Feb 28, 1943
Sun 2:10 P.M.
Dear Folks:
Well today I have a little spare time but I won’t have any for ten days again, so don’t get worried if I don’t write so much.
I have a little newspaper* I am sending to you. It is got up by cadets but they are good at it. That is the business of some of these guys.
I got a letter from Murell the other day. Maybe I told you some of this stuff but I can’t remember. The other day we had some competition. We did the standing broad jump. I jumped 7’6″ which was among the best 5 out of a group of 30 men. We then did the 100 yd dash. My time was 12 seconds flat. This was the best time out of a group of 60 men. There were 2 or 3 others who tied me. We had a retreat parade and inspection yesterday morning. We dress all up with white gloves and all. We then march to the parade grounds. When we got there we stand at attention for 30 min or so. We then march around past the reviewing stand and come back and stand some more. An officer then walks through the ranks and looks us all over. I must have been okay because he didn’t say anything. You try standing in one spot without moving any part of you for 1/2 hr and you will get an idea what it is like.
You know I was wondering. Did you or did you not get that money order. You never said and I would like to know for sure. We will get paid this week so I will be sending some more money. All the money I spend is for candy bars and coca cola once in awhile and for writing material. Oh yes I had to get some garters. We have to wear garters!
I’m feeling okay. I’m sleepy most of the time though. Yesterday we had a test in math and one in ground forces. I think I had 100% in math and 80% in ground forces.
Well I’m going to write Pug a letter and one to Murell yet today. Then I will be sort of caught up on my letter writing.
Bye now,
Alva
I can’t think of much to say but if you want to know anything just ask me and I will try to answer.
A.B.
I ran out of stamps and I don’t have time to go to the post office.
*The newspaper Alva was referring to was The Eager Beaver. The Eager Beaver was the second newspaper published by the enlisted men of the San Antonio Aviation Cadet Center.
https://www.37trw.af.mil/About/History/#:~:text=Eager%20Beaver%20Newspapers
Ancestors Across the Ages 