April 30, 1943. A letter home from Dad. It’s been three days since he wrote with his new address in Salina, Kansas. He notes, “I haven’t heard from you as yet, but before you receive this letter I think I should hear from you. I should be hearing from Stanley soon as well.” He continues, “I am getting along with my new job as best I can. I don’t know how long I’ll be here but it is possible I will be here for a long time.”
He is still waiting for his barracks bag to catch up with him. It seems the Army in 1943 had the same problem that airlines have today when it comes to luggage. “Just about two hours before we got off, another group got off and that is about the time we missed them – in the middle of the night. When we got up to leave, two of us had no barracks bag… I will have a Report of Survey made so this can be settled for once. The valise I have with me now sure comes in handy.”
He has been getting a chance to catch up on his correspondence. “I wrote Alex Kosinski and Interstate [Plumbing Supply (where he worked before being drafted)] for the first time since travelling around this country of ours.”
He still seems a little nostalgic for home, “I’ll bet that spring is in full swing up in Albany and all over New York State. Around this part of the country there isn’t much to be seen, only the same grass and ground. I may go to Salina nearby and see what goes on there. I hope to find some small stream in which to fish as it would help me spend some time.”
He notes, “Once in a while the food is pretty good, but generally it is on the average. I understand that we do get K.P. once in a while unless you are a Corporal and that is where Stanley gets a break. We also are supposed to get guard duty. It is just the idea of getting used to how they run things around here and the rest will take care of itself.”
He also notes that “This war is sure dragging along. I do hope that Eddie doesn’t get bothered by the draft because he can do more as a civilian than in the Army for the war effort. Dr. Alex Kosinski has accepted a position of teacher in Medical College… He too can do more by being outside of the Army.”
Referring to a street in the neighborhood, he comments, “Central Ave… must be jammed by women, baby carriages and children. The streets should be pretty well cleared of kids younger than me.” He also talks about how they pass the time in the barracks. “…they are playing cards and listening to the Lone Ranger. I generally read educational magazines and try to figure things out instead of just waste my time.” He also assures his family “I have enough dough and another payday is coming up so I’ll have to figure out how best apply the money, either towards a vague furlough or my bank account.”
After a few more random observations he signs off, “God Bless you and Stanley, Your son, brother, uncle, Anthony”