Encoded for for the Veterans History Project, November 18, 2020.
All letters in the Allan Levin collection were digitized.
The following letters were transcribed from the handwritten originals by Veterans History Project staff. No alterations to this transcription has been made, although spelling errors are indicated with [sic]. Any special emphasis (i.e. underlining) is presented *between asterisks*.
19 Sept 66
Dear Frances + the gang.
Received your letter today. Was good hearing from you. I want to take this opportunity to wish you a Happy + healthy new year.
I would have written sooner but I've been so so busy I hope that you understand. You see its this way -. Our unit, the 35th Engineer Battalion, has been alerted for overseas movement to South East Asia a couple of months ago. I didn't say anything to you or momma or Daddy ^sooner^ cause I figured the less that they have to worry the better they feel, the better I feel. The same goes for you. That's why I'm taking my leave why I Am. more than likely our destination will be Vietnam. Of course this is only speculation but where else would we go in SE Asia but there. Does make sense doesn't it? Last Friday [& ?] all this week we are having inspections of All our [words?] + equipment. All deploying units go through these POM\POR inspections Preparation for Overseas Movement\Replacement.
my [records?] on 215 men were inspected they said that they were in good shape
I ^was^ complemented on a job well by our CO + the inspection team. I'll be coming home on the 26th or 27th of Sept. [& ?] we will move out before the end of Oct.
[Michell Lock?] landed in Vietnam last or this week I believe I may see him there.
Whatever you do don't tell Momma or daddy I'll tell them when I get home.
Are you Randall's teacher, I hope not, you'd be too rough on him I bet.
Tell them, R + David, I'll bring them their Army Shells or a promised I would
That's about all for now.
See you all in a couple of weeks.
My Love to All,
Allan