Running through the Jungle

Fresh out of Boot

              'Journal entry 1: So the Sarge suggested I get this Journal of sorts for when I ship out. He said something about it being a good way to write down any issues or feelings I have so I don't have to bother the uppers about them; heh isn't that what the Chaplins are for? Either way I don't think i'll need this thing much but it may come in handy. I'm boarding my plane for Da Nang in about 2 hours, the excitement is killing me but i'm sure the wait will be worth it.-Pvt. Jackson'

              "Jackson, wake up we've landed in Da Nang; the Sergent gave me orders to get you immediately on a Huey and straight to Khe Sahn." Private First Class Rivers said. Rivers was a dependable Marine, he got new recruits fresh from boot to the U.S. airbase in Da Nang. Pvt. Jackson, still groggy from sleep let out a sigh of relief that he was finally in Vietnam. He had heard stories of the U.S. kicking the N.V.A.'s ass so naturally he wanted in on the "fun", if only he knew how hell Vietnam really was. "So where's this Huey at?" Jackson asked. "On that Helipad". Rivers pointed at a helipad about 400 feet away from the plane. "Got it, thanks Private." Jackson grabbed his bag and stepped out of the plane, the harsh humidity and heat that was Vietnam already taking its toll on the Private. Jackson gazed around for a moment, sweat pouring down his face. He stood there, wondering what his assignment would be once he boarded the Huey. His thought was quickly interrupted however by Rivers. "Hey! What are you doing just standing around? Get to the damn Helicopter", "Right, sorry Private" Jackson quickly replied. He began to walk at a brisk pace towards the helipad. Approaching the Huey he reported to the pilot, Lieutenant Markus. "Pvt. Jackson reporting as ordered Sir!", Markus looked Jackson over for a moment before speaking "It's about time Private, get in the Helicopter, we're dusting off at 0900." Jackson climbed into the bird, he slid his bag underneath the seat and buckled in. The Private was trying to hide his excitement as best he could, but he couldn't help cracking a smile.