November 17 – 20, 1942

Nov. 17
Dear Folks:
There is one radio down the barracks aways so listening to Fibber MaGee & Molly. Tell Rube I got a G.I. haircut.
Here is some things you might send. Bottle of hair oil, that red foot medicine, soap box & soap to fit, ink, and sun-tan oil, & mouth wash.
Suppose you got that form letter which was a repetition of my first letter. We were required to send it. The food is plenty good in my estimation. Some kick about it of course. We get it cafeteria style.

Nov. 18. Had calisthentics this morning and it was a real workout.
This afternoon we had drill. Haven’t been able to get over to the post exchange (PX) yet. We won’t be allowed off the post for 15 days. In other words, can’t go to town.

Nov 20. Finally got down to the PX for some stationary but now we get an order saying we can’t go to the PX until we have been here 15 days. Took another mental exam yesterday and it lasted 8 hrs. Got part of the physical this morning and will get the clothing issue this afternoon.
If you send the radio also include one of those cotton covered extension cords and a screw-in plug without a switch like you have in chicken house to plug waterer in.
The lower floor of the barracks is all fill[ed] with L’s and M’s and lots of Mc’s — such as McSweeney, McClay. Quite a few in here are from Kansas City area and the rest from N.Y. and vicinity. About 1/3 have been in the regular army. These fellows from the regular army say this classification center is like all other centers such as Leavenworth except the food is a lot better and the officers address us as “Mister.” We get ice cream, fresh fruit of all kinds, milk, bacon & coffee every day and pie & cake about every other day. Got a G.I. (general issue) hair cut and so don’t carry a comb any more. When you get a bunch of those “Industrialists” send them along. Tell Arlan to stick another piece of paper on the “Aviation” just below the one on there and forward it down here. Don’t know how long I’ll be here so its no use changing the address. We ordered dog tags and a rubber stamp to mark laundry.
John