Sept. 30
Hello Sweet Sister,
I got a letter from Aunt Min too, but it wasn't profitable - although the day of Sept 29th was. I received about 5 letters and also got paid five dollars - of which I was allowed to keep 5 dollars.
I planned to go on a bike but some demerits and service week caught up with me. Service Week is one in which one works 12-14 hours daily. Everybody goes thru it. Included in the week are K.P. - extra Guard duty and General manual or clerical labor. Me, being in the Drum & Bugle Corps, am escaping most of the work - but don't think the corps doesn't work. This morning we marched and played from 7:30 until 11:30. This aft we have to march etc from 1:30 until 4:30 drilling for a regimental graduation tomorrow.
This morning while I was [page break]
playing with the corps the C.S. worker here came up to me in his car and we talked about the work here in camp. I'm going to try and go to church tonight if possible. Also the Scientists are having Sunday services just like Catholics, Protestant and Jewish. The worker here is really a wonderful man. It was really swell having him show up when he did.
The food here is improving - but I'm still not bragging. Just a gentle hint - if you send anything it'll have to go around for 130 men. These wolves smell food a mile away and by the time a rightful owner gets to his package all that's left is the wrapping paper. Don't think I don't want something - but if I'm going to live through this war I'll have to watch these men like a hawk. If they saw candy they'd jump me so fast that life wouldn't be worth living.
This past week's been fairly interesting. The other day I went row boating - learned all the Navy [page break]
slang for boats etc. I certainly made an fool of myself when I tempted to demonstrate the rowing technique. The Navy has a way all its own. Mine was civilian plus.
I won't get flustered if you date other fellows - Knowing Gaines he's certainly not lonesome and knowing you - you definitely aren't either.
Well old sock - This'll have to do temporarily. Chow's coming up and neither love nor money can keep from the mess hall - even if the line's a half mile long.
Loads of love
Bud
[ILLUSTRATION 1: Officer on dock calls "Stand by to Heave!" — Bud in a crowded cutter responds "Okay Chiefy Boy," another boat rows smoothly in the background under a sunny sky]
[ILLUSTRATION 2: "Heave!" — the boat capsizes with a big SPLASH, Bud and the crew tumbling into the water]