March ?, 1943

Dear Folks:
            Had a strong wind Thursday and late in the afternoon we had to go out and push the planes into the hangers. Also had a small fire in one of the barracks last week. One of the officers that are taking flight training left a cigarette on a locker which is wooden. We used fire extinguishers and a hose and soon had it out although it burned most of the locker and 2 officers belongings. One cadet was using a fire extinguisher and let the nozzle get away and several cadets got sprayed with foam. When he went in the barracks they got a fire hose rigged up & took it into the barracks. When the fire was out the man with the extinguisher came out soaked to the skin.
            The officers that are taking flight training came from the field artillery and infantry. They get a 2nd Lieut. pay plus flight pay of 1/2 of their base pay which adds up to about $300 a month. They also have all the privileges of an officer. One of them, Van Valin, is a nice fellow & we have lots of fun with him but the others don’t go over so good. One of them was eliminated last week.
            Forgot to tell you we changed to summer uniform week before last. It is kaki and wear a necktie only for inspections & going to town. I may send my woolen O.D.s home. Two light bombers were “buzzing” the barracks this morning and making lots of racket. They were painted in camoflauge and apparently from some combat unit. “Buzzing” consists of diving at the hanger and pulling out about 20 ft. above it.
            Mailed my wrist watch to-day. Have it cleaned and sent back as soon as possible. Got a box of cookies from Margaret Janson and a letter from Aunt Nellie. Also got the magazine. Hope you got my last letter as it contained $80.
            One of the cadets in my bay came from Nebraska and is only 18 yrs. old. He only shaves once a week and then got gigged last Saturday for needing a shave. He’ll never live it down! He is the youngest here so we call him “Junior.”
            Surprised at Henry going to all that trouble for his dog. Have you heard where Bud is yet?
            Just got your letter. Don’t think I got any letter from the school kids. The donkey kissing ceremony hasn’t come off yet. I know I won’t have to kiss it. They have 3 donkeys in a pen here at the field & some of us rode them for fun. They are plenty docile! Could you find me a leather strap for my pocket watch?
            Your truly, John