December 25, 1942

                                    Dec 25
Dear Folks:
            We didn’t get up until 8:30 this morning. There are regular Formations today but no one can get a pass out of here to-day but those who have wives or folks in S.A. It is cloudy and warm to-day. Just got back from a Christmas service held in the theater. The Glee Club and orchestra were on the stage and it was a very nice service. Am enclosing the program. Chaplain Hoffmann is the chaplain of the north chapel. Also just got the socks. Thanks. They are the right size & shade. Lt. Wilson gave out another statement that “cameras are us[e]less” here. No pictures allowed. Think I’ll take the 2 rolls on the next open post and mail the camera home.
            Men in 107 have surely gotten lots of mail & packages. Men in this barracks had a sort of tough time over Christmas. They all got 2 shots apiece the day before Christmas and then 90% of them went on K.P. or Guard today. Seem in good spirits, however.
            One of the men, Kelly, got a notice Thursday that he had been classified as GDO (ground duty only). Later the same day he got a notice that his mother had died. The barracks took up $14.70 collection and wired some flowers to his home. He got a furlough.
            Boy did we have a dinner to-day! Got my picture in Dec. 28 “Life” magazine in the picture that shows Gen. Arnold speaking. Two boys that were in my first barracks and then went in the last class to pre-flight were over to see me this after noon. Had a good talk. They were so busy the first week they could hardly read their mail let alone write any.
            Dec. 26 Just finished cleaning barracks for inspection. It is still very warm and sultry this morning. Low billowy clouds like up there in the spring. All kinds of birds singing in the mesquite across the road. The camp is being extended to the west so mesquite and scrub will be cleaned out pretty soon. This barracks is on the west edge of camp. Got a card from Aunt Hattie & Jack’s address.
            I also get $105 a month! Actually $75 minus deductions plus $1 a day for board. Have signed the payroll but no pay yet. I think I will actually get $67 cash a month. Might give Chris some more ties if Arlan don’t want them. Had one mild cold. Some men had bad ones. Were issued 11 pair of socks. Have no chairs so sit on beds
                        Yours truly
                                    John