They Called Him "Ski"

Larry Pypniowski, or Ski as he was called, enlisted in the US military in June 1968 and served in the 173rd Airborne Brigade during the Vietnam War. Throughout his training and service, Ski wrote letters home to his family detailing his personal thoughts and experiences while serving. Ski was killed in action in September 1969, but his letters were preserved. In this book, the author's brother presents Ski's unaltered letters with historical and personal context for an emotional and raw look at the experiences of Ski as a soldier, bother and son.

When the author's brother, Larry Pypniowski or Ski, enlisted in the military in June 1968, he was a spirited nineteen-year-old, filled with hopes and dreams and eagerness to explore life and what was in store for him as a soldier. At first, his letters to his family reflects the excitement of his military training period despite the hardships and challenges. Things, however, took a sudden turn when Ski was sent to Vietnam. With Ski far from home and constantly exposed to the dangers of the war, the excitement was gradually replaced by a soldier battling not just the enemy but also his personal issues, the problems within the chain of command, and longing for his family. Ski died in combat in September 1969, more than a year after his enlistment, putting an end to his hopes and dreams he had once he returned home, which he shared with his loved ones through his letters.

The author is the older brother of Larry Pypniowski (Ski). He is also a Vietnam Veteran, and served in the United States Navy from 1964 to 1968. He attended a two year junior college and Florida State University on the G.I. Bill. He spent the majority of his working life in the corporate world. He is married and has two children. He is retired and lives with his wife Janis in South Jersey.