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.

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VietnamWar #HueyHelicopter #MilitaryHistory #FamilyLetters #InheritTheStories