March 13, 1942 - Room Orderly

Co. B. 2nd Plat.
53 M.R.T.C
Camp Barkeley, Texas
Friday

Dear Mom + Dad,

Well here is the letter I should have written yesterday. It seems I’m a day behind on my schedule this week. I’ll try to catch up by Sunday. I received your letter, but as yet, I haven’t received the package. If you mailed it the first week I should be getting it soon.

I got paid last Wednesday for one half month. I received the grand total of $11.26. Isn’t that wonderful. I worked 2 weeks for that and I can remember when I made more than that in 2 days. It still seemed good to get it. We will get a full month salary at the end of the month. That will bring me up to date.

On Wednesday I also got two shots in the arm. It didn’t hurt at all. The three I got at Upton were much worse. These have not bothered me at all while the others ached for 3 days. I have only to get two more and then I have completed my seven. I’ll be glad to get them all over with.

Today completes my first month in the Army. It seems like ages ago when I think back on it and yet it has only been a month. The first two weeks were the toughest; time is beginning to pass much faster now. I guess I’m getting into the routine of it. However I’m still wasting a lot of time – I’ve already spoken my little piece on that so I won’t start again.

Thank you for filing my income tax. I mailed it in a hurry after I got it as I wanted you to have it by the 10th. I trust you will get it in time. I still don’t think you should have to file it but as long as its’ done now lets forget it.

I’m working as room orderly today. Another fellow and I are on. I have to clean all the barracks and stay in all day and watch in case of fire etc. It is a snap job as I finished all the work in the morning and now have time to loaf. The rest of the boys are out on an afternoon hike, so I managed to miss that. Ain’t I lucky. The hikes wouldn’t be bad if you didn’t have to carry a pack and walk in step. However these things make it a pain in the neck.

I’m going into town definitely this weekend even if I don’t get a pass. I’ll go nuts pretty soon if I don’t get out of here for a little while. I expect to get passed for sure though so I guess its’ all right.

If you get a chance send me a few pair of underwear shorts. They have issued us long underwear and its beginning to get mighty hot down here.

I’ll write again Sunday

Love Bob.