MASH is the sole property of its' creators. Any issues with grammar or spelling are not typographical errors. I am writing trying to capture the character' voice and how he or she might write.

Dear Peg:

This is the first time we've spent Christmas apart since your family went on vacation in Italy. That goes back to your sophomore year in college. About 3 months after we started dating.

Even then, I knew that I wanted to spend every Christmas with you. Unfortunately, this war is on the other side of the globe from Mill Valley. Hawkeye once asked Colonel Potter if we could just move everything to Hawaii. Of course, the Colonel said, "So, how to the wounded get to us?" And Hawkeye, quick wit that he is, said, "The wounded would have to go to Hawaii, They'd be able to get in some R and R once they were in better shape."

"Can't do it," Colonel Potter laughed, "I might get Klinger's Section 8 just for suggesting it."

I love you and Erin more than I could write, think or even say.

One thing I really miss is the chance to read.. There's no library in a MASH, just field manuals on how to clean and operate weapons. Please put 4 or 5 books in your next package. You know what I like.

Speaking of like, Major Burns complained about the taste of his chocolate pudding last night. Nobody else complained, and chocolate pudding is one of the few foods the Army gets right.

After being here for 5 months, I really don't think Frank Burns is happy unless he's complaining about something. It gets old very quickly.

Hawkeye and I ordered a Christmas Tree and Decorations from that Sears catalog you sent. It's December 12th, so I hope we get all of that before Christmas. It's certainly cold enough – I hope we can get some snow.

Have I told you lately that I love you and Erin very much? I could never say it enough as I am blessed with the love of two wonderful women.

Corporal Johnson has a tape recorder. He still mails letters, but he also sends tapes to his family. Should we try that? The Corporal is a kind man and said I could borrow his recorder anytime. While I don't remember anyone back home having a tape recorder, maybe we could look into getting one of our own.

I don't know what that costs, but I think we'd both enjoy "talking" to each other more regularly than a call to the States. Those aren't easy to get.

I can't think of many good things that I have here. However, one that really matters is how dedicated our staff is. Being able to depend on the fellow next to you is priceless.

Honey, I think I told you about Corporal Klinger 's continuing efforts to get a Section 8. His latest stunt was to put himself in of the mailbags that choppers pick up every day. Even covered himself with outgoing mail. Well, this time was like all the others – it didn't work. The Pilot checked a very heavy mailbag and found Klinger easily.

Of course, Colonel Potter was a bit peeved by this latest stunt. Klinger got 60 days of KP, starting right then. I'm sure he'll

be spending a lot of time planning his next attempt.

Peg, the sun is about to set, which means it's about 6pm, when I have to go on duty. I'll write more in my next letter.

Much Love and Kisses

BJ