January 10, 1943

Officer Candidate
Class #56
Ft. Sill, Okla.
Jan 10,1943 Dear Mother + Dad --

Charles for the mush receipt. I'll pass it on to the cook -- mush ought to make a better breakfast than the grits & hominy we've been getting.

You two have certainly been doing the gadding lately. Guess you're just trying to make up for me -- someone has got to keep the family socially in the 400.

We got a new room mate this week. He's an old army man -- been in for 13 years. Frankly, we all think he's a big blowhouse, but I've never met anyone yet I couldn't get along with if I had to -- so things will continue to run smoothly.

I got the results of all of my Motor's exams, and I got through it all right. I was more worried about that than anything else -- although Gunnery which we start tomorrow -- is supposed to be the hardest. Material wasn't at all bad. We fooled around with all kinds of guns. I really learned a lot. We had one final exam and a lecture this morning, Sunday, so I didn't get to check again. I've just about given up hope of getting to services here. Even Sunday they pull something on us. And as for seeing anything of this part of the country -- well I've defintely decided there's no use to even think about it.

The Christmas package food is beginning to dwindle a bit. I can actually open my footlocker without having things forced out. I had an awful time getting the lid closed for awhile.

There was no mail today for some strange reason. Guess the mailman must be on strike. All of us are curious. Usually we have plenty of service in that department if in none other.

I can't think of much else to write about -- once one gets into the routine there's really not much to tell. I'll try to write again in the middle of the week.

Yours with love, John.