August 13, 1943

Dear Folks:                                                            Aug 13
            Got the Dispatches this week. Congratulations on getting the mortgage paid. Finally got out of the state of Texas — for 1 hour. We went on a cross country to Tucumcari, N.M. and Adrian and back. About 100 mile northwest of here the land drops over a cliff about 200 feet and looks pretty rough from there north as far as can be seen. The ground is varying shades of red with sprinkled green grass.
            That was Wed. and we went on anther one to-day — Friday. This one was to Big Spring, Abilene, and back. That was back in our old San Angelo territory and we saw the same territory we saw coming up here but from 5000 ft. Apparently we are on sort of a large flat plateau because any way we go from here the ground starts to get rough. Went over some dry lake beds that were white, alkali I suppose. Since 2 of us are in each plane, one flys while the other navigates and then trade around.
            Sunday. Went to the M.E. church and then out to McKenzie State park which is just north of town. There is plenty of grass and shade there and quite a few people were out on picnics.
            No, we don’t get mail on Sunday. Got the letter with the pictures last Monday. Use the address without “TEFIS 498” because it confuses the clerks since there are also enlisted men squadrons here of the same number. There are both twin-engine fighters and bombers and also 4-engine bombers. These planes are just trainers. Yes, Griffee is here. No, I haven’t a vacation coming and don’t think putting up prairie hay would be one. Ha! How did the brome grass hold out? What are you going to use for a kitchen??? Everything will taste of iodoform! Will try out the new title on this envelope.
                                    Yours truly,
                                                John
Arlan, here’s 40 to put in the venture.