Letters From Vietnam
Letters From Vietnam
In May 1965, at 18, I left for Vietnam with the 173rd Airborne Brigade. During my two tours, I wrote letters home—letters that my sister saved and I later found too emotional to read. Eventually, I realized these letters were more than personal memories; they were a snapshot of a soldier's life in war and his connection to home.
This collection is a glimpse into that journey. From basic training at Fort Jackson to the intensity of jump school at Fort Benning, and finally, to the realities of Vietnam, these letters capture the transformation of a young man into a soldier.
After years of silence, I began to share these letters, hoping they might resonate with others. Many of the experiences I wrote about had faded from memory, but revisiting them brought clarity and purpose.
If these letters move you, feel free to share them. For more about my journey and ongoing projects, including our nonprofit initiative supporting veterans, visit teamchildren.org
Honor Milton Olive’s Legacy — Support the Mission.
Your donation helps us preserve the memory of Milton L. Olive III and inspire future generations through education, storytelling, and community outreach.