March 27, 1954 Camp Boredom My Dearest Wanda, No I'm not cracking up, just haven't got a damn thing to do except sit here and go crazy, or get so damned drunk I don't know which end is up - don't wanta do that as I'll feel to bad tomorrow to go to the beach party. Since I wrote last I went to chow, played a game of volleyball, 2 games or horse shoes and had a vodka Collins, took a shower and it's still just 2:30. Ryan, Watson, Long, White and the Lt Ayland went to San Juan so things are kinda quiet around here. The company played 3 Bn 6th Mar a game of softball with ten cases of beer at stake. We won 16-14 - now they're out playing volley ball for double or nothing. If they win we'll have quite a game at the beach tomorrow. Just heard we lost the volley ball game - well we'll have a party anyway. Guess I'd better get busy and answer your other letter. Wanda I don't know for sure when we land but I believe it will be before the 25th. You'll hear it over the radio when we land, the problem will probably run a couple days after we land. You can expect to hear from me or see me after we land - a couple days - believe me Wanda I'll be there as quick as I can. Will you be able to drive out to the base? Mom told me you'd be leaving home about the fifth - don't leave until after the mail comes as I'll send the last there the 1st or 2nd. We will be paid the 2nd so I'll send you some money but will send it to the base, so you should have some money waiting on you when you get there. We get paid again around the 20th. If I can get a money order, I'll mail it from the ship as it will get there before I get there. (I hope not) Wanda I know you get lonesome - you're not by yourself - you at least have your family to take it out on. I don't have anyone have anyone to go to. Writing you is the only relief I have. So if I say things that don't sound like me, just tell me about when I get home. No, I'm not feeling sorry for myself - I can take it - and I want you to be able to do the same. We're in for an easy life if you can quit feeling sorry for yourself. Wanda I don't care how many thousands of miles away I am, I want you to love me just as much as if I were right beside you. I love you more now than I did before I left you. This is the first time we've been separated - naturally it is hard. Wanda to make a long story short I love you and I know you love me - I don't want anything to happen to change that. So you're dreaming about me. You'd better not get out of bed to see me cause you can bet your sweet hind-end I'd be right with you before you could say scat. Wanda I know that little devil hurts some when he kicks - I've seen him kick and I know it hurts you. But you love it - that is all you need. As long as you want it and love it and love me, believe me Wanda that baby won't hurt you - always remember that! You know I love that baby - just as I love you. When I love, I put my whole heart into it. Wanda I know you're blue - if you're half as blue as I cam, I pity you. Baby, if you must cry, please wait until I can hold you then you cry all you want to. I know what's going on - your people don't. Wanda we just have a few months left before we'll be separated again. When I get home, let's get all tears behind us - it will be best that way. I want to leave you with both of our faces dry. Always remember Wanda we have our whole life before us and our kids future, lets make the best of it, remember that Wanda for always! Baby I'd better shut up for now. Please Darling remember I love you and I know you love me. You're mine Wanda and you're all I want. Yours Forever, Dave Brad Tesh - transcribed 2005-01-13