Satuday, Nov 28 Dear Mother + Dad --
I'm catching up on letters tonight -- so that tomorrow, I can enjoy church, a movie and then concentrate on my assignments for Monday. So I shall begin this tonight, and finish it tomorrow after church. Thanksgiving here was just like an ordinary Sunday. I got up at the usual hour -- and after policing up -- went to 9:00 church with a group of the fellows. They had quite a good crowd. And while the sermon didn't compare with Rev. Ostergren's, there was plenty to think about and oh-so-much to thank God for.
Our dinner was quite a feast. There was a half a turkey on each table. Sheets had been spread out as table clothes. We had printed menus -- which you will see among the next box of letters I send home. The meal was complete from fruit to nuts. We actually outdid you in desserts for we had ice cream, pie, and 4 kinds of cake. I sent a complete list of the menu in my letter to Alice -- so you can read it there.
In the afternoon. I went to a movie, and in the evening I studied. Just about the usual week-end day. Well the second week in Center School is over and I'm still going strong. We had semi-finals this week -- they are not all back yet, but I'm confident I did allright. Once you get on to the system, it's not so bad. Of course it takes study -- but then I'm used to that -- I've never done much else.
We were supposed to have this morning free -- but I had to go take my O.C.S. physical instead. I got through it all OK as far as I know.
However they did note my hayfever. But I don't think it will make any difference. When they weighed me I had a pleasant surprise. Guess what I weigh stripped! 192. That's less than I've weighed in over 2 1/2 years. I feel like I've really accomplished something. Now if I can lose about 7 more pounds, I'll be really happy.
Yesterday we spent the whole day in the motor shop learning how to do a complete service job on a truck. Things I never knew til now! But when I get to Sill, I'll learn a lot more -- for the 1st two weeks there are completely on motors. If the boys at J + F could have seen me they'd have appreciated it. For I had oil all over me. And I didn't even change tires or put on chains in Civilian life.
Thank you, Dad, for the time tables. I still don't know whether I'll be able to use them or not. Right now they are giving nothing but Fayettsville passes -- but I think that was because of Thanksgiving travel. We shall just have to wait and see what the rule is two weeks hence. I had a letter from George Purcell. He tells me Billy Ruhl is here at Bragg. Find out his address for me, will you, I'd like to look him up if I get the chance. I imagine he is over at the Main Post.
I thank you for the Xmas seals. I shall use them. They represent such a good work that we should all use as many as we can afford. We can't let such necessary things be lost in the shuffle of a world at war.
I hope you had a good day at Aunt Stella's. I know you had a good meal. It was awfully nice, of Mrs. Bond to invite you folks out for the day. So until tomorrow --
Sunday morning -- I got up at 9:00 this morning and showered and shaved before trotting over to church. We had communion and used an order of worship in the prayer book -- hence I have no program to send you. However, I'm inclosing the Thanksgiving order of worship.
Every week boys are leaving this barracks for Sill. There are about 6 boys from here going this week. The place is getting empty. Next week about 15 will leave -- and by the time I'm ready to leave, there will be only a handful left. It's been quite chilly here the last few days. Wools are a little to warm for classrooms -- and my summer underwear is a little too cool. I shall be grateful for the cotton longs when they arrive. I had known that George Nauber was in O.T.S., but I didn't know that he was in artillery at Fort Sill. Do you know where he is to be stationed? I had a very fine letter from Rev. Ostergren this week. Also a note from Dave. He seems to be taking it pretty well, and says he is to have a shot at O.T.S. sooner or later.
I also had a note from Emmie & Hal, who report that they are quite busy. My law school friend from Nanticoke -- Leon Rokosz -- wrote also. He is serving his law clerkship now -- would like to get into the service but can't because of his deformed right hand -- and so has decided to take a defense job in Berwick at night + continue with law in the daytime. How's the nursing course coming, Mother? And how is the merchandise holding out in the Xmas rush, Dad?
Yours, John