Dear Families;
Please forgive the informality of this letter, but it is the only way that I can send my message to all of you. I feel that a Christmas message from the Commanding Officer is appropriate at this time to present my views on the squadron as a whole and to send my personal "best Wishes" for the Holiday Season and the corning year to each of you.

I took command of VAH-21 on 22 November 1968, after having spent approximately three weeks observing and participating in the squadron's operations both at Sangley Point, Republic of the Phillipines and Cam Ranh Bay, Republic of Vietnam. I can only say that I am highly impressed with the individual performance of all hands and I am both proud and happy to become a part of such a fine operational unit. Our problems are many and varied, but, surprisingly some problems that I anticipated are practically non—existent. For example, the relatively high morale, while performing duties under trying, adverse conditions and long family separations, is best indicated by the lack of disciplinary cases encountered. I can truthfully say that there are no chronic "troublemakers" in VAH-21. For this I am very happy.

Many of the original TRIM detachment will be returning to the States in the very near future. Unfortunately, those of us who are now replacing the original cadre are facing family separations for possibly longer periods. In either case; being away from loved ones during this Holiday S:eason is especially difficult, but you can be justifiably proud that your Navy man is doing his part in protecting our rights and freedom. It is a vital and difficult commitment which demands daily sacrifice and hardship if we are to finally achieve the goal of lasting peace. While the unit s contribution to the efforts in Southeast Asia might be considered by some to be small, we are definitely a part of the overall team dedicated to work toward the ultimate goal of "Peace on Earth".

To date, 104 Air Medals have been earned by the flight crew members. Recommendations for individual meritorious, commendation, and achievement awards have been submitted to higher authority for several officers and men of the squadron. Isn t that proof that your guys are doing their part?

To each of you; wife, father, mother, son, daughter and sweetheart, I extend Best Wishes at Christmas. Help me to pray that 1969 will bring peace to us all.

Sincerely yours,

L D. DUNNAN
Commanding Officer
Heavy Attack Squadron TWO ONE

Original letter in the collection of Eric B. Shyer