Dearest Suzie

Episode 060: 1965-03-11 | The Black Cloud Overhead

March 11th, 2025  |  12 mins 30 secs

1960s war correspondence, army, army history, arvn, asia, aviation, aviation history, bangkok, civil war, family history podcast, grandfather’s vietnam war letters, helicopter pilot, helicopter pilot war stories, huey, legacy of vietnam veterans, letters from vietnam, military, military history, military history podcast, personal vietnam war archive, pleiku, saigon, vc, veteran stories, viet cong, vietnam veteran memoirs, vietnam war, vietnam war diary, vietnam war letters, vietnam war oral history, vietnam war personal accounts, vietnam war photo archive, vinh long, war, war correspondence

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes to Suzie about the black cloud of bad luck that seems to be following him through one mishap after another — from wrecked helicopters to accidentally jettisoned rockets. What starts as a humorous letter full of self-deprecating stories reveals how quickly the war is forcing him to take on new responsibilities. After only two days in the Cobra platoon, Popi is already training to become a rocket man — flying some of the deadliest helicopters in Vietnam.

Accompanied by an overhead shot of a three-sided military outpost dug into the ground, today's episode offers a glimpse into the unpredictable rhythm of war — where long stretches of boredom can turn to chaos in an instant.

Episode 059: 1965-03-09 | Damn Dirty Words

March 9th, 2025  |  7 mins 18 secs

1960s war correspondence, army, army history, arvn, asia, aviation, aviation history, bangkok, civil war, family history podcast, grandfather’s vietnam war letters, helicopter pilot, helicopter pilot war stories, huey, legacy of vietnam veterans, letters from vietnam, military, military history, military history podcast, personal vietnam war archive, pleiku, saigon, vc, veteran stories, viet cong, vietnam veteran memoirs, vietnam war, vietnam war diary, vietnam war letters, vietnam war oral history, vietnam war personal accounts, vietnam war photo archive, vinh long, war, war correspondence

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes one of his most personal letters yet—grappling with family tensions, money troubles, and the loneliness of separation. While training for combat half a world away, he's still trying to mediate disagreements between Suzie and his parents, all while worrying about whether his family has enough to get by. The letter gives us a rare window into the everyday burdens that followed soldiers to Vietnam—the struggles that didn't make it into history books but shaped their lives just the same.

Accompanied by a photo of women in bright white dresses and conical hats carrying briefcases through town, today's episode highlights the quieter side of war—the unseen emotional labor of balancing family, finances, and distance while serving overseas.

Episode 058: 1965-03-07 | The Wrong Way Round

March 7th, 2025  |  6 mins 45 secs

1960s war correspondence, army, army history, arvn, asia, aviation, aviation history, bangkok, civil war, family history podcast, grandfather’s vietnam war letters, helicopter pilot, helicopter pilot war stories, huey, legacy of vietnam veterans, letters from vietnam, military, military history, military history podcast, personal vietnam war archive, pleiku, saigon, vc, veteran stories, viet cong, vietnam veteran memoirs, vietnam war, vietnam war diary, vietnam war letters, vietnam war oral history, vietnam war personal accounts, vietnam war photo archive, vinh long, war, war correspondence

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes as he begins settling into his new role in the Cobra platoon—training with machine guns and rockets, breaking the monotony with a U.S.O. show, and counting down the long stretch of days still ahead. But beneath the surface of his daily routines, the war itself was starting to shift. While Popi learned the weapons systems of his armed Huey, policymakers thousands of miles away were quietly questioning whether America’s entire approach to the war had been flawed from the start.

Accompanied by a photo of Popi's point of view at the firing range—rockets streaking across the landscape and smoke rising from the ground, today's episode explores how the Vietnam War played out on two fronts: the action and boredom experienced by soldiers on the ground, and the unseen battle for control of the countryside playing out in the minds of U.S. strategists.

Episode 057: 1965-03-06 | Two Helicopters Down

March 6th, 2025  |  6 mins 4 secs

1960s war correspondence, army, army history, arvn, asia, aviation, aviation history, bangkok, civil war, family history podcast, grandfather’s vietnam war letters, helicopter pilot, helicopter pilot war stories, huey, legacy of vietnam veterans, letters from vietnam, military, military history, military history podcast, personal vietnam war archive, pleiku, saigon, vc, veteran stories, viet cong, vietnam veteran memoirs, vietnam war, vietnam war diary, vietnam war letters, vietnam war oral history, vietnam war personal accounts, vietnam war photo archive, vinh long, war, war correspondence

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes from the edge of exhaustion—reflecting on a terrible day for the Cobras. Two helicopters lost. Four men killed. Though he doesn't linger on the tragedy, the weight of it lingers between the lines. Even as he processes the loss of close friends, he holds fast to small routines—checking on the pet monkeys, asking after the boys, and reaching across the distance to keep life at home within reach.

Accompanied by a photo of Charlie and Doll in their homemade cage, today's episode captures the quiet ways soldiers tried to carry on—finding small moments of care and connection in the midst of grief.

Episode 056: 1965-03-05 | Cobras and Cognac

March 5th, 2025  |  10 mins 10 secs

1960s war correspondence, army, army history, arvn, asia, aviation, aviation history, bangkok, civil war, family history podcast, grandfather’s vietnam war letters, helicopter pilot, helicopter pilot war stories, huey, legacy of vietnam veterans, letters from vietnam, military, military history, military history podcast, personal vietnam war archive, pleiku, saigon, vc, veteran stories, viet cong, vietnam veteran memoirs, vietnam war, vietnam war diary, vietnam war letters, vietnam war oral history, vietnam war personal accounts, vietnam war photo archive, vinh long, war, war correspondence

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes two letters from March 5, 1965, giving us two starkly different glimpses into life in Vietnam. The first letter finds him on O.D. duty—walking the perimeter at night, checking the guards, and navigating the uneasy trust between American and South Vietnamese forces. Later that day, he sits down to a formal dinner with high-ranking Vietnamese officers, struggling through lobster and lychee nuts in the name of diplomacy.

Accompanied by a photo of an offensive position along a perimeter, today's episode highlights the uneasy balance between danger, duty, and moments of unexpected humor in the midst of war.

Episode 055: 1965-03-03 | Flying Into Darkness

March 3rd, 2025  |  6 mins 20 secs

1960s war correspondence, army, army history, arvn, asia, aviation, aviation history, bangkok, civil war, family history podcast, grandfather’s vietnam war letters, helicopter pilot, helicopter pilot war stories, huey, legacy of vietnam veterans, letters from vietnam, military, military history, military history podcast, personal vietnam war archive, pleiku, saigon, vc, veteran stories, viet cong, vietnam veteran memoirs, vietnam war, vietnam war diary, vietnam war letters, vietnam war oral history, vietnam war personal accounts, vietnam war photo archive, vinh long, war, war correspondence

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill writes home about receiving letters from family, sending a bracelet to his niece, and arranging to repair the family camera—a small task that connects him to home across thousands of miles. But tucked into the end of the letter is a casual mention of night patrol, a routine mission that carried extraordinary risks.

Accompanied by a cockpit view from inside a Huey helicopter, today's episode explores the dangers of night missions and the psychological strain of flying through the darkness, where every shadow could hide the enemy.

Episode 054: 1965-03-01 | Boredom Worse Than Fear

March 1st, 2025  |  6 mins 26 secs

1960s war correspondence, army, army history, arvn, asia, aviation, aviation history, bangkok, civil war, family history podcast, grandfather’s vietnam war letters, helicopter pilot, helicopter pilot war stories, huey, legacy of vietnam veterans, letters from vietnam, military, military history, military history podcast, personal vietnam war archive, pleiku, saigon, vc, veteran stories, viet cong, vietnam veteran memoirs, vietnam war, vietnam war diary, vietnam war letters, vietnam war oral history, vietnam war personal accounts, vietnam war photo archive, vinh long, war, war correspondence

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill Lowie writes to Suzie on March 1, 1965, sharing quiet days, family updates, and—almost as an afterthought—his decision to transfer to the armed platoon, trading troop transport missions for combat operations.

Accompanied by a striking photo of a helicopter bearing the mark of the Cobras, today's episode explores Bill’s choice to put himself in greater danger, reflecting on what it reveals about fear, boredom, and agency in war.

All Episodes, February 1965

February 28th, 2025  |  1 hr 19 mins

1960s war correspondence, army, army history, arvn, asia, aviation, aviation history, bangkok, civil war, family history podcast, grandfather’s vietnam war letters, helicopter pilot, helicopter pilot war stories, huey, legacy of vietnam veterans, letters from vietnam, military, military history, military history podcast, personal vietnam war archive, pleiku, saigon, vc, veteran stories, viet cong, vietnam veteran memoirs, vietnam war, vietnam war diary, vietnam war letters, vietnam war oral history, vietnam war personal accounts, vietnam war photo archive, vinh long, war, war correspondence

In this special episode of Dearest Suzie, we look back on the February 1965 letters from Bill Lowie, a month marked by financial strain, family tensions, and the harsh realities of war. From poker losses and promotion party expenses to evacuating wounded civilians after a Viet Cong mortar attack, Bill’s words reveal the delicate balance between duty, personal responsibility, and the emotional toll of combat.

Even in the midst of hardship, his letters remain tethered to home—filled with love, concern, and a longing for normalcy. Whether navigating money troubles, frustrations with family back home, or the heartbreak of seeing innocent lives shattered by war, Bill’s words bring us closer to his experience, 60 years later.

Episode 053: 1965-02-27 | Poker and Paychecks

February 27th, 2025  |  6 mins 46 secs

1960s war correspondence, army, army history, arvn, asia, aviation, aviation history, bangkok, civil war, family history podcast, grandfather’s vietnam war letters, helicopter pilot, helicopter pilot war stories, huey, legacy of vietnam veterans, letters from vietnam, military, military history, military history podcast, personal vietnam war archive, pleiku, saigon, vc, veteran stories, viet cong, vietnam veteran memoirs, vietnam war, vietnam war diary, vietnam war letters, vietnam war oral history, vietnam war personal accounts, vietnam war photo archive, vinh long, war, war correspondence

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi grapples with the financial strains of war, admitting to a poker loss and an obligatory promotion party expense that leaves him unable to send his paycheck home. His frustration is evident—not just with himself, but with a family dispute over a car that threatens to become another burden.

But the weight of money troubles pales in comparison to the devastating scenes he witnesses firsthand. Tasked with evacuating civilians after a Viet Cong mortar attack, Popi describes an elderly man, wounded in both legs, forced to walk barefoot with only a young girl to help him. A small boy, about the size of his own son, suffers a grievous injury, bringing Popi to tears. In these moments, the war becomes deeply personal.

Episode 052: 1965-02-24 | Never A Dull Moment

February 24th, 2025  |  5 mins 19 secs

1960s war correspondence, army, army history, arvn, asia, aviation, aviation history, bangkok, civil war, family history podcast, grandfather’s vietnam war letters, helicopter pilot, helicopter pilot war stories, huey, legacy of vietnam veterans, letters from vietnam, military, military history, military history podcast, personal vietnam war archive, pleiku, saigon, vc, veteran stories, viet cong, vietnam veteran memoirs, vietnam war, vietnam war diary, vietnam war letters, vietnam war oral history, vietnam war personal accounts, vietnam war photo archive, vinh long, war, war correspondence

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes home about the long-awaited arrival of Suzie’s ring, his newly earned air medals, and the ever-present dangers surrounding his unit. He jokes about Suzie forgetting to congratulate him on making chief, but his letter also carries the weight of war—mentioning an outpost overrun just miles away.

Accompanied by a photograph of soldiers gathered around a helicopter, today’s episode explores the duality of Popi’s life: the lighthearted teasing of a husband writing to his wife and the grim reality of constant danger in Vietnam.

Episode 051: 1965-02-22 | Counting Days

February 22nd, 2025  |  7 mins 20 secs

1960s war correspondence, army, army history, arvn, asia, aviation, aviation history, bangkok, civil war, family history podcast, grandfather’s vietnam war letters, helicopter pilot, helicopter pilot war stories, huey, legacy of vietnam veterans, letters from vietnam, military, military history, military history podcast, personal vietnam war archive, pleiku, saigon, vc, veteran stories, viet cong, vietnam veteran memoirs, vietnam war, vietnam war diary, vietnam war letters, vietnam war oral history, vietnam war personal accounts, vietnam war photo archive, vinh long, war, war correspondence

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill Lowie writes home about the growing pressures of war, from sleepless nights under mortar fire to a troop-lift mission that left two aircraft shot up. Amidst the tension, he finds small comforts in letters from home, a reminder of the life waiting for him beyond Vietnam.

Accompanied by a blurred, dreamlike photo of an early morning troop lift, today’s episode is a reflection on inheritance—both tangible and intangible. As I prepare for my own wedding day, I consider the ways my grandfather’s experiences, personality, and struggles have shaped my own.

Episode 050: 1965-02-20 | Escaping the Saigon Coup

February 20th, 2025  |  9 mins 28 secs

1960s war correspondence, army, army history, arvn, asia, aviation, aviation history, bangkok, civil war, family history podcast, grandfather’s vietnam war letters, helicopter pilot, helicopter pilot war stories, huey, legacy of vietnam veterans, letters from vietnam, military, military history, military history podcast, personal vietnam war archive, pleiku, saigon, vc, veteran stories, viet cong, vietnam veteran memoirs, vietnam war, vietnam war diary, vietnam war letters, vietnam war oral history, vietnam war personal accounts, vietnam war photo archive, vinh long, war, war correspondence

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi grapples with the aftermath of a helicopter crash that shakes his confidence as a pilot. Writing to Suzie, he admits, “I was so stunned for a while I couldn’t figure out what happened.” With over 1,100 flight hours under his belt, the incident forces him to question his abilities and step back from his Instructor Pilot role.

Meanwhile, a routine trip to Saigon for a physical turns into a brush with political chaos as an attempted coup unfolds. Bill describes tanks and armed troops scattered across the airfield, blocking Vietnamese planes while letting Americans take off—just moments before the entire airport is shut down. His account captures both the unpredictability of war and the eerie sense of detachment that comes with living through constant upheaval.

Episode 049: 1965-02-18 | Crash Landing

February 18th, 2025  |  6 mins 27 secs

1960s war correspondence, army, army history, arvn, asia, aviation, aviation history, bangkok, civil war, family history podcast, grandfather’s vietnam war letters, helicopter pilot, helicopter pilot war stories, huey, legacy of vietnam veterans, letters from vietnam, military, military history, military history podcast, personal vietnam war archive, pleiku, saigon, vc, veteran stories, viet cong, vietnam veteran memoirs, vietnam war, vietnam war diary, vietnam war letters, vietnam war oral history, vietnam war personal accounts, vietnam war photo archive, vinh long, war, war correspondence

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes about what he calls “the blackest day of my life.” While practicing autorotations—a critical emergency maneuver—his helicopter crashes, leaving him shaken and questioning his future as an Instructor Pilot. Though he and his platoon leader survive, the accident weighs heavily on him, not just as a dangerous moment but as a blow to his confidence and identity as a pilot.

This letter stands apart from the rest. We’ve seen Bill write about exhaustion, stress, and even fear, but here, his words carry something deeper—self-doubt. He fears this crash may cost him his role as an instructor, and for the first time, his usual steady tone falters. His letter is brief, lacking his usual updates, as if he struggles to find the words. Most telling of all is his closing: “I love you very much and I need you especially right now.” It’s raw and vulnerable, showing just how deeply this moment affected him.

Episode 048: 1965-02-16 | The War In Print

February 16th, 2025  |  5 mins 48 secs

1960s war correspondence, army, army history, arvn, asia, aviation, aviation history, bangkok, civil war, family history podcast, grandfather’s vietnam war letters, helicopter pilot, helicopter pilot war stories, huey, legacy of vietnam veterans, letters from vietnam, military, military history, military history podcast, personal vietnam war archive, pleiku, saigon, vc, veteran stories, viet cong, vietnam veteran memoirs, vietnam war, vietnam war diary, vietnam war letters, vietnam war oral history, vietnam war personal accounts, vietnam war photo archive, vinh long, war, war correspondence

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill reflects on how the war is being portrayed back home, mentioning that his unit might be featured in the Orlando Sentinel and that an upcoming awards ceremony could be covered as well. He describes how their commanding officer made “a big production” out of their orders, complete with pictures and press coverage. While Bill’s letters often reveal the strain of isolation and the monotony of life on base, the version of the war presented in newspapers was far more polished—highlighting commendations and achievements rather than the daily hardships of soldiers on the ground.

Bill also shares his growing frustration with being stuck on the compound for weeks, saying the walls are “closing in” on him. Even though town is no longer off-limits, he’s still too uneasy to go. His words capture the contrast between how the war felt to those living it and how it was packaged for those watching from home.

Accompanied by a rare glimpse into the daily life of soldiers off the battlefield, today’s featured photo shows two Vietnamese women washing clothes outside a base, with sandbags stacked behind them and shirts drying on a line above. These women, hired to do laundry for the soldiers, represent the complex and often unseen interactions between troops and local civilians. Were they just trying to make a living, or were they passing information to the Viet Cong? The war’s uncertainties stretched beyond combat, shaping even the most routine moments of daily life.

Episode 047: 1965-02-14 | A Quiet Promotion

February 14th, 2025  |  6 mins 48 secs

1960s war correspondence, army, army history, arvn, asia, aviation, aviation history, bangkok, civil war, family history podcast, grandfather’s vietnam war letters, helicopter pilot, helicopter pilot war stories, huey, legacy of vietnam veterans, letters from vietnam, military, military history, military history podcast, personal vietnam war archive, pleiku, saigon, vc, veteran stories, viet cong, vietnam veteran memoirs, vietnam war, vietnam war diary, vietnam war letters, vietnam war oral history, vietnam war personal accounts, vietnam war photo archive, vinh long, war, war correspondence

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill shares news of his upcoming promotion—but his reaction is telling. He isn’t concerned with the ceremony or recognition, just the extra $40 a month and the new title of “Chief.” Like many warrant officers, he saw promotions as more of a bureaucratic formality than a milestone, focused more on the practical benefits than the prestige.

He also writes about the constant state of alert, the toll of restrictions, and the isolation of life on base. While he jokes about his growing collection of air medals, his real focus remains on home—Valentine’s cards from Suzie and the boys, gifts sent to family, and the small connections that keep him tethered to normalcy.

Episode 046: 1965-02-11 | The Trouble At Sóc Trăng

February 11th, 2025  |  6 mins 21 secs

1960s war correspondence, army, army history, arvn, asia, aviation, aviation history, bangkok, civil war, family history podcast, grandfather’s vietnam war letters, helicopter pilot, helicopter pilot war stories, huey, legacy of vietnam veterans, letters from vietnam, military, military history, military history podcast, personal vietnam war archive, pleiku, saigon, vc, veteran stories, viet cong, vietnam veteran memoirs, vietnam war, vietnam war diary, vietnam war letters, vietnam war oral history, vietnam war personal accounts, vietnam war photo archive, vinh long, war, war correspondence

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill writes home about the restrictions placed on his unit, the ongoing tension of 30-minute alerts, and the attack on Sóc Trăng. His letter reflects the strain of waiting for the inevitable, the frustration of being cut off from town, and the small joys of receiving Valentine’s cards from home. He also shares news of his long-awaited promotion—one that brings more responsibility, a new title, and a modest pay raise, but little excitement.

Through his words, we get a glimpse into the daily struggles of soldiers in Vietnam—how they coped with uncertainty, leaned on routine, and found comfort in small connections to home.