Saturday 27 March 1943
Well today we had some activity. We didn't get that entertainment last night but it's coming. This morning after chow we went down on the field and had a few announcements. Then we were divided into six platoons. These are permanent until I move out of the gym. Then they picked out D.I. by elimination. By the time that was through we went back to the gym and then to chow. This afternoon we went out on the field and the corporal asked for complaints then we had exercises. After our exercises we had choice to play football or baseball or take a sun bath. Well, there were too many to play games so I watched. About 2:30 the corporal came down with the mail and I got a letter from Unk and one from Ronie, they were forwarded from the field. After mail call we were off until Monday morning, of course you have to stay in the restricted area. Half of the boys got to go to town this afternoon and the other half went tonight. I was supposed to go this afternoon but there's nothing to go to town for so I stayed here and slept. After chow tonight I played tennis with Jack (from Glen Ellyn) we bunk next to each other and we're going to try and get in the same room. I took a shower after our game and then wrote this letter. I got my arms sunburned today and my face. Boy is the sun warm down here. I'm going to try and get tanned very gradual. the boys who live in Austin or San Antonio got overnight passes. One boy's parents came down and he got an overnight pass. One guy came down with the measles yesterday so we have measles inspection for two weeks now.
Well, I need a few things, quite a few in fact. First, I'd like a pair of those brown gym shorts but be sure and make the waist smaller before you send it. I need some T shirts. Send all my white ones and those camp ones don't send them. Also, send my swimming trunks and supporter plus my gym shoes. Send my while woolen sweat sox. I have about 4 pairs. I asked for them before but you sent new ones instead. You can mail this stuff around April first. It sure is nice to play tennis and go swimming. Some of the boys want to play and a lot of guys bought suits tonight. If you make those shorts small enough so they're fairly tight I can wear them for swimming trunks. I'd like that, I wore them up at camp for that purpose but they just about came off every time I dived in. Have you heard from Robin yet? How's the garden coming. Today was the first mail I got in five days. Well, it's time for bed so I'll close. Oh! they charge 60 cents an hour for horse back riding. Good night with love and kisses.
Love,
Rae
P.S Tell Unk a 2nd loouie in the Army get $197 while a flying 2nd Loouie gets $237. This does not include deductions and allowances and etc. For overseas service you get more and there are other reasons for additional allowances. I don't know what a First Loouie gets but it's considerable more.