February 19, 1969

Dear Mom, Dad, Dan

Well, I’m at Fort Gordon, Georgia now. We came here by Greyhound bus. About 4:30 this afternoon. I got some shots before we left Jackson, and the guy that gave me the shots moved my arm by mistake, and the gun cut my arm. (You should have seen the blood). It didn’t hurt but the blood.

I got two pairs of glasses and my whole uniform. Well, as soon as I got here, they called out for some truck drivers, and my name came out. Driving big 3-ton trucks with men in them (this means no K.P).

Well, I broke up with most of the guys I was with at the reception counter, but we got a real good bunch of guys. The first Sergeants name is Beffand of company B, 5th Battalion, and training brigade Fort Gordon, Ga 30905. Well now there is about 56 guys in the barracks with no heat at night but during the day its real warm no jackets just shirts.

Tomorrow, we get dressed up in our uniforms and go for more processing. Don’t worry about me because I’m really fine. The food isn’t bad here and I’m almost quitting smoking. 2 cigs a day!

I think that the school for helicopter gunners is full for April so maybe I won’t be going to school for that. I don’t even know what day it is. Someone yelled out wed. time is going by so fast. But I still wish I was home. Last Sunday I had L.P. from 10:30 in the morning until 8:30 at night. And I only sat down twice lunch + supper.

They tried to get me to sign up for a third year and they would guarantee me that I would go for mechanic school and possible never leave the states. Do you want to know what I said. Take a guess. Well, I told them to take the third year and find another sucker! That I’m not serving one day over my 2 years. The Sargent that asked me said “I don’t blame ya that’s what I’d do” and he smiled.

Well, I’ll write my address, and I got to go. I’ll be here for 8 weeks then home for 2 weeks.

Well take care and say hi to Clem for me. Danny, I’ll bring you home some more palm trees and you can try on my uniform. All 4 sets and Dess, and the boots man are they heavy.

Dad,

Can you see me firing a machine gun on a helicopter (I can’t!)

Mom,

Love ya always and don’t worry I’m fine I am

Got to go now I’ll write tomorrow night. Love ya all!

Mickey.

I got insurance today $10,000 for $2.oo a month, you and dad will be the ones that will collect if well you know