Photo from Ken Stalker.
The Hand written letter was a fine art form back in the late 1950's when Brat: Kids of Warriors takes places. Those were the days before PC's, email, smart phones, texting, etc. Virtually the only communication between family and friends was the letter (an art form that today is nearly lost). Troops of the 4th Armored Division were stationed overseas. So communicating anything with their family took at least a week.
I am a military brat—and I say that with great pride.