March 27, 1954 Vieques, P.R. Hi Baby, The mail was late coming in, so I just finished that letter and went to a USO show. It was fair I guess, we had a good juggler and accordion player. The Col. always make everyone go to the USO shows or just the same as - as he won't let anyone have a movie when those shows hit the island. Anyway when I got back I had three of your letters - that just made the day perfect. Guess I'd better get busy and write as there won't be much writing done tonite. The staff club is throwing a party. Gonna have lobsters and 8 roast pigs. Won't be but about 200 people there as there's 300 staff on the island and part of them won't want to go or be gone on liberty. Wanda we'll celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary so you can start making the plans now cause I ain't gonna die until we do. Besides being good-lookin I'm a little stubborn, too. (No comments please) Nope I wouldn't be to crazy about living unless I had my health. When I get so old I can't love you them I'll be ready to die. I think that will be fine - you get mom to go on home as I think I'll be there by then. You said not to keep anything away from you so I won't. Wand when I get back we'll have about two months together. I'm sorry but that's how it will be. So we'll make the best of that time. I know now what we can do - everything will be alright. Wanda I want you to work while I'm gone - it will be better for you, then at nite you'll have our baby to love, for both of us. I'll be back by September 55, so I won't miss the baby too much. Just as I said last nite I'll get back when it's just the right age, 15 or 16 months old. Then I want us to have another one. After this tour I'll have stateside duty for another 3 or 4 years. Baby I know it's going to be rough - us being separated, but honey it's better I go now than later. When I get back our car will be paid for and we can save a lot of money in that year with both of us working. We will be able to buy a house. Wanda about staying in the MC. Now I would say no, but after I get back it will be different. Honey all people have their problems, the only problem we'll ever have to put up with is being separated. We'll talk it over come '59 and what

we

decide (I'm not making that decision alone, you're part of me so both of us will decide) will go. Darling you know I love you - whether I say it or not - I'll never quit saying it. You're mine and I'd die for you. That's the whole dame trouble - I love you to much - as I've said before, that's the only way I want it. Piss on Sears - let them sweat for awhile. We don't need anything else for awhile, then we'll be in shape to pay cash for everything we need. Those pictures weren't awful - I have them right here. They're all I have to remember what you look like. I still remember what you feel like and can remember your voice most of the time. I'd better shut up, anyway I need you Wanda. Watson and Ryan just decided to go to San Juan - I can't see it - I can stay here and drink, eat and swim and not get into any trouble. But sure as hell if I went on liberty I'd get into trouble. All I want is you Wanda. You'll soon have someone to take care of you - just a few more days, so play it cool, go ahead and get it warmed up - I'll be there soon. OK we'll try for a football team. Wanda I really think you love that baby and I am glad - I'd die if I thought you didn't. I'm glad your people like me, but if they didn't it wouldn't bother me. I just love you and you're all I'm living for. What other people think, doesn't bother me to much. Listen dammit, I know I lood old, but not old enough to be your daddy - just wait til I see Stevie. It is funny that he would remember me. Honey I'll close for now - gotta go to chow. Just remember I love you and need you more than ever. Yours Forever, Dave Brad Tesh - transcribed 2005-01-13