The Card

[John Jarosz]

So, my best friend who grew up & still lives in California was always one of those nostalgic ones. Saves all the old memorabilia, knick-knacks, etc. His wife (& me) keep telling him he's a real hopeless pack-rat.

I met him in Army flight school in 1968 & we went all the way thru from the very 1st day 'til graduation & into Vietnam. In 1969 we sat next to each other on the way to 'Nam, shook hands & congratulated (?) the other on landing in Bien Hoa. 

We left the Army in March 1971 & that Dec. he sent me the Christmas card shown & told me to hang on to it until next year when I was supposed to mail it back to him (being the nostalgic pack-rat that he is).

Here it is, 2016 & I just got the card in the mail (again). We've been mailing the same card back & forth since 1971, except for a few years when I think he was in counseling. It's worn, it's Scotch-taped together, & it's a little beaten up, just like us. Now it's my turn to hold onto it for the following year.

To everyone, have the best Merry Christmas & New Year that you've ever had.

[Carrie Keane]

John, thanks for sharing! Such a great story and wonderful tradition!

[Scott McKee]

Wow. Awesome stuff, John. Traditions are very important to me and yours might be the best I've ever come across.

[Capt. Larry D. Jones]

John,That is great that you have passed the card all these years,the bonds of Nam never leave!Merry Christmas to All from Guyana South America!

[John Miller]

Terrific! Happy New Year!