Episode 035: 1965-01-18 | The Bob Hope Search

Dearest Suzie

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill Lowie’s letter from January 18, 1965, touches on the joys and frustrations of mail delivery in Vietnam, the quiet tension of recent troop lifts, and his fondness for family photos. He reflects on a fruitcake from home, the boys’ pictures, and his gratitude for regular letters from his wife.

The episode also follows the resolution of the Bob Hope Christmas Special mystery: Was Bill featured in the broadcast? After an investigative journey through YouTube, eBay, and old DVDs, the answer proves elusive—but the process highlights the joy of discovery and preserving family history.

Accompanied by a photo from a USO show, depicting musicians performing for the troops, today’s episode offers a glimpse into both the personal and communal moments that sustained soldiers far from home.

What’s Covered:

• The challenges of staying connected through letters in Vietnam.
• Bill’s reflections on life at home and the quiet unease of a lull in combat. -An investigation into the Bob Hope Christmas Special and its connection to Bill’s service.

📷 Featured Photo: Two women play guitar and sing into a microphone, accompanied by a drummer, at a USO show during the Vietnam War.

🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather.

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