Vietnam, 1970

Dear Family, Friends, Civilians, and Draft Dodgers,

In the very near future, the undersigned will once again be in your midst, dehydrated, but happy to resume his place in the world. In making your joyous preparations to welcome him back into organized society, you might take certain steps to make allowances for the tropical environment which has been his home for the past 365 days. In other words, he might be a little Asiatic from Vietnamitis and overseasitis and should be HANDLED WITH CARE. However, a little time in the "World" and in the "Land of the Big PX" should cure this malady.

Therefore, show no surprise if he looks around for his steel pot when offered a chair, insists on carrying his own tin can to the dinner table, or wakes up in the middle of the night for guard duty. Keep cool when he pours gravy on his dessert or mixes peaches with his mashed potatoes. Take it with a smile when he digs up the garden to fill sandbags for his bunker. Be tolerant when he takes the blanket off his bed and puts it on the floor to sleep on: he's been in the field for twelve months.

Abstain from saying anything about powdered eggs, dehydrated potatoes, fried rice, fresh milk, and ice cream. Do not be alarmed if he should jump up from the dinner table and rush to the garbage can to wash his dishes with a brush. After all, this has been his way of life. Finally, if it should start to rain, pay no attention to him when he grabs a towel and a bar of soap and runs outdoors for a shower.

When, in his daily conversation, he utters such things as "Xin Loi", "Choi oi", and "same-same", just be patient. Simply stay calm when he says "numbah 10" because it means nothing more than "bad news". Do not be surprised if he picks up the phone and yells "Sky King, sir", or says "Roger, out", for good-bye or simply shouts "working".

Never ask why the Jones' son held a higher rank than he did, and by no means mention the word "extend". Pretend not to notice if, in a restaurant, he calls the waitress "co" or uses his hat for an ashtray. He will probably listen for "Homeward Bound" to sound off over radio AFVN. If he does, comfort him, for he is still reminiscing.

Above all, keep in mind that beneath that tanned and rugged exterior, there is a heart of gold. Treat him with kindness, tolerance, and TLC, and you will soon find him to be the same happy-go-lucky guy you knew and loved.

Last, but by no means least, send no more mail to the APO, fill the refrigerator with his favorite beverage and foods, get the civvies out of the mothballs, and fill the car with gas....................................

BECAUSE THE KID IS COMING HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GARRY BRUCKNER

D 2/8, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)

VIETNAM DIARY                       SKYTROOPERS HOMEPAGE