March 5, 1942 - All Day Field Trip , Crew Cut

Co. B 2nd Plat
53 MRTC
Camp Barkeley, Texas
Thursday Evening

Dear Mom and Dad,

I received your money order today and was very grateful to get it. I was down to 65 cents and about broke. I expected it today and it came. Thank you. I am going to be paid on the 10th of March. I guess it will only be for a half month. Then I expect to get paid at the end of March for a full month. That will bring us up to date. It is surprising how far money goes around here. Three weeks and I’ve spent $10. A lot of it went for stuff I needed that I won’t have to buy again for a long time.

I’m kind of tired tonight as we were out all day on a field trip. I walked for 2 ½ hours and then we pitched pup tents and had inspections. Of course we had to carry all this stuff in a pack on our back. Then all afternoon was spent in a stretcher drill and the march back. We left at 8:30 and got back at 4:45PM. So you can see we had quite a tiring day. The walking isn’t so bad but when you have to carry a pack plus a gas mask its no fun. I picked up quite a sunburn. It is the first time in the last few days that we have had nice weather. It is a very changeable climate down here. First hot then cold etc. However it’s not bad.

Incidentally I forgot to tell you I got a crew cut. It doesn’t look as bad as I thought it would. It is really just the thing for around here as I can never find time to keep my hair combed. I like it but I don’t think I’ll get another one as it ruins my curly locks.

I think we will get in to town Saturday night but it is not certain yet. It costs only 30 cents a round trip to Abilene by bus. There is no liquor in town as it is a local option in the state. However, it will be swell to get away if only for a little while.

I hope you got my note on the back of the last letter about the Camels. If you want to you can send me some I’ll find use for them.

I’m going to make this short as I’m tired. I’ll write a longer letter Sunday when I have some free time.

Love Bob

P.S. Send me some stamps. I’m running short.