March 15, 1942 - Camp Pass Granted - Trip to Abilene

Co B 2nd Platoon
53 M R.T.C.
Camp Barklely, Texas
Sunday Morning

Dear Mom and Dad,

The package came on Friday just after I wrote my letter to you. Thank you very much. The kit is just what I needed and I really appreciate the cigarettes. It seems that most of my money goes for cigarettes so it will tide me over for awhile. Again I thank you.

I finally got into Abilene last night for the first time. It sure was swell to get away from camp for awhile. Our passes were only good until 11P.M. but that was enough. I took a bus in from here at about 6. The bus is very inexpensive only 30 cents for a round trip. Abilene is about 9 miles from camp. I did a lot of shopping and got things I needed but couldn’t get here. I bought some sock and a pair of underwear. Speaking of underwear will you send me down about 3 of my shorts. I have been issued nothing but winter underwear. It is getting to be so hot down here that they will kill me.

Ray Puff bought a second hand radio last night while we were in town. It is a small set and it cost him $8. Vin Calabrese and I had to talk all night to get him to get it and we finally accomplished our mission. Puff had just received a $30 check from home so he had plenty of money. I really missed the radio and it seems mighty good to hear one. I would have sent for mine but it is too big to carry around when I get moved out of here.

I can get a pass almost any night I want now until 11P.M. The boys have decided to go roller skating this afternoon. There is a very nice rink in Abilene and it will be lots of fun.

I’m enclosing one of the 3 for a dime pictures. There are horrible but at least you can see me in uniform. Vin is having his camera sent down and we intend to take some snapshots. I’ll send you some when I get them taken.

I’m also going to enclose my insurance blank. You can file it somewhere so as I might lose it here.

There is a rumor that our course here will be only six weeks. I really hope so as I would kike to get back east again. Anyway one month has passed behind me now. It doesn’t seem possible that it was only a month.

That trip to town really picked me up a lot. The monotony of this life was getting me down. Now I feel a lot better about the whole thing. It isn’t really bad when you can get out once in awhile.

I’ll close now for awhile and see if I hear from you at mail call. Please send me my drum sticks & brushes please. Book of addresses of Insurance C. Write Tuesday again

Love Bob