October 1, 1942 - Running Around for a Few Patients

Thursday Morning

Dear Mom + Dad,

Just after I wrote that sad letter to you last night we had mail call and your letter arrived as per schedule. So bright and early this first day of the month I’m proceeding to answer. Perhaps I can write a letter that will be a little better than the last one.

I haven’t been doing anything of particular interest the last few days except wasting a little time. We are now hanging around waiting on some patients to come in. The new problem in the maneuvers started last night and it lasts three days. Last night a few of them came trickling in. There was more darn running around for a few patients that I ever saw in my life. They came in where I’m now sleeping in the operating room and started sterilizing things at 2 AM in the morning. To say nothing of running in looking for saline, solutions, lanterns, instruments, etc. As a consequence I didn’t get an awful lot of sleep. If there is that much running around for a few patients I sure would hate to see 50 or 60 come in. It would be one sad night.

I rode my 22 miles for my usual shower last night. Every time I think of that it amazes me. All that distance just to get washed up. But it really is worth it. I don’t know what I’ll do if I ever get in actual warfare and can’t take a shower.

Yesterday I addressed my first letter to 860 Marion Avenue. I looked up the number in one of your old letters and decided by the time you received it you would be fairly well entrenched in your new home. It is going to seem funny to be writing to 860 instead of 719 Frost. But I guess in due time I can get accustomed to it. I’d really like to be home and help you set up but I have to stay here in this desert for the present. Maybe some day I’ll get out of it and believe me I’m looking forward to that day.

Yesterday was supposed to be payday but we’re not getting paid until Monday because of the present three day problem. I’m just about on my last end to but I guess I can survive until pay day. This is the first time I’ve been broke in quite a while. However, I’m rather used to it after my two months in El Paso, when it seemed I was always broke. It will seem good to have some money in my pocket again. This month I receive my highest pay I ever have received in the army. With the P.fc. rating I get $54 this month.

I’m glad to hear that they are working on a memorial for Mr. Dever. As you know and I know he deserves some lasting form of tribute. He really did a lot for the community and it is nice to see that it was appreciated.

I knew Charlie was coming home but I wasn’t sure just when. He should be commissioned a 2nd lieutenant now as he finished O.C.S.

It was very nice of Fran to lend Brother his shot gun. Those two must have become acquainted quite a lot since I left home. Fran is really a swell kid and I enjoy my contacts with the Gatrein family very much. Some of these days you’ll have to meet “Mom” as she is very nice as I guess I’ve told you several times.

The clipping about Russ was appreciated. As I told you I heard from him a few days back. I got a hold of some V letter blanks and I also sent him a V letter as it is supposed to be very much faster.

As my line of chatter is exhausted I’ll quite until another day. Don’t work to hard moving.

Lots of Love
Bob