Tag Archives: letters from soldiers

Letters From Michael Dudikoff (Part 2)

Because you know you want more, I gathered up the rest of my letters from an Air Force friend who used the name ‘Michael Dudikoff‘ on the return address. His letters, always humorous, often a bit flirtatious, were motivating reminders that I had friends who cared in all corners of the world.

Undated

Dear G,

I’m sitting here in my office on a Friday morning only a hop, skip and a jump from your tent. Think about it. I’m on the same continent as you! Never thought about it that way, huh?! You know, it’s funny. I have zero interest in Asia or its history, but here I am in Korea. Maybe it was intended for me to be here and find out that the Orient is nothing I expected…

Currently, I’m working semi-hard on this pet project that a General wants done. He went to the commissary one day to get a bottle of Jack Daniels and they were cleaned out. So now I am researching how our ration control system works and our vulnerabilities to black marketing. It’s kind of interesting actually, and I don’t mind being tasked with it. I’m also heading up our unit’s PT plan and execution. [The] Air Force is going back to the good old 1.5 mile run, push ups, pull ups, instead of that weak ass bike… For me it’s no biggy because that’s what I’ve been doing for the last four years at the Academy. For others, well, let’s hope they get to the gym soon.

Going to work every day isn’t bad. Since we’re agents, [the] uniform is usually pants and a polo shirt. If I want, I can wear BDUs but most days I choose the former. I usually work 0730 to 1630, but there are times when a case needs to be done immediately (sexual assault, suspicious activity, porn, counterintelligence, etc.). I usually tag along. I’m enjoying my time in Limbo because I get to watch but don’t have to do any of the typing and other administration. Hopefully, I’ll qualify on the Uzi pretty soon. Yeah Baby! I’m not a gun nut but it definitely beats sitting in the office.

Well, it’s Memorial Day Weekend. I don’t have anything going on, but we’ll see what comes up. Write whenever you get the chance. Let me know what you are currently up to. Hope you are well.

24 September @ Night

Dear G,

I haven’t written all that much in the last week. Sorry about that. I’m trying to wrap things up these last few weeks before I go TDY to the States. There’s a whole bunch of stuff that seems to be caving in on me. AHHH! Oh well, I’m looking forward to training…just hope I don’t screw it up and let down those that hired [me]. I’ll be working my ass off for sure.

My sponsor and friend who showed me the ropes and helped me on this first assignment left… That leaves me as the Officer and Second in Command. Before, I was just the “Other Lieutenant” but now it’s kicked in that I am the LT. Not that anyone relies on my decisions, but it’s still something to consider. I have a lot of respect for the enlisted and especially those who have been sticking with it for longer than anyone looking for the “easy life”…

Well, I’m going to make this letter short. I’ll write you soon. Take care.

Taking a stroll at the Air Force Academy.

Friday, 17 October

Dear G,

I know it’s been a while since I last wrote. I hope you still remember who I am. Well, I’m not longer in Korea (at least for a little bit). I’m currently in training for my job, and believe me, it’s not a vacation [on] TDY. The training is intense, six days a week, and the days are busy with academics, field training, and PT. It kind of reminds me of a watered down version of the Air Force Academy! It’s good though, and I’m really trying to take it for what it’s worth…that was the most ambiguous statement. What I meant was to learn instead of cram and flush.

I also feel like I’m in the best shape of my life. I’m eating right, exercising, and my drive and motivation is going strong. Damn, I sound like a Jenny Craig commercial. I’ll try to trim the hokey, “Golly, Gosh” statements! What else? Umm, still looking around in this sometimes big, sometimes small fish bowl for the single ladies…Not that I discriminate against the taken girls, but it makes meeting the parents awkward (wink). Maybe I’m too picky, or maybe I’m just not aggressive enough…What do you think? I’ll try to put it on my things to do. How are you doing? I haven’t received anything from you…I hope you are well and that you’re still going strong. Be safe.

I pulled this final note out of chronological sequence because I felt it would wrap the series of letters up nicely. I lost contact with my friend but sincerely hope that he did ultimately find the right girl, excel in the Air Force, and continue to travel the world.

16 September 2003 @ 10:10 P.M.

DON’T STRESS OUT!

Dear G,

I’m sorry I haven’t written in awhile. I think I wrote five days ago, but hopefully I’ll get back on track. You know what it is? I got my TV/DVD to work again and it threw my multimedia abstinence off. Damn that flickering device! It does all the thinking for you!

I watch AFN (Armed Forces Network) and they have these annoying informative ads like “Don’t shake the vending machine…it’ll fall on you!” Or “Did you know D.B. Cooper was the only successful skyjacker in history?” Anyway, a commercial came on today while I was setting my new Ironman Timex watch (I was excited…I like gadgets). It depicted a man running around in the brain flipping levers and switching switches. The ad was about how stress can affect your mood, memory, and health. It came to me in one simple answer: stress is a psychological mirage that does not naturally come with new issues and mental workloads. So…just remove it from situations that arise because it’s not real. That simple! Of course, then I came to my senses and decided it was moronic and we’re not robots, but wouldn’t it be nice to not worry about things we cannot control or are so silly we don’t really need the stress? That would give us the ability to accomplish goals or just get on with life, huh?

I don’t know, I thought I had a good solution there for a split second. Just don’t stress out. Well, besides the fact that I wish you were here partying in Korea instead of there, I had a solid weekend. Movies, relaxing, walking and shopping around. I don’t really shop, I execute a goal of getting a specific thing and then dining out… Other than that, I’ve just been working, or trying to. I’m kind of tired of showing up and talking with co-workers. Maybe I’m in a lull right now. I’m going to tackle tomorrow like it’s my first day though. Work at something new, smile, and kick some ass. Damn, I sound like Richard Simmons! Holy crap, I AM Richard Simmons!

I try to imagine what you’re up to, what your place looks like, and where you sleep (in a non-creepy way). I wonder if my first letter has reached you by now, if you are reading with pain or joy. Mostly though, I imagine you’re happy, healthy, and laughing like you did in Colorado Springs. I hope so…

Letters From Michael Dudikoff (Part 1) (bloggingpioneer.com)
Daughter’s heartfelt letter about soldier mom sparks surprise (huffingtonpost.com)
A Picture of Life Through Letters (bloggingpioneer.com)

Letters From Michael Dudikoff (Part 1)

1 Reply

Anyone else get fanmail from Michael Dudikoff during their deployment? I didn’t think so. Well, actually it wasn’t really him writing to me. It was a friend from the Air Force sending hilarious letters using the (dare I say it?) legendary actor’s name on the return address. Why? Because it made them funnier.

19 July 2003

Dear G,

I just got back from a month and a half in Europe, Israel, and various parts of the U.S. I was happy to come back home and see 2 letters… I thought about you every time I saw a flight going to Baghdad or Kuwait. I flew Space-A on military ‘hopovers’ to Europe and back. I hope this letter finds you in good spirits, and that you haven’t given up on me — ha! Well, graduation went well and I got commissioned and all that good stuff. I really enjoyed hanging out with you. I don’t know why, but I felt really comfortable talking to you. I only wish I could have met up with you before you left. Oh well, I’m sure we’ll meet again.

(I wonder if Michael Dudikoff is flirting a tiny bit?)

I went to islands in Greece (Crete and Ios), Israel, Cambridge in the UK, and Prague. I finally went home after three weeks, to Colorado Springs for a wedding. It was quite lavish…They do well enough to afford it, and my buddy getting married had a great time with his newly. After about 30 days had gone by (I had 60 days of leave!) a friend convinced me to spend the 4th of July in D.C. with him. We watched the fireworks between the Washington Monument and the Capital while lying out on the grass. After that we took off for Spain to run with the bulls. We landed at Rota, Spain…then a 14 hour ride to Pamplona where the Running of the Bulls was happening. But we were so tired by then…we decided to chalk it up and just hang out in the South of Spain. We went to Seville and [back to] Rota too. Since I was on the road for more than a month I decided to head back…you ever feel like just chilling? Yeah, I thought so.

Now I’m here in Santa Maria, California and by the time you get this I will be on my way to Osan Air Base, Repulic of Korea. Sad, eh? I don’t think I can get much sympathy from a girl in Baghdad…I really do worry about you being there. I heard morale is really low. Is it? Anyway, getting back to better things…How is your son doing? Who is he hanging out with while Mommy’s gone? What’s the most interesting thing you’ve seen? Do you have e-mail yet? I hope you are well and that you remember who I am. Listen, I will write you often and maybe when you’re having a bad day my letter will arrive and cheer you up…Be careful and Godspeed home. May the sun always shine on your back and the sand stay out of your underwear!

Undated

Dear G,

It’s great to hear from you! Well I can’t help but think about you and your health as the media provides daily news about the ongoing issues in Iraq. However, I’m also a strong believer that uncomfortable, challenging situations help us grow and develop as human beings. In that sense, I envy you. I’m proud to know someone like you, who is over there doing your thing, and always strapping on the U.S. flag every time you go outside.

(Kinda putting me on a pedestal there, Buddy. I may have to strap on a parachute to get back down.)

Korea is very interesting. Everyone here keeps telling me that by this time next year when I supposedly leave, I will have learned more than I could’ve in a 2 or 3 year tour in CONUS. I’ve been here for a month now and I don’t miss the States at all! However, I will be going back in October for Agent Training before I return to Osan…The weather here varies between hot and humid and rainy. Drivers are complete maniacs on the road. Seriously! I wonder if they realize that red means stop…Free time after work is an unusual feeling…I have more free time now to pursue my hobbies, goals, and education.

Where did you say you lived? I remember South Dakota, but is that where you grew up or where you live now? I hope your little boy is doing well. He’s probably quite the little handyman with your father showing him the ropes. How long do you have until you go home? You should move to Europe when you return. You know, live the Euro Trash lifestyle. That’s hopefully where I’ll go sooner than later. Germany or Italy or England (to study at Cambridge!). I’ll do my best to write frequently and stay in touch. After all, it’s the least I can do…Take care and say hi to your girlfriends for me!

P.S. I have handwriting like a 4th Grader, so sue me!

Giving the flight simulator a spin at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Wednesday, 3 September 2003 @ 1:00 P.M.

Dear G,

Everyday without your presence is like a day without the welcoming of the beautiful serene sunrise…I’ve always wanted to write that in a letter to someone deployed on the line! I don’t know what line you’re on but you get the drift. Did you like that opening sentence? I figured I’d mix it up a little with some romance. In all seriousness though, I really do wish that we’ll see each other someday. I felt you were genuine, and that’s a quality that is rare.

(Hmmm…if my husband reads this post he is going to kick Michael Dudikoff’s ass for putting the moves on me via air mail ten years ago! Well maybe not…)

I’m wrapping up a four day weekend (Labor Day)…I go back to the States in October. I really don’t miss [the U.S.] that much but I look forward to stepping on U.S. soil…I just got off the phone with my parents (that’s why the first line of this paragraph is darker; I was outlining the words while talking to them). Anyway, it’s their 28th anniversary and they were both on the phone. So Mom says “Yeah, it’s been 28 years and 3 days and it’s HELL!” I started laughing uncontrollably and they were laughing too. It’s the kind of humor that can only come from being married that long. I hope I can have a marriage that good, honest, and loving when I tie the knot. I think my first step should be to find a girl. What do you think?

(I think you are adorable.)

I’m looking at my letter thus far and realizing it looks like a freight train hit it. Scratches everywhere; I think your son can write better than me! Anyway, I know you’re probably very busy. Just try to take some deep breaths, look up at the sky or moon, and appreciate your family, friends, and good health (if you’re not catching a cold). It’s not everyday you’re in Iraq, right! Feel better? Be safe and take care.

Yours Truly

P.S. Write down the date and time you send your letter so I know how long it takes from Baghdad to Osan AB, Korea.

P.P.S. I’m a geek.

Friday, 5 September 2003 @ 1200 hours

Dear G,

How’s Iraq nowadays? Is it cooling off? It [has been] raining off and on now for the last week of August and into September. I enjoy the sun if I’m wearing a shirt and shorts, but I prefer the cloudy skies otherwise. If I’m in a suit, I don’t like the sun beating down…guess I’m just more of a temperate climate type of guy…I’ll have to send you a picture sometime. I keep forgetting to take my camera with me when I go out. I tried contacting Van before I left but he never returned my call. Oh well, it was good to see that kid before I left. He’s only become more ‘Texan’ since I last saw him.

(Good one. He’s only become more ‘South Dakotan’ since I married him!)

I think about the Academy days and sometimes I get…I guess I’d say nostalgic. I don’t miss the actual BS we put up with but I think “Man, those days are gone. That step is over in my life. I can never get that back.” The trivial conversations with my classmates after Taps, the smell of morning dew, the serenity of walking to the cafeteria as another suns sets over Colorado. This is what comes to mind.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m excited about pursuing my next goals and challenges. It’s great. Perhaps it’s the scariness of age and life and how quickly we can move through it and not notice. That’s what one of my goals after graduation was: no more putting life on hold until next week, next month, next year. Now I try to enjoy every day. Key word is “TRY”. Some days I wish I could just skip. I speak to people who are between 26 and 30 years old and they mention their age as “old”. I don’t want to be like that. I hope I don’t embrace that mentality! If I am still clubbing at 30, trying to get with 21 year olds I’ll be a little concerned…

(I hope you are not doing this now. Cradle robber.)

Moving on to you. What are your thoughts on this matter? Do you agree, or think my thoughts are askew? It’s always great to hear from someone wiser and more mature than me. Do you have any days off there? What is your tent like? Do you have enough room to have privacy? Well I hope to continue writing you without interruption. I know mail is always cool to get from a friend, especially one as disturbingly handsome as me (wink). I make myself laugh! Yeah, I’m a dork. Have you guys had any USO celebrity visitors there? I’m betting Michael Dudikoff (Star of American Ninja 1, 2 & 4) will be there soon, huh? That would be sooooo awesome! All right, I hope this letter reaches you in good health. Thinking of you.

P.S. I wasn’t joking about Michael Dudikoff!

P.P.S. No, seriously. I will have Michael’s children one day!

P.P.P.S. Stop laughing…Be safe please.

(Oh…so that is where the Michael Dudikoff joke came from…Now it makes sense.)

A Picture of Life Through Letters

2 Replies

I finally found the letters I had stashed away for all these years. They were in an ugly little box tucked away in a closet, just as I suspected. After sorting through them, I chose a few of my favorites, and compiled statements for readers to browse through for a taste of life in 2003 and 2004.

From an anonymous student:

April 23, 2004

Dear Soldier,

Hello, my name is Kay. We are watching “Saving Private Ryan” in our English class. As I watch I wonder, is this how it really is or do they show all this violence for the sake of our entertainment? I’ve got two older brothers that were over there; one is now out of the Marines and the other is going back for the second time. It’s scary when there are people you love over there and you never really know if they are okay or not. We only heard from my brothers a few times when they were there. Because it takes so long for the mail to get back and forth, which I’m sure you already know. I was just wondering what you do over there and how long you have been there and how much longer you have to stay…wanted to say Thank You for all you have done for the U.S. while you have been over there.

Part of a letter I did not actually send:

First of all it’s very humid. I’m never dry…always sweaty. Don’t worry, but it is still dangerous here. We have our Engineer Village along the West Wall [of BIAP]. This is a favorite spot for the Fedayeen, the Baath Party, and Iranians to launch mortars…Luckily so far the incidents have been minor. Nothing more than a mortar here or there and a few quick shots over the wall. We haven’t been officially attacked…I’ve been doing a lot of foreman and NCO/leader stuff. I’m coming into my own now, feeling better about my position. The Iraqi men on the projects will ask me questions about cement, soils, etc. and respect my expertise (if any?). Some are cautious about talking to me and most do not shake my hand. I think it is custom…not prejudice…

Today I went to the Gates of Hell in downtown Baghdad for a ceremony practice. Tomorrow the brigade commander for First Armor Division will relinquish command…I’ll be in another ceremony, this time as the guidon bearer for the company. The Gates of Hell is a gorgeous monument: arches that look like two arms with crossed sabers. I got pictures, so you will get to see them.

Mysterious letter dated on my birthday, writer unknown:

October 9, 2003

How are things in Baghdad, Iraq? Everyday lately on the news we see that our men and women are getting killed. I trust that you are okay. I pray that you are…I am glad you like the [care package] items. I went by the list your CO put out…About the tape — you didn’t mention the kind of tape that works best for you so I sent “Duck” tape. I’m grateful for the person that invented this product; there are hundreds of uses for this item…

What do you do about the dust problem? Do they supply you with dust masks? What can be done about the dust that settles in your lungs each day? If it stays in there and stacks up won’t that cause problems in the future…health problems?

Survived the Easter Attack, 2004.

Letter from an ex who joined the Air Force:

…just finished my first week of Tech School. I don’t know if you had them but we got these stupid things called phases where we are limited as to what we can do. This phase concept blows absolute ass, because seeing how I just got here I am in Phase 1, and in Phase 1 you have to be in your dorm by 2200 every night…Plus you have to be in BDUs all the time except when in your room…not to mention no alcohol until Phase 2.

OKAY TIME OUT. If you are an Army veteran who went to Basic Training and AIT circa 2000 like me you are probably laughing at this joker right now because he is totally whining about PRIVILEGES that we Army grunts NEVER got. I have no idea about training for the Navy or Marines, but seriously. The Air Force is spoiled. Let’s read more, shall we?

So right now I’m pretty disappointed, but at least it isn’t basic training…I’m sorry I didn’t write to you while I was in BMT (Basic Military Training), I just didn’t have time. It’s kinda funny. I was talking to one of my real good friends…and he just couldn’t believe I made it through Basic Training without talking back to anyone…I don’t know how I made it…it really wasn’t that bad, I mean besides the yelling. I lost 20 pounds, then put on 7 pounds of muscle, so I’m feeling pretty good right now…proud of myself.

The part about BMT that did make me smile was Warrior Week. If you didn’t know, Warrior Week was a week we spent at a mock forward deployment camp. Tents, MREs, fake MIGs, the whole nine yards. We did the confidence course, the tactical assault course, road march, all that war game stuff. Only thing is we didn’t really do any war games, which is the whole point to the week…I thought the best part was shooting the M16; it was hella fun and I missed getting expert marksman by 2 but I can retest in six months. But the real reason I kept a smile on my face is because I remembered a certain someone telling me about her National Guard war games experience…I don’t know why, but the second day of Warrior Games I got the thought of you doing your little war games stuff stuck in my head and I couldn’t quit smiling all Warrior Week. The thought of you runnin’ around in a Kevlar helmet with BDUs or fatigues or whatever you call them made me smile…At the time you told me, I only had a mental picture to go by, couldn’t really put myself in that spot. And then Bam! There it was, I was at Warrior Week understanding what you were talking about and being like “Damn, this is what G-money did, well kinda did.”

Yeah, he called me G-money when we were dating. Okay back to Army stuff.

Rough draft to my father:

15 October, 2003

Dear Dad,

Hi! How are you? I am fine…back from a run! We ran a mile, then turned around and alternated sprinting, walking and jogging on the way back. After that we lifted weights to work our biceps. I had a really good time…Today is our phone day, I mean at midnight our phone day begins. I’ll try to stay awake to call Mom. Our cell phone was taken away. And now AT&T is running a monopoly. The bastards are ripping us off so from now on I’m boycotting AT&T! The battalion still has four phones, and the company gets them every five days, so I’ll just have to call then. At least the battalion phones are on a [better] exchange rate, not like AT&T which charges 92 cents per minute.

A memo from a constituent services representative from Senator Tom Daschle’s office:

Tuesday, June 15 2004

At the pie and coffee social in Belle Fourche, I met with a woman…She and her husband were helping raise her beautiful grandson…two years old, but his mother hadn’t seen him for either of his birthdays because she was serving in Iraq. [The] grandparents had placed pictures of [the] mom on the refrigerator, and the little boy would walk up to the pictures and kiss them. [He] was an absolutely charming little boy; he had bright blue eyes and was wearing a floppy red hat that he refused to take off during the entire social. He immediately jumped into my arms and gave me a big hug while his grandparents watched and laughed. Her parents wanted [the boy] to meet Tom and talked about how important it was to watch out for our troops, and make sure they are properly protected and taken care of.

ASIDE: My son did get to meet Senator Daschle, and became a big fan of Tom. At another pie and coffee social in Belle Fourche during the 2004 campaign my little monster wouldn’t stop yelling “where’s Tom Daschle!?” during Tom’s entire speech, so his wife Linda gave him a tour of the campaign bus to keep him occupied. At our redeployment ceremony both Senator Daschle and Governor Rounds were accosted by him because by that time he had developed a fetish for sticking his hand into men’s blazer pockets to find “treasures”.

Letter from a Vietnam Veteran in Idaho:

Hope this finds you safe and well. I talked with your dad last Sunday. He said you were caught up in the 90 day extension. I know it seems like a dirty trick. I got caught in one in 1969 while in Korea. I watch a couple hours of war news every day. It is hard to believe…we don’t get much feedback on the good things that are going on. We are well into Spring now; the blue birds are back. I hope you know and will let your friends know that we support you and pray for your safe and speedy return home.

I heard about the Baghdad Boils, must be sand fleas? In Nam there were leeches, snakes, and the occasional tiger. I was planning to go to South Dakota when the school year was over but I think I’ll wait until you come home. Gas is at $2.00 a gallon. I am hoping to get caught up this spring. I haven’t got your letter yet; I keep waiting got your mom to forward it. I think she may be a little preoccupied, you suppose? Be well, be safe, keep the faith.

Another friend from the Air Force, this time an Academy graduate:

10 September @ 9:30 p.m.

I found that other letter I wrote on my co-worker’s desk. I was pleased to see it because I actually wrote down some thoughts I was meditating on, and they were significant to me. What’s up? Today I went to talk to some high school kids about the Academy. I really think that they were bored because the teacher kept steering the subject onto the semantics on it. You know, what’s the commitment, what exactly do you pay for… I wanted to talk about the fun parts, challenges, prestige, and benefits of going there (of course I included the service to the nation thing too). Oh well, we also talked about being a “special agent” but it was hard to gauge their reaction. I’m sure they enjoyed it… I kind of like public speaking. It hasn’t presented any problem as far as nervousness or anxiety. Only time I felt fidgety was when I was briefing a one star about the status of my squadron. However, as long as I know the general topic I can usually get by. Not to say I’m any good at tit. I just don’t hate it or avoid it…

Giving the flight simulator a spin at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Then I went to work out during lunch. It’s really nice to knock out most if not all my lifting during my 45 minute workout. Hardly anyone is there and I can really focus on the task. Except for the occasional girl; that’s a give-me (is that the term or is it “givey”?) Then in the afternoon (after work) I can run and be out quick to enjoy my night of reading and writing to you and cooking, witch is a learning process for me (very hard to make a good meal). By the way, if you’re thinking “what guy reads, writes, and cooks at night? He’s gotta be gay…no man does this for fun.” Well my DVD player went out and so I have nothing but the radio and SNL and Family Guy on my computer. That only lasts so long before picking up some books. Currently I’m trying to improve my memory with a memory techniques book. You reading anything over there?

Getting back to my day, after lunch I came back to work in my gym clothes. I started washing cars and did about six cars. Fun, right? After 3-4 hours of that I noticed how much time people take out of their day with smoke breaks. I have the occasional cig on a weekend, but even that is bad. If I were General of the Military I would not allow smoking in uniform or on base. What do you think? Am I way off here? Honestly, I don’t mind washing cars and putting my back into it. You know what I hate is the 200 jackass/smartass comments as [people] walk by. Here are some of my favorites: “you washing cars, huh?” (No, I’m massaging the car’s wax coat you stupid fuck!) “You going to do mine next?” (Yeah, El Fucko, just as soon as I’m done using your office for a shitter!”) and last but not least, “you missed a spot…” (Holy shit! Why did you open your mouth?! You’re a freakin’ moron. Lay down and put your head under the tire so I can release the parking brake and put you to use!)

Allright, that was pretty much my Wednesday. Still looking for a letter, but no worries. You just relax and try to keep healthy and strong. Hmmm, I wonder if/when we’ll ever see each other again?

Your Friend on the Same Continent

Quick note from my Battle Buddy from Advanced Individual Training:

SGT Battle,

Wanted to add this quick letter to your package. Hope it gets to you near the holidays. I’m certainly not expectin’ miracles though…My boys are doing well, the third boy on the way. After that I will find out my plan for duty…Our unit left on the 10th of December for Fort Sill…they will train up for three months roughly, then head out…I really admire your strength Battle. I can just see that big white smile through all that beige and brown out there. I have you all in my heart. You just hold a special spot. Love you and Happy Holidays!

Love,

Your Battle