February 11-14, 1943

                                                Feb 11
Dear Folks:
            Well, 1700 got the open post! We got in town about 11:30. Hennings, Guldberg, and I went to a studio and had our pictures taken. I told them to pick out the best proof and send 6 prints to you. I ordered 2 of the prints tinted. Let me know if they aren’t any good. The 3 of us did some shopping and then rented us a ’40 Dodge convertible coupe. We drove it from 12 Noon until 7 P.M. with a total cost of $3.60 apiece. It also had a good radio in it. Since my camera was checked in here, we had to buy a cheap camera and we took about 60 pictures with it. I hope some of them turn out good. We drove all over S.A. and out to Randolph Field just east of S.A. We saw a Messerschmidt pursuit plane that had been shot down over England. We paid 25¢ to see it. It was an exhibit traveling over the country.
            I finally got some longer bows for my sun glasses. Traded in my old bows and paid $1 to boot.
            We went to a show and got back to camp about 11 P.M. We rode special buses both ways.
            The land east of S.A. is quite rolling and largely covered with mesquite. The land that is broken out is full of stones. We couldn’t get into Randolph but saw it from outside the fence. Before the war men in the air corp started out at Randolph but now it is a secondary field.
            Got your letter today. Also the pictures from Arlan. Those pigs have grown some since I saw them. Will have to get down to see Harold. He is clear down at the south end. I mailed the camera and suitcase to Marvel Lee.

Feb 14. Thanks for the chocolates. They came yesterday. Also got a fruitcake from Josephine and a first-aid kit from Marvel Lee. The new chaplain is a Presbyterian.
            Went down to see Harold last nite. He had just had a shot and his arm was stiff. He hadn’t been classified. Carmen Walker was also in the same barracks. He father used to run the sand pump west of C.C. Also met another K.S. graduate from Garden City. He was a school teacher and had a pupil by the name of Mary Ann McClurkin. We are having to get moved out of here this week. Will drop you a card if my address changes.
                                    Yours truly,
                                                John