February 19, 1942 - Camp Barkeley Arrival

Thursday Evening
Company B, 2nd Platoon
53 Medical Replacement Training Center
Camp Barkeley, Texas

Dear Mom and Dad,

I’ve finally arrived in the Lone Star State. Please note the above address as that will be mine for 8 weeks. The 53 MRTS may be abbreviated as I have done so please drop me a line and send me if possible Little Abner. How I miss him.

I had some trip across the country. It took us 2 ½ days from Upton. We had a sleeper Pullman so it was fairly comfortable. Slept and ate in the same car. We only got out once and that was in St. Louis. I obtained cards from there but I didn’t get a chance to mail them until we pulled in here. I’ve been through a mess of states and saw a lot of country in the last few days. The trip itself was rather boring but we helped make it easier by playing poker. Don’t worry, only penny ante, and after 2 days I broke even. It was just to pass the time away. I haven’t had any beer at all since Saturday when I had 2 at Upton. We can’t get any around here so I guess I’ll have to be a good boy.

I feel fine except I’m dead tired from the trip. I expect to turn in early and get some shut eye tonight. It isn’t bad down here at all. Perfectly flat country, a lot of red clay soil (like N. Jersey). The nearest town is Abilene which is ten miles away. We’re in quarantine for two weeks now and can’t get out of camp. I’ve traveled approximately 2200 miles to get here. I didn’t like the idea of coming way out here but it will be for only eight weeks. Then perhaps I’ll be shipped somewhere where I can get home once in a while. I felt pretty bad today about the whole thing but since I’ve had supper and got settled it doesn’t seem so bad now. I kinda hate being transplanted and it’s going to be tough for awhile but I’m keeping the old chin up.

This place is a training center for the medical corp. As I told you, no guns. We are strictly first aid, help in hospital, ambulance, etc. Not so bad. Jimmy is in the same division in Devens. I’ll write you more tomorrow. 6 fellows from Peekskill with me. Vin Calabrese, John Kohut, Ivine Cottall, Ray Puff, Ray Dring, and me.

Love Bob

P.S. I’m going out to buy some pen, paper, and ink.