Episode 030: 1965-01-03 | Introducing Charlie

Dearest Suzie

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, we meet Charlie, Popi’s mischievous pet monkey in Vietnam. Charlie, a macaque, became a beloved and quirky part of Popi’s life during his service, complete with a custom-made military-style jacket stitched by local nuns. Through Popi’s letter and family anecdotes, this episode explores the humor and humanity that Charlie brought amidst the challenges of wartime.

Accompanied by a photo of Charlie sitting on the officer’s club bar in his miniature uniform, today’s episode offers a heartfelt and lighthearted look at unexpected bonds, cultural intersections, and the humorous stories that endure across generations.

What’s Covered:

• Charlie’s introduction and the story behind his military-inspired jacket.
• The relationship between Popi and his pet monkey, including lighthearted mischief.
• A family heirloom: Charlie’s jacket and its journey through generations.
• Reflections on pets in wartime and Popi’s efforts to bring Charlie home.
• The cultural and symbolic significance of Charlie’s name.

📷 Featured Photo: Charlie, wearing his tailored uniform, sitting on the officer’s club bar — a moment of levity before the monkey’s mischief began.

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VietnamWar #HueyHelicopter #MilitaryHistory #CharlieTheMonkey #WartimePets #InheritTheStories