Letter Home — 18 April 1971

Written two days before the April 20 contact north of FSB Fanning. "They're keeping us a lot busier over here now" is the only hint of the rising tempo just ahead. Notable for the camera thread: he sells his first camera to a man heading home and picks up "a little Kodak 124." Family: "Dan" and "Buss" (Don) are Marvin's older brothers.

18 Apr 71

Dear Mom,

I hope everyone is doing OK back home. I'm doing alright over here. Things really haven't changed much. The weather is still as hot as ever and it hasn't rained any to speak of. The "lifers" are starting to hassle us more. It's almost like back in the States for police call etc.

I got the package you sent OK. It arrived in good condition. The other one didn't fair too bad either. I forgot to check the dates to see how long it took but I know it doesn't take much longer than regular mail. Ten cent stamps don't get here any faster than 6¢ stamps either.

They're keeping us a lot busier over here now and its harder to find time to write letters. I'll try and write at least as many as I have been but they may not be as long.

I hope Dan's getting along at his new job OK. At least it's something to do.

You should get $842. pretty soon. You can pay off my loan with that and put the rest in the bank if you don't need it for something. Did you ever get the money for my income tax return yet. I think you said something about putting the stairs in with that. I hope you can get them in before I get home.

I owe a good many letters. wish there was something I could send but I have no way of getting anything.

I imagine Dan and Buss are still tinkering with their tractor. Tell me if they ever get any accessories for it.

The weather should be getting better back home by now. It hasn't changed over here yet.

Tell Buss to forget about that film. I sold that camera yesterday to a guy who was headed back to the World. I hope Buss doesn't get some before this letter gets there. I got a little Kodak 124 now.

Well I hope everyone's fine. I am OK over here. I'm going to close now, I'll try and write another letter tomorrow.

Love, Marv