This was "The Longest Year". For many it started in early 1966, and for others it would end witha DEROS in 1968. It was a long and trying year complete with much heroism, individually and collectively. There was the time when the Major wrenched his ankle, but still gave his all for the volleyball team -- the time the airmen's softball team soundly trounced the officers on a wet field -- but they were humble enough to assist in consuming the loser's treat. Many long nights were spent in bunkers, causing undue hardship on devoted poker players. Each of us have many reminders of the constant sacrifices we had to make.

Remember the early roust outs with only a towel draped around you for protection from the elements? A good shower was just the thing you needed before a 0400 flight or an early preflight -- "Whot Hoppened?" Not even enough water to shave with -- electric razor? -- the electric supply had been shut off too. Maybe it will still be dark enough so you can get by without shaving today -- black coffee will kill the taste in your mouth until you get a chance to brush your teeth at the lister bag at squadron operations.

We had lots of opportunities fo: stand in long chow lines, get to the BX as the last can of black shoe polish was being sold, lose the last matching set of black socks to the laundry system, have a buddy go on our R&R trip, and have our own personal malaria pill each Monday.

Yes, we missed a lot of the conveniencies of life; that tender touch in the morning, that glass of cold fresh milk, that soft clean bed, that someone to watch television with during the late, late show, that Thanksgiving turkey of Mom's, our favorite mutt bringing the morning paper and those Saturday afternoons at the beach.

We missed the Little League pitchout, the opening of deer season, the Girl Scout cookie sale, buying the wife the anniversary present, taking part in a Berkley demonstration and reading the comics on Sunday afternoon.

There were those occasional letters and CARE packages from home that helped make it all bearable. The encouraging words of support and understanding we recieved from the girls back home -- the wife -- the girlfriend -- mother -- we know she was uppermost in out minds -- almost --However we did have someone for companionship -- someone to fuss with, someone who was tempermental, someone who required the best of each of us, someone to be out late at night with, someone to walk in the rain with, someone to demand our care and affection. With these tender thoughts we humbly dedicate this book, "The Longest Year," to the one girl who helped replace so much of what we missed. She played an important part in each of our lives. She was forgiving and understanding. To this grand old girl, just as she looked standing there on the ramp, in the hot tropical sun at Pleiku Air Base, we say, "Thanks Darling"!