Dear Folks,

I'm sorry that I haven't written lately, but I believe that I can explain my failure. Thursday was a very wonderful day for me. I was one of a very few who were selected to go to Randolph Field for experimental purposes. We were loaded in a "troop carrier" (a great big truck with seats in the bed of the truck) and taken 30 miles to Randolph Field. We arrived there and wandered around the field for several hours. It is the most gigantic, stupendous airfield imaginable.

At about two o'clock a bunch of student psycho-analysts took us over and practiced with us for two hours. I guess that we were supposed to be smart enough to give intelligent answers. My man, a first lieutenant, was an S.A.E. from Davison, North Carolina. We had a very enjoyable chat. But even yet he called me a "dam yankee" in fun.

I got home from Randolph Field just in time to eat supper and meet a drill formation all evening. That night I was just too tired to even think of writing. Friday I was assigned to a detail to work all day in the Servicemen's Club. I was given the job as a painter and spent the entire day splashing paint all over the men's john. Not a very pleasant day. I went to bed at 6:30 that evening. I was really tired.

Today, we had a personal inspection and passed in revue. We look mighty fine all dressed up in our uniforms and white gloves. No kidding, we wear white gloves! Mighty classy!

I received your "round robin" letter today, along with a card from Aunt Marion. I received a letter from Grandma Buxton yesterday. You asked me to give you information about the post here, but I just can't do that. Our mail is subject to censorship and if a censor ever caught me telling anything concerning the posts's strength, barracks or leadership, etc., I would be subject to a court martial. I certainly don't want that to happen.

I might have an open post next Thursday, and if so, will call you collect. However, there is only a faint hope of an open post. They just don't want us to go to San Antonio.

One of the fellows in my barracks came down with appendicitis today. But he's well taken care of. Saw Charles last night. He has heard that Al has been declared G.D.O. (ground duty only) because of spots on his lungs. If true, it is rather a tough break for him. He will most probably go along with Dickerson or given a C.D.D. (certificate of disability discharge)

About 30% of my gang here in Squadron 107 have been eliminated from flying duty, but "little Johnny" is still hanging on. Mother, I'm in absolutely perfect health - no kidding - so don't worry about me. Just be sure to take care of yourself and Mary Jo. I think Dad can hold his own.

Do you realize that I haven't so much as looked at or tasted any soft drink since I have been here? We have milk every meal and the best of food. I average two or three quarts daily. I have no desire for a "coke" any more.

I'm quite sure that Rich is not an Aviation Cadet. I received some inside information on how the plan works. This is it. All men stationed at S.A.A.C.C. (San Antonio Aviation Cadet Center) are aviation cadets and will proceed to a pre-flight school after classification. All men stationed at Memphis, Miami Beach or Biloxi who are within one year of their 26th birthday are to receive 3 weeks of basic training at their respective stations and then proceed to S.A.A.C.C. - for classification purposes.

All others are privates in the A.A.F. (Army Air Force) and are to receive 3 weeks basic training and then proceed to a college for 5 months. On completion of this, they will be sent to a pre-flight school and classed as aviation cadets. During their college term, they are to be classified as pilots, navigators, bombardiers, or G.D.O.

I guess that you can see from this that I just have a 5 month jump on the rest of the boys.

Well, I must close now. So....

Love,
Jack

p.s. Congratulations Mary Jo. Let's see another two inches disappear.

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