Letter to West Milton Church of the Brethren
                               by Ted Studebaker


Dear Friends,

  I find it difficult to write this letter, realizing that while I want to
be congenial and informative, I also feel the need to express realistically
some of my frustrations and thoughts concerning my present situation. 
Please know that I feel most fortunate to be able to work here in Vietnam 
as a volunteer agriculturalist for Vietnam Christian Service.

   Secondly, only to my family, you as representatives of the West Milton
Church of the Brethren are responsible for my thought and actions
concerning conscientious objection to the military, my pacifistic views, and 
my volunteer service. Without the church, as skeptical as I am about it now,
I might find my self in a uniform as part of a giant military machine whose
reason for existence seems based on economics and a big myth. The
meaninglessness, the wastefulness, and the non-necessity of this war is
out-weighted only by its inhumane effects, both here and in the States.

   I have an idea that most of you who hear these words are sympathetic to
my thoughts and feelings. However, it saddens me to know, as beautiful as 
are all your intentions, that you are probably doing considerably more to
further U.S. military and imperialistic policy here through the taxes you 
continue to pay every year, than you are toward the cause of peace and 
reconciliation. Since being here, I have come to see and realize the 
tremendous influence of the American military and U.S. Aid money that has 
literally been poured into this corrupt country and government.

   The longer I am here and as my language ability improves, I begin to see
more of the complexities of the situation. I do not pretend to understand
all the whys and wherefores of this crisis, but one thing stands out clearly
in my mind. This war is immoral and wrong, and the burden of blame is upon 
the U.S. Military, the U.S. Government, and the U.S. People. I believe there
is a lot of truth in the statement that the killing and destruction will 
stop only when American public opinion demands it.

   These are the thoughts that are heavy on my mind right now that I feel
the necessity to share with you. It is my hope that reason will once again 
be restored in the hearts and minds of responsible men and women.

   I express my appreciation to those who have shown interest in my
struggles and joys here in Vietnam. Please know that I am in good health and
adequate security. I would welcome your responses and comments and will do 
my best to respond to personal letters if you have questions. I send my best
wishes and regards to all.

Working for Peace,
S/Ted Studebaker
Volunteer Agriculturalist
Viet Name Christian Service
Di Linh, Viet Nam

--------------------------------------
The above letter was reprinted in the Troy Daily News of Troy, Ohio, which
prompted the following letter.

Dear Mr. Studebaker;

   I read your recent letter which was printed in the Troy Daily News, and
to say the least, was very disappointed.

   I do not know what the Christian Service organization you work with
stands for, but after reading your criticism of our nation and our 
government, I wonder if it is indeed "Christian."

   Your comments that the war is "immoral" and the wrong side is that of
America...sounds exactly like the song and dance of the communists.
Apparently their propaganda has gotten to you. This is sad.  ......

   Mr. Studebaker, if you are a Christian, then you no doubt read the
Bible. Have you read in Romans, chapter 13, and in 1 Peter, chapter 2, about
honoring the government?  ......

   The worn out words "immoral war" are so ridiculous. Many who chant these
words are themselves immoral in character, partake in sex sins, indulge in
drinking, using drugs, and are indeed misfits to society. I am not
classifying you in this group. God forbid that you are! but if you are
indeed trying to do some service to mankind in Southeast Asia, then please, 
for the sake of the Vietnamese...and for God's sake, get your views
straight...Study the Word of God. Search out the scriptures...

Sincerely,
Mr. and Mrs. **********
Troy, Ohio

--------------------------------------
Ted's response to the above readers of the Troy Daily News. (Written on the
day he was shot, April 25, 1971)

   I want to thank you for taking the time to write to me concerning the
letter... Even though our views and beliefs seem very far apart concerning
war, peace, and Christian responsibility, I see this as a great opportunity
for me to better understand how "devout Christians," as you both must be,
feel about this very important issue of our country's involvement here in
Vietnam and S.E. Asia.

   I feel it would be worthless for me to continue any debate by letter,
since both our views seem to be unswayable, and a letter is no way to
discuss such great issues.

   Just one point I want to make clear to you. I do not "feel the enemy is
right" any more than I feel the U.S. Military is right here. I believe
strongly in trying to follow the example of Jesus Christ as best I know
how. Above all, Christ taught me to love all people, including enemies, 
and to return good for evil, and that all men are brothers in Christ. 
I condemn all war and conscientiously refuse to take part in it in any 
active or violent way. I believe love is a stronger and more enduring power
than hatred for my fellow man, regardless of who they are or what they 
believe...

   Please know I am in excellent health and adequate security. I know I am
a fortunate man and life is great to me.

S/Ted Studebaker
Volunteer Agriculturalist
Viet Name Christian Service
Di Linh, Viet Nam