You got to the point where you could smell and feel people around. All your senses were a lot keener. Like your sense of hearing at night. You'd sit out there and it'd be absolutely quiet. You could put a battalion on a hill and hear a pin drop. And as soon as darkness fell, your whole instinct was outside the perimeter... your whole sense of being is out there. You were like living radar.

You also leaned to move through dense jungle without making any noise. You move slowly. Stop. Listen. Watch where you put your foot... -John Catterson, US Marines

Johnny,

I'm glad you're back at camp. Uncle Jacob said you might be going on another extended patrol with the company. Be safe.

The dinner with David's family was fun. We talked about you boys and the war and other things that I can't even remember anymore. Bernie and Daniel talked for a while, after dinner. I've decided to let Bernie watch the news, though I'm not happy about it. He watches in studios silence, and afterwards goes to his room. I often wonder over his silence, after he was so vocal in trying to get the privilege.

For the longest time I've wanted to replace the lamp in the living room. Well, I finally got around to purchasing one but it doesn't look as good in the house as it did in the store. I tried returning it yesterday and oi vey! What a trip that was! It must have taken us an hour in the store. Those people just didn't know what to do. I'm surprised they could even feed themselves. I had brought Bernie along because I was planning on going to the grocery store afterwards and he wanted to get something or other. I was so aggravated when we finally got out of the store that we went straight home. Uncle Jacob took Bernie back out later while I relaxed for a bit. Such a nice man, your uncle. I really am glad he decided to help us out. Makes a lot of things a lot easier. I hope you've thanked him for all he's doing, watching over us while you're over there.

You know, I don't think I've told you this lately, and you most certainly deserve it. I'm proud of you, John. It's not easy for you over there, I know, but you're there. I'm really proud of you, my son. Be safe.

Love,

Mom