Halfway across the world, the means of communicating continues to get easier with the development of technology.
With different applications used for telecommunicating – telephone, FaceTime, Skype, etc. – connecting with loved ones back home has reached a level of seeing and hearing one another for the U.S. military.
But the intimacy of a letter was highly utilized during previous conflicts involving veterans.
Roan Highlands Nursing Center, nestled in the heart of Roan Mountain, provides a wealth of knowledge when delving into the progression of communicating with loved ones overseas.
The story of Clarence and Sandra Hicks is a treasure valued by the employees and residents of the facility. A story of young love, in the heat of a highly-intense conflict in the Pacific is often shared by Sandra, the wife of Clarence – who served in the 21st Aviation Company in Vietnam.
“We were pen pals,” Sandra said with a smile while holding the hand of Clarence – who is in a wheelchair – on Wednesday.
The mental toll was highly publicized during the Vietnam War. In a conflict were citizens back home were torn between sending soldiers overseas, the Hicks were in constant contact with one another.
Sandra and Clarence struck up a relationship while the Mrs. Hicks served as a telephone operator. While recalling stories of the journey, Pat brought a bag full of letters that passed along during the 1960s during a recent sit down.
Describing the process, Pat mentioned that the price of sending letters from home with five cents while the air mail return for letters was eight cents.
“This was one letter where he was fussing about not hearing back from me,” Sandra said with smile, thumbing through the letters. Sandra shared stories Clarence would tell, whether it was the comradery of the locals or sharing tragic news of losing a fallen brother.
Even with the text faded, the intimacy of the letter never goes away. Coming from a Christian family, the Hicks prayed on all of their decisions. The biggest decision that Sandra remembers was Clarence stopping by her work on his return home.
“One of the ladies I worked with came in and said ‘there’s a guy down here in a uniform … he’s attractive, if you don’t want him … I’ll take him’,” she said, grinning ear-to-ear.
In the lobby of the center also sat William Waller, an Army veteran who was drafted and served throughout the Korean Conflict. Waller talked of his time in the service, working as a switchboard operator and added that he, too, had a pen pal during the service.
Waller also provided words of encouragement for future servicemen and women.
“Take your time and speak slow,” Waller said. “Everybody is there for you.” Waller also added that the bonds forged overseas will be an item he would never forget.
Along with the Hicks and Waller was Jack Imler, a Vietnam veteran, who was enjoys the company of his brothers.
The ability to share stories and moments is something that nearly brings a tear to the eye of Pat, who commended the efforts of Roan Highlands working with the veterans in house, along with the rest of the residents.
“It is a true honor to be with these people,” said Tammy Potter, activity director at Roan Highlands. “These families trust us with their loved ones and to take care of them. It is an honor for us for them to put that trust in us. It’s the greatest feeling in the world.”
But when it comes back to communicating with loved ones overseas serving the country, Pat added words of wisdom.
“Relate the day to day moments,” Sandra said. “Being in a different part of the world, in a different culture, it’s important to keep talks light hearted conversations and stay positive.”