When the author's brother, Larry Pypniowski or Ski, enlisted in the military in June 1968, he was a spirited nineteen-year-old, filled with hopes and dreams and eagerness to explore life and what was in store for him as a soldier. At first, his letters to his family reflects the excitement of his military training period despite the hardships and challenges. Things, however, took a sudden turn when Ski was sent to Vietnam. With Ski far from home and constantly exposed to the dangers of the war, the excitement was gradually replaced by a soldier battling not just the enemy but also his personal issues, the problems within the chain of command, and longing for his family. Ski died in combat in September 1969, more than a year after his enlistment, putting an end to his hopes and dreams he had once he returned home, which he shared with his loved ones through his letters.
