This is a letter my father, Joseph Lee Everette, wrote to his sister, Gladys Virginia
Everette Lucas, my aunt, when her son Redding Carrol Lucas, Jr. (known as Robin) died in an
accident on Oct 9, 1965.  His 9th birthday would have been on Oct 16, 1965.  He was a first
cousin of mine.  My father was career Air Force (E5 at the time) and was on about 6 months 
TDY (temporary duty) at the time to Takhli, Thailand.  My dad died in an accident on Apr 13, 
1970.  He was 34 and I was 12.  I have put this letter on the Internet because I think it 
provides a good glimpse of the time re military lifestyles (my dad was in Thailand then 
because of the buildup in Southeast Asia) and strong family bonds among all peoples, 
especially parents and children.  My dad's family was from rural eastern North Carolina.  
Here is the letter (which was handwritten), verbatim (comments in parens are mine):

Monday Night
18 Oct 1965

Hi Gladys & Family:

     Got Helen's (my mom) letter today with the sad news.  I know how hard it must have 
been for all of you.  It sure was a shock for me and I'm very sorry about the accident.

     Hope getting this sympathy card doesn't upset you too much, but knew I should show my
concern.  Helen told me how it happenned, and that all of you were taking it pretty hard,
guess that's enough about that for now.

     I'm fine except for a bad cold maybe I'll get rid of it soon.

     Guess Daisy (a sister of Dad and Gladys) is there by now (she'd moved to Texas) if 
so tell her I'm doing OK, and hello to everyone (Dad was the 4th of 8 kids).

     Suppose Helen told you that I've been extended over here until the first part of 
December.  Sure hope we go home then.

     Is getting a little cool here now, I can tell winter is getting close.  the days are 
getting so short.

     I'm kept pretty busy here at work, which helps pass time for me.
 
     Well Gladys I don't know of much more to write, so will close, tell all hello & I'm
fine.

     Again I'm sorry and hope all of you are better now, am sure you'll never forget it.
Hope to see you in December.

Love Always, 
Joe