Dearest Suzie

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill Lowie reflects on receiving letters from home, his thoughts on family trips, and the daily grind of his work in Vietnam. Amid the letter’s warmth and pragmatism, we delve into the art of photography, exploring how Popi captured moments in a warzone with his 35mm film camera—preserving history one frame at a time. Accompanied by a blurry, dreamlike photo of Charlie sitting on the ground and eating, today’s episode highlights the beauty of film photography and its role in Popi’s legacy. What’s Covered: - Bill’s reflections on family, travel, and the pace of life in Vietnam. - An in-depth exploration of the 35mm film photography process. - The significance of Popi’s photos in preserving his wartime experiences. 📷 Featured Photo: A blurry yet evocative image of Charlie sitting on the ground, shirted and mid-meal—a favorite from Popi’s collection. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #FilmPhotography #MilitaryHistory #FamilyStories #InheritTheStories

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, we explore a letter where Popi reflects on his first experience as an instructor pilot and his anticipation of reaching the halfway point in his tour. As he trains new pilots by day and prepares for troop lift missions by night, we get a glimpse of his dedication and quiet humility. Accompanied by a photo of a soldier standing in front of wooden barracks, today’s episode provides a grounded look at the daily realities of life in Vietnam—homes away from home for so many soldiers. What’s Covered: - Popi’s new role as an instructor pilot and what it reveals about his character. - Reflections on teaching, humility, and shared inheritances. - A personal glimpse into the living conditions of soldiers in Vietnam. 📷 Featured Photo: A soldier in fatigues stands before wooden barracks with screened walls, offering a window into the everyday lives of soldiers during the war. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! New episodes are posted regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #HueyHelicopter #MilitaryHistory #TeachingInWar #InheritTheStories #EverydayLife

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, we explore Popi’s letter from January 12, 1965, where he shares the news of becoming an instructor pilot, the challenges of limited communication with home, and his surprising efforts to bring Charlie, a monkey he owned, back to the United States. Accompanied by a photograph of a low-flying helicopter carrying smiling soldiers, today’s episode reflects on the small joys, mounting frustrations, and unique relationships that sustained service members far from home. What’s Covered: - Popi’s promotion to W-1 Instructor Pilot. - The bond between Popi and Charlie, a monkey he hoped to bring home. - Reflections on the challenges of wartime communication. - A broader look at connections and distractions in combat zones. 📷 Featured Photo: A helicopter flying low with two pilots and two gunners onboard, their smiles a momentary break from the realities of war. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #HueyHelicopter #MilitaryHistory #FamilyLetters #InheritTheStories

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill Lowie reflects on the futility of war, sharing his frustrations about a massive troop lift that yielded little result. Writing over a weekend, Bill also mentions receiving an offer to join an armed company, practicing autorotations, and his plans to bring back a special gift for Suzie. The letter closes with a heartfelt promise to be a better husband and father—a promise that carries little weight as his story in Vietnam unfolds. Accompanied by a haunting photograph of two young Vietnamese prisoners of war, today’s episode offers a poignant glimpse into the complexities of war and the emotional toll it takes on those involved. What’s Covered: - The inefficiency of military operations in Vietnam. - Bill’s decision to decline a transfer to an armed company. - A detailed look at helicopter autorotations and their significance. - Reflections on family, love, and promises for the future. - A mysterious photograph of Vietnamese POWs and its implications. 📷 Featured Photo: Two young Vietnamese prisoners of war, hands behind their backs, with the shadow of an M-16 rifle in the frame—an image that raises more questions than it answers. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #HueyHelicopter #MilitaryHistory #FamilyLetters #InheritTheStories

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, we meet Charlie, Popi’s mischievous pet monkey in Vietnam. Charlie, a macaque, became a beloved and quirky part of Popi’s life during his service, complete with a custom-made military-style jacket stitched by local nuns. Through Popi’s letter and family anecdotes, this episode explores the humor and humanity that Charlie brought amidst the challenges of wartime. Accompanied by a photo of Charlie sitting on the officer’s club bar in his miniature uniform, today’s episode offers a heartfelt and lighthearted look at unexpected bonds, cultural intersections, and the humorous stories that endure across generations. What’s Covered: - Charlie’s introduction and the story behind his military-inspired jacket. - The relationship between Popi and his pet monkey, including lighthearted mischief. - A family heirloom: Charlie’s jacket and its journey through generations. - Reflections on pets in wartime and Popi’s efforts to bring Charlie home. - The cultural and symbolic significance of Charlie’s name. 📷 Featured Photo: Charlie, wearing his tailored uniform, sitting on the officer’s club bar — a moment of levity before the monkey’s mischief began. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #HueyHelicopter #MilitaryHistory #CharlieTheMonkey #WartimePets #InheritTheStories

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, we look at a January 2, 1965, letter from Bill Lowie. Writing from Vietnam, Popi reflects on a year that holds the promise of reunion, shares updates about his daily life, and recounts a thoughtful gesture—donating a puzzle to a local orphanage after completing it. Popi’s words capture the quiet routine of a soldier’s downtime, interspersed with brief missions, lingering colds, and moments of connection to loved ones back home. We also explore a family story about a pecan pie that didn’t survive the journey to Vietnam, offering a glimpse into Mema’s youthful determination to bring a taste of home to her husband. Accompanied by a photo of a child chasing cows near a helicopter in a field, today’s episode highlights the juxtaposition of innocence and war, as well as a humorous family story about Mema’s attempt to mail a pecan pie to Vietnam. What’s Covered: - Popi’s reflections on the new year and his hope to reunite with family. - The significance of local orphanages and Popi’s connection to them. - A humorous story about Mema mailing a pecan pie to Vietnam. - The everyday challenges of downtime, illness, and waiting for payday. 📷 Featured Photo: A child chasing cows in a field near a helicopter, juxtaposing innocence and the presence of war. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #HueyHelicopter #MilitaryHistory #BillLowieLetters #InnocenceAndWar #HistoricalPodcast #InheritTheStories

In this special episode of Dearest Suzie, we reflect on the December 1964 letters from Bill Lowie, offering a snapshot of the challenges and small comforts of a soldier's life during the Vietnam War. From navigating dangerous flights over the ocean to moments of nostalgia sparked by a French beachside hotel, this month reveals the duality of war—where peril and longing for home coexist. Bill’s letters recount improving mail delivery that brought treasured connections, the harrowing realities of his missions, and his hope to hear his son’s voice on a tape recording. With reflections on paydays, camaraderie, and even a fleeting appearance at a Bob Hope show, December paints a vivid picture of life in wartime Vietnam as one year closes and another approaches. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #1964Vietnam #BillLowieLetters #InheritTheStories #HueyHelicopter #MilitaryHistory #VietnamLetters #CombatStories #WarDiaries #DecemberRecap #HistoricalPodcast

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, we explore Bill Lowie’s final letter of 1964, written just after Christmas. Bill reflects on the joy of receiving mail from loved ones and the emotional boost it provides, even in a war zone. He shares details of a brief stay in Na Trang, a picturesque French-influenced coastal town, and recounts a harrowing journey back, flying low over the ocean due to dangerous weather and mountainous terrain. Accompanied by a photo of men preparing to jump into the ocean at a rocky beach, today’s episode offers a glimpse into moments of respite, the challenges of travel, and the vital connection soldiers maintained with home. What’s Covered: - The emotional impact of receiving mail on soldiers’ morale. - Popi’s longing to hear Brett’s voice through a tape recording. - Na Trang’s French colonial legacy and its comparison to Daytona Beach. - The dangers of low-altitude flying over the ocean. - The practical and emotional significance of payday for soldiers. 📷 Featured Photo: A group of men preparing to jump into the ocean at a rocky beach, evoking thoughts of coastal escapes like Na Trang and Daytona Beach. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #HueyHelicopter #NaTrang #MilitaryHistory #InheritTheStories

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, we step into the bittersweet Christmas of 1964, as Bill reflects on his holiday away from home. Though far from his family, Bill finds joy in the small comforts of a hearty dinner, a walk through town with a camera, and the long-awaited arrival of letters and packages from loved ones. Amid the chaos of war, these moments offered a rare sense of connection and normalcy. Bill also writes about Bob Hope’s USO tour, which brought much-needed levity to the troops. While he missed the show in Vinh Long, Bill shares the amusing detail that Hope played with Charlie, a mischievous monkey beloved by the soldiers. Hope’s humor and humanity served as a lifeline for many during the war, and we’ll explore his enduring legacy in future episodes. The letter also touches on Bill’s pragmatic approach to planning—a trip to Bangkok, saving money, and delaying purchases—all of which highlight how soldiers coped by focusing on the future. But even amidst practical details, the reality of war lurks: Bill’s gratitude for a day without flying is a stark reminder of the dangers he faced daily. Today’s episode also delves into family dynamics. Bill’s heartfelt gratitude for a card from Suzie’s mother—who signed it “Mom”—reveals surprising tenderness in a relationship Suzie didn’t recall as close. Meanwhile, a letter from Minnie, Suzie’s older sister, brings a touch of humor and connection from home, with a school photo of her son Michael. What’s Covered: - Christmas celebrations in Vietnam and the importance of connection through letters and packages. - The cultural and emotional impact of Bob Hope’s USO tours. - The tension between the mundane and the mortal in Bill’s reflections on flying and danger. - Family bonds and surprising gestures of kindness from Suzie’s mother and sister. 📷 Featured Photo: A soldier dances with a woman on a USO stage, offering a glimpse into the kinds of shows that brought joy to soldiers stationed far from home. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #USOShows #BobHope #MilitaryHistory #FamilyLetters #InheritTheStories

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, we read Popi’s heartfelt letter to Mema, dated December 23, 1967—the last he wrote before Christmas that year. Reflecting on the struggles of distance, Popi shares news of life on base, a clipping from the Saigon paper, and his thoughts on holiday meals. We also include President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Christmas message to Americans serving in Vietnam, written on the same day, as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those far from home. Finally, I take a moment to reflect on what this project has meant to me and express my gratitude to the family and friends who have supported this journey. What’s Covered: - Popi’s reflections on missing family during Christmas. - A humorous look at misinformation in the Saigon paper. - President Johnson’s Christmas message to Americans in Vietnam. - Personal reflections on the podcast’s journey and its importance. 📷 Featured Photo: Popi stands in front of a fountain with two friends, likely on leave. One of the few photos where he’s smiling, it captures a rare moment of levity during his time in Vietnam. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #ChristmasInVietnam #MilitaryHistory #FamilyStories #InheritTheStories

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, we explore a letter from December 21, 1964, where Bill reflects on the absence of Christmas spirit in Vietnam. He shares his longing for home, his thoughts on the Armed Forces Network’s lack of holiday music, and updates on life in the field, including quiet troop lifts and the intriguing presence of German Shepherds donated by Germany. Accompanied by a photo of a common space at Vinh Long Airfield, this episode delves into the emotional challenges of wartime separation and the role of radio, games like Pinochle, and small comforts in maintaining morale. What’s Covered: - Popi’s reflections on Christmas away from home. - The importance of AEN and its portrayal in Good Morning, Vietnam. - A history and overview of the card game Pinochle. - Reflections on holiday traditions during wartime. 📷 Featured Photo: A common-space building at Vinh Long Airfield with a sign bearing the 114th Aviation Company crest—a black knight chess piece with wings against a yellow and blue shield. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #HueyHelicopter #AFN #GoodMorningVietnam #MilitaryHistory #InheritTheStories

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill Lowie reflects on a day of flying in Vietnam, where he transports a full colonel and gets a close-up view of the ongoing combat. Surprisingly unfazed after being shot at, he confronts the disquieting realization that fearlessness may bring its own dangers. Bill also shares a heartfelt account of sending gifts home—silver jewelry for family members—which reveals a softer, more personal side of his wartime experience. Accompanied by a photo of local artisans working under a bamboo structure, today's episode examines the dual roles of soldiers as both combatants and collectors. It invites us to ponder the significance of wartime souvenirs: their purpose, their emotional weight, and the connections they forge between past and present. What’s Covered: - Reflections on fear and composure during a combat mission. - A glimpse into wartime gift-giving and its cultural and personal implications. - The paradox of soldiers acting as tourists, collecting artifacts from war zones. - The historical and emotional value of the souvenirs Bill sent home. 📷 Featured Photo: A bamboo structure with a palm-frond roof, housing men working with hand tools on wooden boards—a woodworking shop or craft area likely tied to the Vietnam War era. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #Souvenirs #MilitaryLife #FearAndCourage #HistoryPodcast #InheritTheStories

In this special episode of Dearest Suzie, we delve into the November 1964 entries from Bill Lowie’s Vietnam War diary. This pivotal month captures a blend of harrowing missions, fleeting moments of rest, and deeply personal reflections as Bill transitions from diary-keeping to his first letters home. From the challenges of troop transport and medevac missions to his thoughts on the complex political and cultural dynamics of the war, November offers a heartfelt look at the day-to-day realities of a U.S. Army pilot. Through Bill’s words and photographs, experience the duality of combat and camaraderie, isolation and connection, as he navigates a world far from home yet brimming with shared humanity. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #1964Vietnam #BillLowieDiaries #InheritTheStories #HueyHelicopter #MilitaryHistory #VietnamDiary #CombatStories #WarDiaries #NovemberRecap #TroopTransport #Medevac #OutpostChallenges #JungleWarfare #HistoricalPodcast

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, we explore Popi’s first letter to Suzie, written on November 30, 1964. After a grueling month of flying missions in Vietnam, Popi shares the horrors he witnessed, including the devastating aftermath of an overrun outpost. His raw, emotional words provide a haunting glimpse into the realities of war and the burdens carried by those back home. Accompanied by a striking photo of a co-pilot banking above a burning village, today's episode delves into the weight of addiction, legacy, and how personal choices are shaped by the past. What’s Covered: - Popi’s account of a harrowing mission and its emotional toll. - The complexities of sharing painful truths with loved ones. - Reflections on the impact of addiction and its echoes through generations. 📷 Featured Photo: A co-pilot banking over a burning village, potentially linked to Popi’s November 30 mission. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #HueyHelicopter #LettersFromVietnam #AddictionRecovery #MilitaryHistory #InheritTheStories

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, we read the final entry from Bill Lowie's Vietnam War diary, dated Wednesday, November 25, 1964. Bill reflects on an unusually quiet week in the Corps area, reports of new Viet Cong battalions arriving, and a reconnaissance mission along the Cambodian border that highlights the moral ambiguities and tactical challenges of the conflict. As the diary closes, we transition to a new chapter of his story: the letters he wrote to his wife, Suzie, back home in Florida. These letters, written with a softer tone for his family, offer a contrasting glimpse into the war’s impact on both soldier and family. What’s Covered: - Civil unrest and curfews in Saigon during late 1964. - The complexities of recon missions and the role of informants. - Reflections on the significance of Bill's diary and its abrupt conclusion. - A preview of the upcoming letters. 📷 Featured Photo: A woman in a white dress, seated on a motorized bicycle, captures the tension between innocence and secrecy in a war-torn landscape. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #HueyHelicopter #Informants #MilitaryHistory #InheritTheStories

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, we delve into one of the most intense days of the Vietnam War as described in Bill Lowie's diary entry from November 18, 1964. Dubbed the "biggest troop lift in the history of war," this operation saw every UH-1B helicopter outfit in central and southern Vietnam mobilized under the command of General Nguyễn Khánh. From pre-dawn takeoffs to the dangerous landings under fire, Popi recounts the challenges of transporting thousands of troops across hostile terrain. Meanwhile, the day’s events take a tragic turn when a Viet Cong saboteur plants a bomb in the cafeteria at Tân Sơn Nhất Airport, killing several Americans and reminding us of the unpredictability of the conflict. What’s Covered: - The largest helicopter troop lift of the Vietnam War, involving over 100 aircraft. - The role of strafing and bombing in preparing the landing zones. - The Viet Cong's deadly attack on Tân Sơn Nhất Airport during the operation. - Reflections on General Nguyễn Khánh’s leadership and the broader challenges of the war. 📷 Featured Photo: A striking aerial view captured by Popi during the mission, showcasing the aftermath of a bombing run, providing a rare glimpse into the war as he saw it. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #HueyHelicopter #GeneralNguyenKhanh #MilitaryHistory #InheritTheStories

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill Lowie reflects on a typhoon that narrowly missed their base and an impending troop lift to Saigon. This seemingly calm diary entry contrasts with the emotional weight of rediscovered family photos from Vietnam—slides that have become central to preserving and sharing his legacy. Accompanied by a humorous photo Popi's friends, including his best friend Bud Bender, today’s episode explores the personal meaning behind these images, their role in reconnecting with family history, and the broader questions they evoke about purpose and memory in the Vietnam War. What’s Covered: -The narrow avoidance of a typhoon and preparations for a troop lift. -The rediscovery of Popi’s Vietnam slides and their significance in family storytelling. -Reflections on how soldiers’ beliefs about the war shape their actions and our understanding of history. -A personal connection through family slides and sharing stories with younger generations. 📷 Featured Photo: A candid moment featuring Popi's friends, including Bud Bender during their service, blending humor with deeper reflections on the soldiers’ experiences. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #FamilyHistory #MemoryAndLegacy #MilitaryStories #InheritTheStories

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, we explore a night fraught with tension, as Bill Lowie’s diary entry from November 16 recounts an evening on high alert for a possible Viet Cong attack amidst a typhoon warning. The haunting atmosphere of that night, made worse by memories of the Bien Hoa incident, left Popi and his comrades sleepless and on edge. This entry reveals how these experiences rippled through his life, later influencing family dynamics in small but lasting ways. Accompanied by a photograph of Hueys conducting a night training mission under flares and tracer rounds, today’s episode contemplates how the echoes of war shape lives far beyond the battlefield. What’s Covered: - Details of the November 16 entry, capturing a sleepless night under typhoon and attack warnings - Reflections on Popi’s post-war routines, including separate bedrooms due to nightmares - Insights into how war experiences can shape family dynamics across generations 📷 Featured Photo: A nighttime image of Huey helicopters training under flares and tracer rounds, representing the eerie, tense atmosphere surrounding Popi’s night. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #HueyHelicopter #BienHoa #MilitaryHistory #InheritTheStories

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi’s diary recounts a harrowing Medevac mission on Saturday, November 14, 1964, in which he and his crew were called away from a resupply run to extract wounded ARVN soldiers caught in an ambush. Despite the urgent conditions, they managed to transport 15 soldiers, many with severe and life-threatening injuries. Through his vivid description of their wounds and the unforgiving realities of combat, we’re reminded of the relentless intensity of Medevac operations. What’s Covered: - The development of Medevac operations from WWII through the Vietnam War and beyond. - An in-depth look at the role of helicopters, from the iconic Huey in Vietnam to the advanced Black Hawk of today. - The psychological and physical challenges faced by Medevac crews, especially as they strive to provide critical care within the "Golden Hour." 📷 Featured Photo: A somber image Popi took from his pilot’s seat, showing an ARVN soldier in visible pain, bandaged and awaiting medical attention on the floor of the helicopter. The photograph captures both the urgency of the mission and Popi’s dedication to documenting the experience. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #Medevac #HueyHelicopter #ARVNSoldiers #MilitaryHistory #InheritTheStories

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, we delve into Bill Lowie’s November 9th diary entry, capturing a raw and tragic side of the Vietnam War. Bill recounts a troop lift under fire, the confusion of battle, and the unimaginable toll that came when a bird strike was mistaken for enemy fire—leading to an attack on civilian structures. The entry reflects the ongoing tension and emotional strain that soldiers faced as innocence, guilt, and fear intertwined. Accompanied by a blurry photograph of a young Vietnamese girl smiling for the camera, this episode also explores Popi’s own complex feelings about children during and after his time in Vietnam. Despite his years as a grandfather, the memories of conflict and the guilt that haunted him seem never to have left. What’s Covered: - Bill Lowie’s November 9-10, 1964 entries, detailing the daily dangers of troop lifts and outpost life - The heavy impact of mistaken identity in combat, blurring lines between civilians and combatants - Popi’s post-war guilt and deepened empathy for children, symbolized by a poignant story about his desire to adopt an orphan - Reflections on Popi's lasting impact on his family, shaped by his experience and his unresolved memories from Vietnam 📷 Featured Photo: A young Vietnamese girl captured in a grainy, endearing snapshot, possibly one of the children Popi felt compelled to help during his deployment. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #ChildhoodInWar #SoldiersStory #MilitaryHistory #InheritTheStories