The Allgoods: Vietnam Through the Eyes of Love

Send us Fan Mail In this vulnerable and heartfelt letter dated May 4, 1971, Sarah Allgood writes from the stillness of 4 a.m., aching with worry and longing for her husband, Richard, who is deep in jungle survival school in Vietnam. With no word from him and no confirmation that her own letters have arrived, Sarah clings to the only connection she has—his photo, her memories, and her words. Her le...

Send us Fan Mail In this May 2, 1971 letter, Richard writes from yet another plane — this time en route to a survival school in the Philippine jungle. Though he reassures Sarah that his living quarters at Bien Hoa are comfortable, there’s a gentle ache between the lines. It’s their first weekend apart since he left, and her first letter still hasn’t reached him. He admits he may not be able to wri...

Send us Fan Mail On May 1st, 1971, just three nights into his deployment, my father writes from Vietnam with a heart full of longing and a mind already spinning with plans to get back home. He’s not yet in the thick of missions, but the distance is heavy—he’s already tried calling home for two hours, unsuccessfully. This letter captures the quiet, intimate spaces between duty and emotion. He’s pre...

Send us Fan Mail April 30, 1971 — First Day, Last Flight In this letter from April 30, 1971, my father has just arrived at Bien Hoa after a long journey to Vietnam. It’s his first full day on base, and already he’s soaking in the surreal details: air-conditioned hooches, stereo systems, steak dinners, and a stuffed chickadee perched five inches from his pillow. The comforts may seem striking—espec...

Send us Fan Mail After a long, exhausting journey through Alaska, Japan, and the Philippines, Richard Allgood finally reaches Vietnam. In his first letter home, he shares the surprising comforts of his new base — but beneath every detail, his heart aches for Sarah. Every word carries the weight of distance, longing, and the fierce love that will sustain them through the months ahead. Support the s...

Send us Fan Mail In this first episode, I introduce you to the story behind this podcast— a true love story between two young Air Force veterans during the Vietnam war. Through their preserved letters, we’ll walk together through history, hope, and the enduring power of love.  Support the show The Allgoods: Vietnam Through the Eyes of Love is a personal podcast project based on real letters exchan...

Send us Fan Mail On April 28, 1971, my father, Richard Allgood, began his journey from Texas to Vietnam. He said goodbye to my mother, Sarah, not yet knowing that she was pregnant with me — news that would arrive a month later in a letter that would change everything. Today, we pause to honor the courage it took to leave home and step into the unknown. Tomorrow, the first letter will be written— a...