Letters to Mom: One Marine’s Promise in War

In one of the most emotional interviews Betsy Wurzel has ever done, she speaks with Don Eggspuehler—a Vietnam Veteran, Marine Corps pilot, and author of Letters to Mom. His voice carries not just the memories of war, but the heart of a son who made a promise to his mother: “I’ll write to you every day.”

That promise turned into a lifeline of letters from the war zone, and later, into a powerful book that captures the fear, humor, pain, and resilience of a young man navigating the harsh realities of Vietnam.

💬 A Son’s Daily Letters from War

Don was drafted in 1969, already holding a pilot’s license, and chose to serve as a Marine Corps pilot. His mother, Eleanor, was deeply worried about his safety. In a gesture of love and reassurance, Don vowed to write to her every day—no matter what.

Those letters became a journal of truth, love, and survival. Re-reading them decades later became a deeply emotional journey. In Letters to Mom, Don shares not only his experiences in boot camp, flight school, and combat, but also the heart of a mother-son bond that distance and war could never break.

✈️ What You’ll Hear in This Interview:

• What it meant to fly bombing missions in Vietnam—and stay focused under fire

• How young men were trained, transformed, and sent into battle

• Why Don believes these letters matter—not just to his family, but to all who’ve served

• The long shadow of PTSD, survivor’s guilt, and Agent Orange—issues too long ignored

• The sting of coming home to a country that didn’t understand the sacrifice

• Meeting Bob Hope, Lola Falana, and Red Foxx—who brought laughter to the frontlines

• Standing before the Vietnam Memorial Wall, seeing friends’ names etched in granite

❤️ Betsy’s Reflections

This interview touched Betsy deeply. She laughed and cried listening to Don’s stories, and she felt the honor of hearing a life so richly lived—and so courageously shared. Betsy highly recommends Letters to Mom—a book that will stay with you long after the last page.

📚 Don’s books, including:

• Letters to Mom

• Life Lessons Learned in Grade School (Parts One and Two)
  can be ordered here:
  🌐 Don’s Author Website
  🛒 Buy the Books
  📧 Contact Don:lifelessonslearnedin@gmail.com

🎖️ Call to Action: Support Veterans

Betsy urges listeners to visit Veteran’s Last Patrol, a nonprofit that honors veterans during their final days by befriending them and showing appreciation. Founded by Ret. Colonel Claude Schmid, this organization has touched countless lives—including Betsy and her son Josh, who have sent “Cards of Gratitude” during the holidays.

💌 Learn how you can participate: Veteran’s Last Patrol Website

🙏 With Deepest Thanks

Betsy extends her heartfelt gratitude to Don for sharing his story—and to all Vietnam Veterans for their sacrifice, bravery, and resilience. You deserved better then. You are honored now.