Excerpts from Letters to Mom in italics.
31 August 1965
I'm the senior second class around and have been designated the Chief Master At Arms for the two Navy barracks. Since house boys take care of everything the job or duty is primarily to see that the house boys do their jobs and none of the guys get too sloppy. It sure doesn't seem like the Navy. The lounge where I'm writing this letter contains a refrigerator full of 10¢ beer & soda (honor system) payable payday.
Perhaps it was too early in the tour of Taiwan to mention to his mom, or just prudence for a change, that a table drawer next to the refrigerator was well supplied, courtesy of the Air Force base's health and recreation fund, with card games and an inexhaustible and varied supply of rubbers. It was a Catch-22 conundrum. Forget the condom and get the clap, or shack up with a single partner and lose your security clearance.
The NSGA Detachment usually led the island each month when the skin (Epidemiological) report came out. As CMAA, AG2 Fehr would regularly get called on the carpet to explain to a highly consternated Captain why his command suffered so many embarrassing collateral casualties. First, the CMAA tried calling in the chaplain. Then the Air Force doctor agreed to lecture and narrate the most horrifying VD movie you'd never want to witness. And, of course, the CMAA continued the open drawer policy with the readily available free condoms. One reviled Air Force medic reveled in treating the wounded naval pride with a stainless steel telescoping urethral sound, more colloquially known as the umbrella needle, ostensibly to terrorize the shocked troops into using prophylactics. Nothing worked.
Former CT3 Steve Dunne emailed this 36-year old memory: "I remember the VD lecture in that room where we kept the beer (by the way, this was in the Quonset huts before the barracks were built). Anyway, 100 degree plus heat, revolting pictures from Walter Reed Hospital, and at least one guy passed out right next to me. Like it really stopped anyone from charging down to Taipei and its attractions. The bus was just as full that night."
I spent the last four days in Taipei, which while cheap by Western standards, can become expensive if you aren't careful. Before I forget it, let me tell you what the above-mentioned houseboy does for a $1.00 per month ["per Navy man"]: cleans the barracks; collects your laundry; shines your shoes and makes the beds. With that and all the girls in town, one would have to be crazy to get married. My greatest inconvenience has been the ubiquitous pedi-cab drivers who are always trying to "fix you up." Sincerely a damn nuisance!
I wish you could see the little doll I'm going steady with. She's cute and little, but so well proportioned - just like a grown-up cupi-doll. Met her the second day.
I've filled out some forms to take Chinese courses with the U of Md. If I don't get started I'll never learn a thing. I took [Let's call her CiCi, as in short for Canadian Club or SiSi as in YesYes.] CiCi, or she took me swimming, the other day at an ocean beach about 40 km away. Cost about $3 for a taxi. Sure wish I had a car. I have hardly been drinking at all since I met that little girl - booze makes you tired and I want to stay wide- awake.
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There are several clubs run by the military around Taipei. So far I've joined two & have yet to get to the Navy Club. [All three military clubs in Taipei imported quality musicians from the Philippines. The Air Force Linkuo Club had a house band of about 13 pieces led by "Jimmy," if memory is true. They featured the Big Band sound and were very versatile. The MAAG 63 Club was a huge place and employed another large band, at least as many musicians as the Linkuo Club. The Navy Club was the smallest but still probably kept close to ten members on the bandstand. All three bands were exceptional. Steve knew the experience was special, but didn't fully appreciate that luxury until years later.] There sure are a lot of distractions. Guess I'll have to force myself to study for first class.
I'm safe, happy n healthy. Drop a line at your leisure. Boy it sure feels good to get unpacked!! Boy, I sure wish you could get away from home & travel around. It is interesting and an education. Give my best to anyone who might have inquired about me, if anyone. Thanks.