In an era dominated by digital communication, the art of handwritten letters is often considered a relic of the past. However, for Suzie and Wayne Wing, residents of Killdeer, their enduring love story, spanning 51 years, was kindled through the exchange of handwritten letters during wartime.
The couple’s letters, dating back to 1967, originated from a unique circumstance — Wayne’s deployment to Vietnam after being drafted into the Army. As a generator operator, Wayne’s sergeant reached out to his hometown newspaper in Texas, urging people to correspond with the men in his unit. Suzie, prompted by curiosity and goodwill, initially wrote to a soldier named Sam McClusky. However, when Wayne saw a photograph of Suzie, he couldn’t resist asking if he could correspond with her instead.
“I ended up being a generator operator,” Wayne reminisced about his military service.
Their letters became a constant thread throughout Wayne’s deployment in Vietnam and continued when he spent a year at Travis Air Base in California. Despite the geographical distance, the letters were more than just a pastime. “It wasn’t a mushy kind of lovey-dovey story. We were friends, just good friends and easy to talk to,” Suzie recalled.
The couple lost touch when Suzie moved to Georgia, but destiny had other plans. A determined Suzie, feeling a strong connection, penned a letter addressed simply to “Wayne Wing, Killdeer, South Dakota,” and miraculously, it found its way to him. “If that ain’t a sign from God saying we’re supposed to be together, I don’t know what is,” Suzie expressed with a laugh.
Wayne’s response to Suzie’s letter reflected a deeper sentiment. “I had prayed that if Suzie was still available, I’d like to find her. I prayed for that. And the next day I got that letter,” he revealed.
Their correspondence, while not initially characterized by overt romance, evolved into a profound connection. Wayne, after receiving Suzie’s letter, knew they were destined for marriage. “I just had a feeling,” he affirmed.
Christmas of 1971 marked Wayne’s visit to Suzie, and a few months later, she made the life-changing decision to move to North Dakota, despite having no previous ranching experience. “I had never been on a ranch. I didn’t know the difference between a horse and a cow,” Suzie admitted. However, she knew that being with Wayne was meant to be. In March of 1972, a month after her move, they exchanged vows.
Reflecting on their enduring love, Wayne remarked, “It was meant to be. I’ve always thought that.” Suzie echoed his sentiment, attributing their journey to divine intervention: “For everything that went on between us to get us married, it was God’s work.”
Despite numerous attempts, the couple has been unsuccessful in locating Sam McClusky, the initial recipient of Suzie’s letters. Expressing gratitude for the pivotal role he played, they hope to find him and offer their thanks. The letters that once served as a lifeline during wartime are now cherished relics, encapsulating the essence of a love story that has stood the test of time.
