March 18, 1954 Vieques, P.R. My Dearest Wanda, Back but kinda beat I earned my money today. We got back to the tank park about 4:30. It was 6:00 before we got the tanks secured. The boys did some pretty good firing today - they'd better learn how to hit targets as about half of them will be on their way to the far east by July. Boy it's really turned cold here - down to 65° for the last couple days with a little rain. There open showers are kinda cool in that kind of weather, I convinced myself yesterday I wasn't dirty enough to take one, but had to tonight, though, as we got a little dusty today. I'd lots rather crawl in a tub of hot water with you than take a cold shower. Buy that was living, taking a bath with you every nite - won't be much longer till we'll be at it again. Wanda I'll really be glad when we can be together again - that's all I'm living for. Received two of your letters tonite. I'll answer one of them tonite and the other one later - I may not get the chance to write tomorrow as we'll be firing until after dark and will be pretty late securing. Yes I think we should start going to church more as we have no excuse for not going - although that rack is hard to get out of on Sunday mornings. The baby will hinder us when we get back. I tell you one thing I want when our children get up a couple of years - I want them to go to church every week - I think we owe them that much, don't you. Nope I haven't written mom yet, guess I will this weekend. You know Wanda, with all the troubles we have there's many more that have a helluva lot more that we have. We're lucky - at least we have our health and our love for each other. I sure wish I could watch that baby kick - afraid I wouldn't watch for long, something else would catch my eye and we have had it. Baby I'd better shut up for now - if at all possible I'll write tomorrow nite. Just remember darling I love you more than ever and need you - you're all I have. Goodnite Wanda. Yours Forever, Dave Brad Tesh - transcribed 2005-01-04