Nov. 15, 1943
Mon. 10:15 P.M.
Dear Folks:
Well I got here about 3:00 this afternoon. What a place. No lockers, no place to hang our clothes, and horror of horrors no place to plug in my electric shaver, and my other bag isn’t here yet with my safety razor.
I just made my connections. The train seemed to be late all the way through. At Cincinnati I got my new train just before it pulled out, and it was the same way at Jacksonville, Fla.
We found out that we won’t do a bit of flying while here. All we get is ground school and P.T. No telling how long we will be here. From 2 weeks to 2 months I guess. The rumor is until Dec. 20 at least.
You might do me a favor. If you can get a hold of or have one, send me one of those big double plugs that you can screw a bulb in and plug in the side too. Or any kind of plug would help.
If we don’t fly we won’t get flying pay either so that’s $75 a month I won’t get.
While I think of it, address my letters as follows:
Lt. Alva D Bessey, 439th Fighter Sqd. Flight R Boks. 458, Dale Mabry Field, Tallahassee, Florida
Well I guess I better close. I’m sleepy and tired. I’ve only had one square meal since I left home and that cost $1.45.
Everybody is sort of mad because we won’t be flying for a while. No telling when we will get into combat now.
I know one thing I’m going to take advantage of any chance to get a leave that I can. They say we may get a 5 day leave if we stay here long.
Well I’ll write soon again if possible.
Yours truly
Alva
Ancestors Across the Ages 