1 October 1941

Dear Folks:

I came to the office a little early this morning, so I’ll have time to write you before the first batch of fellows come through.  I understand about two hundred are coming in today.

Felt pretty much alone last.  Yesterday two hundred and thirty fellows were shipped to Camp Callan in San Diego and two hundred and forty to Camp Roberts, California.  There are only eight men left on our floor but many more will be in to take their place today.  All of the original fellows I came with are gone.  You should see them round up these men getting ready to leave.  All have their barrack bags and knapsacks on their backs.  Looks like they are actually leaving for war.  They took small buses to the railroad station then boarded a troop train.  Nothing but soldiers.  The Italian fellow I ran around with went to San Diego.  He was the only one I hated to see [go].   Berg went to Camp Roberts, and Farley went back to Fort Warren, in Cheyenne.  He said on his first weekend off he would stop to see you and tell you a little about me.  So far Farley has nothing special.  Perhaps I would have gone to Camp Callan, if I didn’t have a hold order on me.  My order will be up Saturday, so I will probably leave Sunday or Monday unless they put in a new request at Corps headquarters in Omaha for another one.  The next batch are going to Camp Clayburn in Louisiana.  Boy that would be a long way from home.

I’ll try to answer your “questionnaire”.  In the first place my job isn’t permanent.  Now I am working on a hold order, and unless the man is especially efficient no attempt is made to get another.  Headquarters would rather get a man from the recruits than hold up another mass training.  In the afternoons, after chow, I go back to [the] barracks and write letters or read.  But no laying around on bunks until after four.  The time seems to go some way.  At four o’clock we get ready to stand for retreat (that’s the lowering of the flag).  And I said Farley has nothing special yet.  No, I haven’t taken out any insurance yet and it is not compulsory.  I have been thinking it over, and have three months to think about it.  We can take out any amount up to ten thousand dollars and for me the rate is .66 per one thousand of insurance.  The payments, in case of death, amount to only about five dollars per month, per one thousand of insurance.  I believe I will sign up for three or four thousand.  The equipment and clothing we are issued consists of four shirts, a pair of pants, raincoat, overcoat, drawers, undershirts, towels (hand and tea), socks, shoes, a fatigue uniform (blue denims), comb, toothbrush, razor and blades, shaving brush, knapsack, barrack bag (our suitcase), two ties, mess kit, two hats, and I guess that’s about all.  At our permanent camp we will be issued more equipment like dress shoes, jackets.  I forgot to mention above, we get a dress coat.

Last night saw the show at the main post theatre “Shepherd of the Hills”.  Kind of an odd show but a good one. After I got back was put on detail to clean the recreation hall so didn’t get to bed until ten.

Minatare seems to be doing alright in football.   Hope Dan [sends] a letter.  Also glad to hear Dick went to Omaha.  It just takes the guts to get started.  Am hoping I get a letter from Katie today.  Send me Grandma’s address the next time you write.

Got the Free Press and your letter yesterday.  The paper seemed to have very little in it.  Also found the dollar you enclosed.  It will help a lot.  If I go to Louisiana or California next week, a little spending money will come in handy.  I always listen anxiously to hear the sergeant call my name for a letter.  No I’m not homesick, just miss you all very much and wish I hadn’t left things in such a mess at home.

I don’t know whether I told you or not, but last Saturday after chow went to the Y building on the main post and had a swell swim.  After the swim went to the dance in the same building.  Only soldiers are there.  The camp brought in a slug of women from Kansas City and Leavenworth.  But as I had to be back at nine and it’s over a mile [away] got only a couple of dances.   The girls cannot leave the building with a soldier.  I’m looking forward to going next Saturday night.  The dance is free, and the swim is a dime.  Pool tables can be used for thirty cents an hour.  Also there is cards, checks [checkers?], ping pong and a nickelodeon.  But that nine o’clock curfew is the nuts.  But next Saturday I will be eligible for a weekend pass, but I won’t have any way to use it, so will go to the dance and get home when I feel like it.

It’s a little after eight and the interviewers are almost through with the fellows meaning they will soon be in here, so I better leave my correspondence for a while.

Love,

P.S.  If Mrs. Myers pays you, will you send me one of the dollars?  My finances are okay.