BASIC TRAINING
March 1943 to April 1943
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Dear Dad,

Well, March is gone and April has come at last. But one thing is certain - they don't have April showers around here. Dad, I've almost forgotten what rain looks like. Dad, don't expect any picture of me very soon - you see, I can't get off the post to get it taken. If I ever get an open post I certainly will have my picture taken. I tried to make that phone call from the post, but it was rather unsuccessful. Really, Dr. Simmons had no connection with it. As yet I haven't contacted the old boy, but plan to one of these days.

In your letter you asked me lots of questions. It is against regulations to reveal certain parts of this information. So, keep it under your hat. If not, I might get in trouble. Approximately 900 men make up a squadron. At present, our squadron is about half-strength. A fellow named Lieutenant Frank Wilson is our squadron C.O. Each flight is composed of 90 men, 3 of which hold the positions of drill sergeant, charge of quarters and the barracks lieutenant. The three cadet officers in my barracks are all men who were appointed aviation cadets out of the G.I. Army. The two other fellows that I room with now are named Jim Morris and Gilbert Priestley. Both are Methodist boys, "Gil" being a Methodist Minister's son. Priestley is from Akron, Ohio and Jim from Youngstown, Ohio. Really, I consider myself very lucky to be with them. They are the same type of fellows as Dick. We get along perfectly.

As to singing, I haven't done too much of that yet. I'm going to attend choir rehearsal this Saturday and am a member of the squadron Glee Club right now. As soon as I get a little free time, I intend to do more in music. But right now, I have no free time whatsoever.

No, I'm no cadet officer and am glad of it. This is why - cadet officers do not have to take physical training and therefore arrive at pre-flight school very much out of condition. Also the "regular" fellows do not think much of the cadet officers. I'd much rather be just as I am now. We have a church right here on the post - in fact we have two of them. They were built by the War Dept., and are fine churches. They are so built that Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish services can all be held there. The Protestant services are conducted very similar to services at Mariemont Congregational. Our Chaplain is a fine man.

Well Dad, I'm about out of words right now. Only one thing - remember, don't let any of that information out or I'll certainly get in trouble. So be careful and don't let it out. I sent $60.00 home yesterday. I hope that it arrived O.K. Be sure and let me know.

Write again soon.

Love,
Jack

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