Dear Mom

Randy Barnes worked (MOS) as a Combat Medic in an automatic weapons group that operated dusters and quad-50’s, assigned to the 25th Infantry Division. Randy died 12/2/2006. Before his wife died 1/11/2011 she asked that I deal with the items Randy sent home and saved from his tour in Vietnam. His pictures are in the Gallery on this site. I am entering letters he sent home and some he got while there, in a Blog format. Some letters contain pictures and they are displayed with a border around the picture, from the same envelope. All pictures have no border, and were selected from his picture Gallery, by me, to aid the reader picture what Randy writes about in his 50 letters. Letter numbers are my addition and helped me organize what came in a pile.

Letter #38 is moved below letter #27 as it was written in March not May 1969.(my reading error) A letter I FOUND after numbering them is below letter #38 and “Found Later” leads to letter #28, which resumes the correct numbering sequence. The letters begin in November 1968 and end in August 1969. Someone saved and returned them to Randy. I tried to reproduce the letters as they are written and not change things I consider errors. Drawings are described, not drawn, as they are in the hand written letters. Those descriptions and any comments of MINE are rendered in RED and slightly larger text.

These 50+ letters home from Vietnam were sent back to the “World” by Randy Barnes, mainly to his Mom (Juanita Herrington), Mr.& Mrs. Richard Sallman (Solly) and the Dutch Goose, a bar in Topeka Kansas, from November 1968 to August 1969. The Dutch Goose is still in business 73 years after opening at 3203 Southwest 10th Av. Topeka Kansas 785 357 8474. Included, are some letters to Randy; a “chain letter” from an unidentified military medical facility in the San Francisco Bay Area, a group from the Boys Industrial School in Topeka Kansas, and one from a fellow Vietnam Combat Medic and friend Ed Legar. 3 “Dear John” letters from a woman he had a romantic relationship with prior to leaving for Vietnam, display the not uncommon “Changes at Home” pain experienced by soldiers. Reading them triggered many buried memories of my year in Viet Nam, that pictures have not. Below are scans of 2 letters to serve as samples letters written by Randy.

randyletter1small

randyletter2small

Two audio tapes (Transcribed and digitized by Joe Padavic, owner of Teardrop Video, in Mission Kansas), Randy sent home are in this collection (sample-1 / sample-2), and the MP3 files can be found below Letter # 12 in the letter list. I recommend them!

Sample 1
Sample 2

You can listen to the audio letters as you continue to read other letters or view different sections of my web site.

Chris Woelk

Randy's Letters Home

Audio Letter #1

Posted by on March 7, 2011, in the category Letters Home

This MPG file is nearly 50 MB, runs 60 minutes and takes my computer about 25 seconds to load it. Randy’s letters home (the ones I inherited) began in early November 1968, this […]

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Audio Letter #2

Posted by on March 7, 2011, in the category Letters Home

This audio tape is 10MB and runs 22 minutes in which Randy describes “Vietnam” for his family. It takes about 15 seconds to load on my computer. Randy recorded this before Christmas 1968, […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #1 – Nov. 3, 1968

Posted by on February 20, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dearest Mom, HHB 5th Bn. AWSP 2nd ARTY APO San Francisco, CA 96266 This will be short-just to let, you know I’m here & safe. We arrived about 11:30 PM Wed. night. We spent Thurs […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #2 – Nov. 4, 1968

Posted by on February 14, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Richard & Carla, MON NOV 4 I write to you as my K.C. spokesman. I trust you will pass on my correspondence to the entire “tribe”. I will, in the future attempt to write […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #3 – Nov. 14, 1968

Posted by on February 14, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Mom, Just got your first letter today, the 14th. I was really happy to get a letter. About the Garry’s thing. I’ve told the Finance office I want to send $150 a month home. […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #4 – Nov. 14, 1968

Posted by on February 14, 2011, in the category Letters Home

READ THE OTHER LETTER FIRST AS I MAILED IT TO THE WRONG PLACE & It Came back. NIXON SUCKS! Dear Tribe, 14 Nov Ya’all get two letters together since I gave the last one a K.C. […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #5 – Nov. 22,1968

Posted by on February 14, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Bro and assorted “Goosers”, 16 Nov – Sat. I have now been in V.N. two weeks and 3 days. I like V.N. about as well as I’d like to have Syphills or Cancer. It’s […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #6 – Nov. 22, 1968

Posted by on February 15, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Mom, Howard, Val, Bill & Family, 22 Nov., Fri Nothing much new in V.N. Just thought I’d drop a line – let you know I’m okay. This place is a real drag. Can’t say much […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #7 – Nov. 23, 1968

Posted by on February 15, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Mom & Everyone, Sun, Nov 23 Got your letter (Tues. Nov 19) and thought I would dash off a quick note. First, don’t send the Bermudas – just tennis shoes, levis & sweat socks. I’ll […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #8 – Nov. 28,1968

Posted by on February 15, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Mom, 28 NOV 1968 Today is Thanksgiving. We’re going to have TURKEY, CRANBERRIE SAUCE, ROLLS, PUMPKIN PIE etc. Should be good! We were supposed to have the day off but due to the fact the […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #9 – Nov. 29, 1968

Posted by on February 15, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Mom, Val, & Family 29 NOV, FRI Just a short note to let you know that I received my Xmas presents. I was so happy to get them. The candy was great and everyone […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #10 – Nov. 30, 1968

Posted by on February 15, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Bro and Goose People, Sat, 30 NOV. A big hi to ya’ from the cess pool of Southeast Asia. Hope this letter doesn’t pick up any of the odor that abounds in the air […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #11 – Dec. 9, 1968

Posted by on February 15, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Mom, 5 Dec. Thur. I got your letter today The article was interesting. I had already read about it in “The Stars and Stripes” however, it wasn’t as complete as the clipping you sent. I […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #12 – Dec. 11, 1968

Posted by on February 15, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Mom, Howard, Val, Bill & Fam Wed, Dec 11 Just a note to let you know all is okay. It’s getting hotter & dustier – Dust everywhere – When it blows you can’t see. […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #13 – Jan. 4,1969

Posted by on February 15, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Solly & Tribe, 4 Jan, Sat. Finally made it. I’m at a field Battery in Cu Chi. This is the Base Camp for 25th Infantry and I now wear the 25th Patch. Can you […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #14 – Jan. 4 1969

Posted by on February 16, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Mom, 4 Jan. Sat I hope you were’t too worried due to my lack of writing. Sorry I haven’t written lately – just been lazy. Well I’ve moved out to the field battery but I’m […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #15 – Jan. 6, 1969

Posted by on February 16, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Richard, CARLA & GROUP, 6 Jan – Mon. I want to thank you & Carla, Rich, for my lamp. It’s just what I wanted. Perfect – One minor problem – The bulb (finally) was […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #16 – Jan. 6, 1969

Posted by on February 16, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Mom, 6 Jan, Mon. I’ve now been at B Battery since Wed & I love it. I’ve been busy as hell since I got here. The Medic before me was a real Dud. He […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #17 – Jan. 13,1969

Posted by on February 16, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Mom, Howard, & Val MON – 13 Jan ’69 Just a note to let you all know I’m fine. I got the Tape Sat. Since I moved out to B BTRY my mail was delayed. […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #18 – Jan. 13, 1969

Posted by on February 16, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Goose, Friends, & Fellow Goosers, MON – 13 Jan ’69 I received your tape of “Xmas in Rio” Saturday. I have moved out to a field Battery so was a week & a half […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #19 – Jan. 15, 1969

Posted by on February 16, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Mom, WED – 15 JAN 1969 Just a note to say I’m fine. I received your letter yesterday. I hope I signed the cards okay. Nothing much new. Some of our Dusters and Quad 50s got […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #20 – Jan. 27, 1969

Posted by on February 16, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Mom, Howard, & Val, 27 Jan – Mon Nothing much new here. Just thought I’d drop a line & let you know all is well. The weather seems to be getting hotter everyday and […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #21 – Feb. 3, 1969

Posted by on February 16, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Mom, 2 FEB, 69 Just a note – will write a longer later tomorrow or next day. Again I don’t have enough money. Since I bought my camera, I’ve been taking films like mad […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #22 – Feb. 12, 1969

Posted by on February 16, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Mom, Val & Everyone, 12 FEB – Wed Not really anything much new to write about, everyday is like the other. One of our V.N. K.P.’s came down with PLAGUE and died. I was pretty […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #23 – Feb. 22, 1969

Posted by on February 17, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Mom, Val, Howard & All, 22 FEB Sat. Everyday is just like the one before. It’s very hard to remember what I did the day before yesterday or even yesterday. Today our Battalion Commander is […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #24 – Feb. 17, 1969

Posted by on February 17, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Mom & Val, 27 FEB 1969 THURS. Just a note to let you know I’m okay. Well, I guess you have read in the papers we (Cu Chi) was hit with a massive […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #25 – March 5, 1969

Posted by on February 17, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Solly, Carla, & Tribe, Wed 5 MAR I haven’t heard from you for awhile nor have I written. Thought now would be the time. I don’t know if it made the papers at home but […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #26 – March 12, 1969

Posted by on February 17, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Mom, Val, & Howard, 12 MAR., Wed Nothing really new to write about. Just a letter to let you know I’m okay. Things have been relatively quiet. We had a convoy ambushed yesterday (I wasn’t […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #27 – March 22, 1969

Posted by on February 17, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Mom, 22 MAR – Sat. I’ve received all of your letters I think. I get one almost every other day. I’m sure glad you write as much as you do. Once again, or is it […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #28 – April 10, 1969

Posted by on February 17, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Goose and others, 10 APR – THURS. I received your letter, Frank, about 3 weeks ago. Thanks loads for writing. I don’t get many letters from the old Goose gang so I’m happy when […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #29 – April 10, 1969

Posted by on February 18, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Mom, Val, Howard, and Everyone, 10 APR – THURS. Received a letter from Bill & Doris as well as their Cruise “Paper”? Thank them for me. I’m really too busy right now to write. My […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #30 – April 10, 1969

Posted by on February 18, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Solly & Carla, Thurs. 10 APRIL What has happened to you two? You both became paraplegics did you? How’s about a letter. Nothing much to say really. I’ve seen quite a bit more conflict […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #31 – May 4, 1969

Posted by on February 18, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Mom, 4 MAY Sun. Please let me know as soon as possible how much money I have in the Bank as I’m planning on ordering the rest of my stereo equip & have it […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #32 – May 5, 1969

Posted by on February 18, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Carla & Solly, 5 MAY – Thurs. Got your letter yesterday. I’d been out in the field on a 7 day search and destroy mission, so didn’t get any mail. Thank you Carla for […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #33 – May 9, 1969

Posted by on February 18, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Mom, I hope you recieve your Mother’s Day present in time. Didn’t know what to buy so bought an oil painting by a Korean artist. The frame is kind of cheesy so maybe you […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #34 – May 12, 1969

Posted by on February 18, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Solly, 12 MAY – Mon. I wrote a letter to Bob & BA. Hope it gets to their new address. Call Bob & tell him to be sure and get all info I asked […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #35 – May 17, 1969

Posted by on February 19, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Mom, 12 MAY 1969 Sorry I was so delinquent in writing. Just lazy & nothing to write about. Did you get slides yet? Did you get Mothers Day present? Hope so. Monsoon’s are here. […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #36 – May 21, 1969

Posted by on February 19, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Mom, 16 MAY, 69 Some time in the very near future I will probably send home for $500 or $600. This is to buy all the rest of my stereo equipment. I am not […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #37 -May 24, 1969

Posted by on February 19, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Solly & Carla, 24 MAY – Sat. Just a short note. I was listening to the radio and what I heard gave me a real case of homesickness. It was “Kites Are Fun” […]

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Barnes (Found Late) Letter March 24, 1969

Posted by on February 22, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Goose & People, 24 MAR – SAT I haven’t heard from anyone in so long I wonder if you’re all still there. No one writes – Wish to hell someone would – Can’t be […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #38 – May 24, 1969

Posted by on February 19, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Mom, 24 MAR – Mon. A short note on financial matters. I’m going to buy some Stereo equipment this month so would you please send me $120.00 Thanks loads. Everything quiet and I’m fine. Yesterday […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #39 – June 5, 1969

Posted by on February 19, 2011, in the category Letters Home

This is on rear of the envelope. (PLEASE SEND ANOTHER $50.00) Dear Mom & Howard, 5 June – Thurs. 1969 Nothing much new. I’ve been out in the field for seven days. We were assisting […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #40 – June 24, 1969

Posted by on February 19, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Mom, 24 June – Tues Nothing much new to report, just writing to let you know that I’m fine. The weather is bad and getting worse all the time. I guess Aug. is the high […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #41 – June 29, 1969

Posted by on February 20, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Mom, 29 June, Sun. Got your letter marked 24 June. Boy, you’re trying to keep me over here longer than I am supposed to stay. Today is the 29th and I only have […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #42 – July 8, 1969

Posted by on February 20, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Solly & Carla, 8 JULY Tue Solly that was a wonderful newsy letter you wrote me, even if you did take a month or two, to write it. I hope you are more […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #43 – July 12, 1969

Posted by on February 20, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Mom, & Val & Howard, 12 July – Sat. I’ve ordered my turntable and its component parts. Should be about 2 or 3 boxes from United Audio. Also ordered my Receiver from Scott International […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #44 – July 22, 1969

Posted by on February 20, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Solly & Carla 22 July, 69 PS The ultimate in short letters. These are handed out by the Red Cross. See the letter I […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #45 – July 25, 1969

Posted by on February 20, 2011, in the category Letters Home

This text is on the back of the letter. This morning I got my orders and according to them, I got a 4 day […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #46 – July 26, 1969

Posted by on February 20, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Mom, Val, & Howard, 26 JULY – Sat. I got the photos of the house & it looks very nice. I think I’ll be crazy about it. I noticed that little bit of “censoring” […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #47 – July 27, 1969

Posted by on February 20, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Solly & Carla, 27 JULY – Sun Sure wish you’d write as it has been awhile. Also I’m coming home soon. I wrote Bob N. a long letter about all details but I’ll fill you […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #48 – August 3, 1969

Posted by on February 20, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Mom, 3 Aug, Sat. Got your letter about your fallout with Lil. I’d hate to see old friends parted for such a small thing – However, if your friendship was about ended anyway, guess […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #49 – August 5, 1969

Posted by on February 20, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Mom, Val, everyone, 5 Aug. 1969 Tues ONLY 11 DAYS to go. Today I’m shippinng home all my baggage, just keeping what I’ll wear home and a few things to wear here. I’m completely retired. […]

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Randy Barnes – Letter #50 – August 8, 1969

Posted by on February 20, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Mom, 10 Aug Sunday My last letter from V.N. to you. Only 6 DAYS TO GO. This is a short note to tell you that I have heard from the companies from which I […]

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Dear John Letter #1 January 15,1969

Posted by on February 22, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Randy, 1/15/69 Got your letter and picture. You have lost weight! Yes, your letter was very descriptive. Paul called last week (Wed. nite) and said he was coming in Thur. So fine. We were going […]

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Dear John Letter #2 February 19,1969

Posted by on February 22, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Randy Monday I have been thinking about you and how to write this letter ever since I got your letter. I really couldn’t believe that you thought I was being cruel because that was […]

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Dear John Letter #3 May 22, 1969

Posted by on February 22, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Randy, 5/22/69 How is everything in Vietnam? Swinging, I suppose. I’m getting ready to move (2 weeks to be exact – June 7) and I’ve got your uniform and 2 sweaters. Would you like me […]

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Letter to Randy from Jill Cress Aug. 8,1969

Posted by on February 26, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Randy, Aug 8th It was so good to hear from you – especially the news that you’r coming home soon. We hope you will come up and see us soon after you get home. We’ll […]

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Party Invitation

Posted by on March 17, 2011, in the category Letters Home

 A party invitation from his friends at the Dutch Goose bar in Topeka Kansas, sent to Randy in Vietnam. Some of Randy’s letters home were sent here. The bar is still in business in […]

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School Kids Letters to Randy – Jan. 1969

Posted by on February 21, 2011, in the category Letters Home

These letters were written to Randy in January 1969 by boys attending Boys High School in Topeka Kansas. Randy, How are you? Fine I hope. My name is David Ely. I’m at the B.I.S. […]

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Ed Legar Letter to Randy Date Unknown

Posted by on February 22, 2011, in the category Letters Home

Dear Randy, I got your letter a while ago and I’m just getting a chance to answer it. You wouldn’t believe all the crap they’ve been throwing at us. God it was good hear from […]

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Chain Letter – May 26 1969

Posted by on February 21, 2011, in the category Letters Home

My guess is this chain letter was produced by a military unit Randy served with prior to his tour in Vietnam. The lingo and knowledge indicate this was a medical unit […]

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