Dear Mary,
Gee it was good hearing from you. Letters certainly mean a lot in the Navy. I used to like to get them at school, but was never downhearted when one didn't show up because Kiski was so much fun. But the Navy is different and letters from anyone mean a lot, especially from the family.
Mother also wrote to me today. She says Dora is mad because she got an army star instead of a Navy star for the window. Also I take it that Harriet Ann and mom are sort of tearing the house apart for this wedding. They've also moved my stuff out for the duration. I hope they don't throw anything out - I have lots of stuff I want to save on pretty unimportant looking paper etc.
We have a radio in our barracks here and it seems like the Chicago stations are continually playing the same records we used to have at Kiski. Believe me, it makes me plenty homesick for school. Every once in a while I start thinking what I'd be doing at school if there now or what [page break]
I did a year ago. Every kid I have is going to Kiski. That's a promise!
I'll give you a bird's eye view of what's been happening to me in the navy. I hit the deck a 5:30 AM and by 5:40 am out taking exercises on the Grinder. 6:00 return to barracks, wash up, make bunks and by 6:30 either go to first chow or clean barracks if on second chow until 7:30. Our day starts at eight. Since I'm in the Drum & Bugle Corps I miss a lot of drilling, and am excused from most Guard duty. I have no weekend duties. But there are times that I must report to the Company. Take today for instance. Got up at the usual time and went to late chow (7:30). When I got back about 0805 the order was on the clerks desk that I had to report to D. + B. Corps at 8:00. I ran like h--- and got there in time to fool around. There was regimental drill or graduation for old companies which would take place about 10:00. I had a "must" at 9:50 so was excused from the Corps to take Airplane Iden. with my class. Then we rowed boats on land - just the motions for practice, then returned to barracks. After chow I got more shots. Incidentally my vaccination took. Then 2 hrs drill with rifles. At 4:30 I'm on my own until about 8:30 or 9:00 - taps at 9:30 [page break]
They change their minds about 20 times a day here and everybody takes it and likes it. We're always changing clothes.
Last week Paramount Pictures came to Great Lakes and took pictures of my company drilling etc. It's part of a movie called "the Navy Way." Stars here are Robert Armstrong, Jean Parker, Roscoe Karns, Tom Keene. When Jean Parker was introduced to the men she said that she wasn't a good public speaker but would rassle any man in the crowd for a buck. My G-- how the money did fly. She was kidding though.
Mother hasn't sent me my horn yet but I'm waiting for it. I hope it comes soon. The Geigers and I plan to get together soon and play over some of our old trios etc. I've seen them a few times. I've also located David Studebaker. When I met him he was doing extra duty in the canteen. We've also made plans for the future. He leaves Great Lakes the 9th of Oct. The Geigers leave about the 10th. I leave the 26th as scheduled now, but one can never be sure in the Navy [page break]
We have a nice Canteen. So far I've patronized it pretty hard. The library is good and has many of the books I used at Kiski. Food is cheap - real cheap, that's why I still have 15 of the 20 dollars dad gave me at Temagami.
Well, I've got to sign off now. Wait, I'll answer a few questions. - Yes - Veen and I have been corresponding regularly. The Saga of Kamistiquabika was super and I thought it was terrific art et al.
Lots of love
Bud