reet.  I’ve got to write my folks and Bob yet today, and I should write Dex, Jeannie, and Les today too.  I know I won’t get them all done but I’d best start anyway.

Don’t forget I love you honey.  I sure want to be with you again.  Even if I don’t get a chance to write off and I’m thinking of you all the time.  I love you Rita.

Forever,

Jeff