August 14th –
Dear John,
Your last letter, written Tues., 8/6 somewhere near Banmethuot arrived here on Monday morning. We are always so happy to hear from you. Got a kick out of the little picture enclosed, looks like a rough country all right.
Brian has a National Geographic map of South Vietnam that is fairly detailed. We have gotten that out and always check out on the map where you are – from Pleiku, to Dakto, to Kontum…Pleiku and now we’ve located Banmethuot.
Was so glad to hear that you’ve finally received some of the mail we have sent. I have written at least one letter each week, or as soon as I get some communication from you to answer. Brian, Alison, Judy and Daddy have all written at least once., and oh yes, Margaret wrote a thank you letter for her birthday present. Hope you will get them all, also the books we have mailed.
I went shopping on Monday and bought you a small pad (19¢), like the paper you have been writing on and a package of envelopes (29¢). Yesterday Dad wrapped it up for me, and today I took it to the Post Office and sent it Air Mail. (Everything seems to take so long to reach you, and if you are down to 4 envelopes I didn’t want to keep you waiting too long. Air Mail for that little package cost $1.24. Hope it arrives safely.
Today Brian had to go to the Board of education for some interview regarding his permanent teaching position. So he was home early this afternoon and went over to Korvette’s for me. He picked out the Camera you asked for. It is a newer model than mine, supposedly somewhat improved. We added a couple of rolls of film as (if you can’t get to the PX, you can’t get film) you may need it. Then he wrapped it up, good and tight, and I will definitely get this in the mall tomorrow.
August 15th, so you can look for it. I guess it will take a week to ten days anyway. Total cost at Korvette’s was about $18.50, plus mailing costs. Around $20., maybe I won’t take it out of your account. I’ll see. If I need the money, then I’ll make a withdrawal.
Glad to hear that you’re staying healthy, despite the rigors of the climate, the mosquitoes, the leeches, etc., etc. (oh yeh, Ants!) Hope the V.C. continue to play it cool. Paris Peace talks seems to go nowhere at all. I suppose everything is dragging along until the election, which still seems so far off to me.
On the homefront, summer is passing along smoothly. Margaret is fine, still earning money at the stable. She is the family banker, always with $60. or $70. cash laying around. Anyone (like me, or Al., or Judy) who wants to make a fast loan knows it [is] up there in thelittle green can. She should charge interest, she’d make a fortune (like the Mafia loansharks for a short term loan.)….$25., until payday. Anyway Margaret & Becky spent last week-end at a place called Deep Hollow Ranch at Montauk Point, L.I. Seems Teddy Roosevelt trained his Rough Riders out there, that’s how old it is. A girl friend names Arlene is out there for the summer & invited them.
Came & went to Montauk on the L.I. R.R. We met the train in Jamaica on Sun. nite.
Judy is dating “Charles” constantly. Said Chas. seems to get larger and larger. They’ve spent several hot summer Sundays at good old Rockaway Beach. Remember Rockaway Beach.? Charley’s parents like it down there, and all his aunts and uncles get together, like a huge tribe, all in the same spot every time they go down, around Beach 116th St., I think it is. Judy says they have a good time.
Charles is Armenian (his last name is Merguerian), and I understand they’ve very clannish. He is being a rebel not dating an Armenian girl.
Alison still dates “Willy” all the time too….where it will end, Quien Sabe? She says that Willy and his wife have separated (amicably, she wants out, too), and they have seen a lawyer, who has advised them they can obtain an annulment. (It is cheaper than a divorce, and possibly easier to get on certain grounds in N.Y.S.)
Brian is now busily involved in finding suitable acreage to buy in New York State, Adirondack Mts. area. Went up last week-end with Charley Buske, and Rick. They’re buying, like 80 to 100 acres….nothing small about these fellows. Think big! I have not got the foggiest notion where the money is coming from. The 4th partner in this real estate operation is Harry Tanner.
Papa is still doctoring, but today he is feeling better. Had a sort of summer diahheria; Monday Dad & I were supposed to go to Greenwood Lake, but we didn’t want to leave him so we didn’t go. Hopefully, we will get there next Tuesday, we have a date with the Vassallos.
All my love and prayers…….
Mom
P.S. Am enclosing my letter with Judy’s
John Kelly (b.1944-d.2020)
U.S. Army, 1968-1969
New York Army National Guard, retired 2004
In this letter, John’s mother provides details about John’s home and family while addressing the recent Paris Peace Talks. Letter dated August 14th, year unknown.
Courtesy of the New York State Military Museum
