Fairfield, Ohio October 4, 1942
Dear Mom and Dad,
How are you? How is everything going? OK, I hope.
I’m writing from a different place this time. We were shipped here yesterday. When we arrived here yesterday, they gave us the evening off, but we couldn’t leave the grounds. I went down and called Bonnie, and tonight, if I can, I’m going to call home.
We have our uniforms now, and they really give you a mess of clothes. I have 2 barrack-bags full. Here is what they give you: 2 pairs of shoes, 3 ties, 2 pants o.d., 2 shirts o.d., 2 pants summer, 2 shirts summer, 2 pants work, 2 shirts work, 1 uniform coat, 1 over coat, 1 rain coat, 6 pair of socks, 3 towells, 4 handkerchiefs, 1 pair leggings, 1 cap o.d., 2 summer caps, 2 work caps, 1 razor, 1 comb, 1 canteen, knife, fork and spoon, mess kit, 1 cup metal, 2 blankets, 2 barrack bags, 1 comforter (no pillow, phoey) 4 pairs of shorts, 2 shirts, 1 field jacket coming yet. How is that for an outfit?
We are sleeping in tents now, and it is cold, WOW! I think tonight I’ll wrap the mattress around me.
Bonnie told me last night that you have been calling back and forth, and I think that is swell. I wish I was there.
How is the mill, Dad? Still as hard as ever, I imagine. Is the little cherry still running?
I am hoping we will be stationed pretty soon so that we can settle down. If we do, I may be lucky enough to get a furlough in a couple of months. Maybe even a month and a half. I sure hope I get to come home around Christmas.
Well, I guess I have to close for now, but please write. Love, Elwood
