December 20, 1942

                                                Dec 20
Dear Folks:
            It is sprinkling of[f] and on this afternoon with sunshine in between. Went to church this morning. When a hymn was being sung, the all-male voices was very noticable. Got there early enough to get a seat this time. The chapel seats 325 and usually there are between 500 and 600 accomodated at once. The organ is electric I believe but is a good one and sounds like a pipe organ.
            Just after I mailed the last letter I got a notice to report over to another barracks to act as C.Q. (charge of quarters). Have to see the barracks is clean get mail & distribute it and in general act as mama to all the “misters.” The men here in 1700 had been here a week when I moved in but apparently the former C.Q. showed them nothing about keeping the lockers. Was on the run for 16 hrs a day for 4 days. It will taper off some as the men get “educated.” I stay in a room with a cadet 2nd lieutenant. Either the lieutenant or I have to be on duty here at barracks all the time. Since the lieutenant has drill formations to lead. I have to be here most of the time. I have to take a bed check every nite to see if every one is present or accounted for. The lietenant & I do not have to have our lights out at 9:30 but since we have to get up at 5:15 we usually hit the hay as soon as possible. The officer of the day wakes me at 4:15 and I have to wake the K.P.s in this barracks.
            Heard over radio that medical reservists were going to be called up next spring. Suppose this would include Arlan but haven’t heard from him. We are supposed to get 175 new men in today in squadron 107.
            Thanks for the camera. Am not supposed to take any pictures here but will get a few no doubt. Marvel Lee sent me a set including powder, lotion, tooth powder, and shaving soap.
            When we move from one barracks to another we take everything. It looks like the less we can get along with the better. We have no studies & until I was C.Q. had exercises every day. Got a letter from Cora & she says Harry is in Whitehorse as a cook for a construction company. How can a navy man know that the army is “hell”? We keep most clothes and all valuables in open “lockers” which are just shelfs and have no thieving. Some men here from regular army say the same as Floyd. I already have a chain for my 2 dog tags. Christmas will be a day off but cannot leave the post.
                Yours truly,
                        John

P.S. Including a picture of General Arnold’s visit