A Farmer's Courage II: Vietnam 67'

Prologue: Back in Duty

(Back to Jack)

It has been a long time now after our liberation of Mineral Island, and the end of World War II. Things have gone back to normal back here in my home, Mineral Island. Karen and Rick were busy running their business, with the help of Ann and me of course. O'Brien has retired from the army, and is now running Yodel farm. But his boys were still in for it. Kai has gone off to America to register himself in the U.S military. I don't know what he got in his mind. Carter May, and Stu is taking care of the church, and usually holds sermons on Sundays. Gray was married to his partner back in the air force, and is now running the library. As for me, I was married to Ann; my sweetheart. We both now run the farm, the Inn, and assisting Karen on the winery. Oh, and by the way, Ann and I have a son, Peter. Those years were one of the best years of my life… until we receive a letter from Kai in 1967.

(Kai's Letter)

Summer 27, 1967

Dear: Jack, and Ann Harvest

"Hi there guys! How's it going over there in Mineral Island? Are things going well? Well anyways, sorry I couldn't write to you back since I've been in training camp, and I've been moved almost all the time! Finally I'm able to write and send you this before boarding the Hercules military aircraft, heading towards Vietnam. I know I haven't told you that I'm heading there, but at least you know where I'm heading now. When you receive this letter, I was probably in the plane right now, heading towards Saigon. Or maybe, I was already in Nam. Well, gotta' go now! See ya' some other time!"

(Back to Jack)

"Damn, he's nuts! He's out of his mind!" I was surprise receiving that letter.
"Calm down Jack! Calm down!" Ann tries to calm me down.

We were all gathered in the Inn one night to read and discuss the letter I receive. Everybody has just gone plain nuts once they read the letter.

"Alright, we all know how crazy he is back in World War II if he gets his hands on a heavy machine gun…." I start the discussion.

"If, he gets his hands on it."

"Yes, Karen; if he gets his hands in it."

"So, what exactly are we gonna' do to keep him from messing himself?" O'Brien

We pause for a moment….

"How about sending a war veteran from our island? Some of us here were still registered in the military right?" Rick

"Oh, we'll send your ass over there four eyes!" Ann's usual aggressive act

"Hey, no body but ME calls him four eyes, bitch!"

"You want a fight eh, Karen?" Ann stands out from his seat, accepting her challenge

"Bring it on sucker!"

"Ladies, please….keep it down! We don't want bar fights here!" This time, I got to act before things go worse.

"Why don't we send your husband Ann? He's the one who survive the German onslaught back in 1944!" What?

"No way is he going Karen! He stays right here, in Mineral Town!" Ann tries to shield me.

"Send O'Brien; he's the one who lead the Airborne troops on the liberation!"

"Whoa…don't put me in! I'm out of the army after the war ends! Send Rick here! His medic skills could prove useful!"

"No way am I going! I've got my jobs, family, kids, and my wife to worry; send Jack!" Not again…..

"FINE! Let's end it this way! I volunteer!" I'll joke a bit to stop this fight.

"What? Rick! Mind my husband Jack, he's just joking. We're joking." Karen.

"No, really; I volunteer."

"Jack! What about the farm? The Inn? Our son? And…….how about me…?" Ann was worried.

" Relax guys, I didn't mean it! It's just a joke!"

My wife, Karen, and Rick sighed in relief. All the others did the same as well.

"Yeah, okay, uh-huh. Thank you!" Doctor Tim. Who the hell is he talking to in the phone?

"Yo, Jack! The U.S Army agrees that you will be re-assigned to the military and will be sent to Vietnam two days from now!"

Everybody in the room was surprised, just like I did.

"What? Tim! I didn't mean it that serious! Cancel it!"

"I can't! It's already been confirmed! A flight is scheduled for you in the airstrip. You will be leaving tonight! The rest, it's up to the military…."

"Damn it!"

That night, I pack my stuff, and write a letter to Ann while she's asleep. That way, I won't have any goodbye tears. I reach the airfield at 1100, board the C-47, and was heading towards the U.S.

(Jack's Letter)

Dear, Ann

Sorry I left you in the middle of the night without telling you my departure. I wrote you this letter to tell you that I was now heading towards Vietnam. Although I will reach Nam tomorrow, I just want to tell you to pray for me for my year of duty. I know what the consequences I will take out there are, but I will promise you one thing: I will return to the island, without harm. Once again, I'm sorry.

Love,

Jack