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.