Seven Years a Sailor

Letters from Vietnam

In June of 1961 Stuart Wayne Campbell graduated from high school, turned 18, and joined the Navy. An artist at heart, the Navy is not a career path Stuart would have chosen for himself, but one that was thrust upon him as an option to jail. During his time in service, Stuart, nicknamed "Butch" by his family, faithfully wrote many, many letters home. These letters were kept in tact for more than 60 years, until I typed them up to store digitally. I remember my Uncle Butch, but I didn't really know him until I read these letters. His life was short, but eventful, and dramatic. His story unfolds through his own words. It's no coincidence that the letters found their way to me, and that I could share them with you. - Lissa Coffey