This kind of insidious threat - the knowledge that there were no front lines, that everywhere was a combat zone - was a hard thing to live with. Day in and day out. The war was with you all the time. For instance, I remember feeling the little tinkle of dog tags around my neck and reminding myself I could go home in a body bag. Because dog tags were in case you were so disfigured they couldn't tell who you were. Yeah, Vietnam had a way of playing on your mind. And it wasn't just the guys in the jungle who felt it. Everyone felt it. I know I felt it, too. -Judy Jenkins, US Army social worker
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John,
Your mother gave me your address. I figured that I should write to see how you're doing. I don't know if she's told you yet, but I'm going to be moving in with your mother and Bernie to help out. I thought that maybe I should check in with the man of the house before packing my bags though.
So, kiddo, how are you doing? Your mother says that you've seen some action and your camp has been attacked by mortar fire, during which a man died in front of you. It's hard, I know, watching someone die and have no power over it. It's probably the worst feeling, worse than having power over someone's life and exerting it by taking their life. For some reason, you can become somewhat immune to killing another man, but it always hurts when you see a friend die. If you ever want to talk about it, I'm here. Don't hesitate to write. Probably be easier on your mother, too. She sounded as worried as ever when she told me, and that's saying something. War's tough on a soldier, and just as tough on his family. You're a strong kid. You'll make it. I'm not as sure about your mother, but hopefully with me around she'll ease up.
She also mentioned you're in that same unit as your best friend. That's a stroke of luck, but be careful. While being friends with men in your unit is good for cooperation and such, it hurts that much more when one of them dies. I'm not telling you to shut yourself off, but be careful. A broken heart makes a foolish man, and in war it makes a dead man. Here at home, we'd all like to see you come back safe and sound.
Love,
Uncle Jake
PS By the time you get this and I get your response, I'll be in your house, so send it to your mother. She'll give it to me.