Jan 16, 1972

 Dear Mom & Dad

As you probably guessed, I made it back to Bamberg OK, and without any problems.  I sure did hate to leave when Dad in such bad shape.  Please drop me a note soon and let me know how everything is.  I sure hope he didn't have anything seriously hurt.  On the trip back from New York to Copenhagen I flew on a 747 as I had guessed that I would.  That sure is a large airplane, but it flies just as smooth (except for takeoff which was a little shaky) as any plane I've ever flown on.  

when I got to Copenhagen I didn't leave the airport, because I didn't really have as much time as I had thought, and mainly I was too tired to do any sightseeing.  I did wander around the airport for a while, and picked up a few things in the stores there.  The book mark in this envelope is for Lore.  Also in this envelope are a few more coins for her collection and a few stamps for moms collection.

When I got back to Bamberg, I found a large backlog of work to do, but I'm just about all caught up now.  I was expecting to find something here telling me an exact date of when I will be leaving Germany, but there wasn't anything.  I will of course let you know , whenever I find out myself.

Well that's really about all I have to say for now, except for thanks again for making my Christmas very enjoyable and be sure to let me know soon, how everything is!

Dec. 13 1971

 Dear Mom & Dad,

This will just be a short note to let know that my plans have not changed since the last time I wrote you.  I am still expecting to arrive Portland at 4:27 PM on Sat, 18 Dec.  Although I have not heard from you yet, since I wrote you to tell you I am coming home I am taking it for granted that you did get my letter.  If you didn't I guess this letter will be quite a surprise!

I got your very good tape, which you recorded over Thanksgiving and was sure happy to receive it.  Also I got your Christmas gifts and I will bring them back with me.  I had to take them out of the box you sent them in, in order to fit them in my suitcase, but I haven't opened them except for the one from Aunt Wilma which had the paper torn on it, so I could tell what it was when I took it out.  It's just as well, because I can use it on the trip home.

Well that's about all.  I sure am looking forward to seeing everyone, and I hope this letter get to you before I do!

Nov 21, 1971

 Dear Mon & Dad,

I seemed to have lost or misplaced all of my pens, so rather than writing in pencil I thought I would type this one for a change.  This way I can blame all misspellings on typographical errors.  I sure did like your tape which I got as few days ago.  I sent you another one right after I got yours.  I hope you have received it by now.  As I said in my tape, I did apply for a leave and I got it.  Yesterday I went to Frankfurt to get my plane tickets.  Here is my itinerary for the trip home: 

Date 18 Dec 71

From: Frankfurt to Copenhagen 9:25AM- Airline - Lufthansa #002

From: Copenhagen to Seattle 12:45PM -Airline SAS #933

From Seattle to Portland  3:40PM - Airline Air West #531

Arrive in Portland 4:27PM

So barring any unforeseen difficulties I should see you at about 4:30 on Saturday the 18th of December.  Please keep in mind though  that due to possible bad weather in either Frankfurt, Copenhagen or Seattle, I could be late.  If for some reason I'm delayed for more than a day I will send you a telegram, which takes a day or two at the most to get to you.

Well guess what happend after I sent that last tape to you?  This Friday I got a letter from The Department of the Army that said that my Voluntary Indefinite status has been changed back to my regular two year obligation!  This has been happening to quite a few LT's who were  V.I.  About two months ago I wrote D.A. and requested that they do this, but I was't real sure that they would.  My new date getting out is now July 21, 71. I am expecting that this date, also will be set up, because nowadays almost all OBV-2 (2 year obligation) officers are getting an early out before their 2 years are up.  This early out could be as much as 4 months.  Like I said, I am pretty sure I will get it because everybody that I know who has got out recently was released early to some extent at least.  I don't think I will request an early out though because I would just as soon stay in to July, but not much longer.  Well even knowing that I could be coming home for good, as soon as the end of March (If I do get the four month early out) I still have decided to come on back for Christmas, since I already had my leave approved and everything.  Also I got a fairly good deal on the ticket back.  The round trip ticket only cost $355., and that wasn't even the Military rate.  This was a Youth Fare (if you are under 25 nowadays you are considered a youth) which is cheaper than military.  

This Friday we had our first snow of the year here.  Today, Sunday, it is really coming down hard.  There must be two or three inches on the ground already.  Two or three inches is almost enough to completely bury my car!

Well that's about all.  I want to get this off tomorrow so you will know about me coming home as soon as possible.  I sure am looking forward to seeing everyone again, and I hope you all have a real good Thanksgiving, and I'll be thinking of you.