Daughter shares wartime letter from Andalusia veteran, father

An Andalusia native believes a letter her father wrote while away at war echoes the sentiment of the time.

Sue DeLoach Boutwell of Goshen and formerly of Andalusia, was 2 years old when her father, Foy Vestor DeLoach, sent the letter while he was stationed in Paris.

Boutwell said her father lived in Andalusia all his life and she wanted to share this letter with the residents here.

The letter reads:

My Little Darling,

Was just looking at a picture of you and mother and felt that I just had to talk to you. As I can’t see you and play with you as I want to so very much, maybe a few words will help. I miss you so much and the many little things that you do that Mother writes about makes me realize how much fun we could have if I were there. But, baby doll, one of the reasons I’m away is to help in anyway I can to keep war from you as it has come to the babies over here, and I hope and pray that you never know anything of war.

Mother says that you have learned a lot of cute little tricks since I was home last. Maybe someday soon I can some home and enjoy them with you.

May God keep you and Mother safe for now, for I love you both more than words can say.

Daddy

Boutwell said the part that affected her the most was the line, “one of the reasons I’m away is to help in anyway I can to keep war from you as it has come to the babies over here.”

She said that she thinks veterans everywhere shared that same mindset.

Boutwell has a brother, Bob DeLoach, and nephew Kevin DeLoach, who still reside in Andalusia.