Dear Nikki,

Well, I made it through my first day in Vietnam. I told you I would. Piece of cake. I don't see the next three hundred or so days being any different. It's going to take a lot more than this war to keep me from you. I will come back.

I've been assigned 2nd Platoon on a little dust-bowl firebase called Ladybird. Captain Wallace seems ok, but I have to tell you, I'd feel a whole lot better if my father's reputation did not precede me here. No such luck. Wallace knows of him and his stupid Medal of Honor. I don't want to have to spend the rest of my Tour walking in that bastard's shadow, so I guess I'll just have to earn my own reputation. And maybe two Medals of Honor.

I can already tell I'm going to be bumping heads with my platoon sergeant, Anderson. He's a big, dumb lifer and he obviously has little respect for officers. I had to even remind him to salute me when we met for the first time. That's ok. I'll set his ass straight. I dont' give a damned if he's on his third tour. I've got rank and he'll follow my orders or pay the consequences. Third tour! Must be a nutcase.

I have a mission in the morning. My first time out. I'm scared as hell but knowing you're out there will help me to get through this. All of it.

Nik, I know you told me you don't like promises, but there is one I have already made and have every intention of keeping. I promise you, I will survive this and we will be together again. I dont' know when or where, but we will. And when we are, I will hold on to you forever and never let you go again. I want you to marry me and for us to have a baby right away and settle down Upstate on a couple of acres where you can have the life you always dreamed of. I promise you, Sweetheart, we will live happily ever after.

Until then, I have your picture and your memory. And my letters. I only wish I knew where to mail them to. Someday, I'll give them all to you so you can see how I never forgot you.

Wait for me, Nikki. It's only a year.

Love always,

Myron