1943.1.17

Dear Folks,

My correct address is as follows:

a/c Alva Bessey
Squadron 113, Flight F
Army Air Force Classification Center
San Antonio Aviation Cadet Center
San Antonio, Texas

Isn’t that a nice one. I just ran out of ink, so I will write this in pencil.

This morning we listened to an officer give a speech. It will take 40 weeks if I train for a pilot and a little less for bombardier or navigator. He said it will probably age us about 5 yrs. The discipline here is strict, but we haven’t seen anything yet. I guess they don’t punish cadets here, just give them “additional instruction.”

We get fed well here and have plenty of it, but of course it isn’t like ma’s cooking. We are supposed to make up our bunks so that a coin will bounce up and flip over when tossed on the blanket. It got pretty chilly last night. It isn’t so warm today either. I expect to be here for 5 weeks or more. We get a G.I. haircut soon so I won’t have to bother to comb my hair much more.

We will be in quarantine for 2 weeks. After that we can get a day off now and then. It won’t make much difference as San Antonio is ten miles away.

Well I just went over and received some coveralls.

Well folks write soon and let me know how things are at home etc.

Yours truly,

Alva Bessey