Tues. Oct 20
Dear Family,
Oh Gee, I bet the old knives are flying my way - but I've been plenty busy - with absolutely no free time. I'm regimental bugler now and am continuously on the go. I've been getting only 7 hrs sleep a night for over a month now - which means that I've lost 5 full nights of sleep, and therefore the last month when I'm not blowing - sleeping or trying to.
Well, as things look now my leave begins the 26th and terminates Nov. 4. It's too bad that I'll miss the wedding but believe me there won't be a moment Saturday that I won't be thinking of it.
Since the last letter, I've more or less chosen my navy career. I made Temp. Ships Company without a tryout - (The Geigers left for service school last Friday) which if my application is accepted (you see, one can make ships company - but still not make it - it's the Navy Way) will station me on the base up to 60 days. But a week ago, one day after applying for ships Company, all the men in the upper 20% of their respective companies had to take a test. [page break]
The test turned out to be a new V-12 test. I'm hoping it was successful for me. If I could make the college training program again I'm sure my eyes could pass the physical exam.
Yesterday I went to Camp Logan's rifle range - to my utter amazement I shot a 29 with 3 bulls eyes out of the 1st four shots. I was among the 10 highest shots in the company. That was the first target shooting I had ever done, let alone the first time I ever shot a rifle. The noise kind of got me though and my ears rang for some time after shooting.
Last Saturday I went to Evanston to the football game. Great Lakes VS Northwestern. The latter won 13-0. But I didn't let the defeat bother me - just getting to leave camp made my morale jump one hundred percent. Women! Oh man - all the Co-eds came and talked to us - I've got a collection of addresses now - but I mustn't be untrue to Veen. It brought back old days in civilian life. I now know what makes a sailor so hot with the ladies. In one short hour I talked the fastest line in my life. I amazed myself.
This coming Saturday I may get to go to Milwaukee - See it pays [page break]
to be in the navy - especially the Drum & Bugle Corps because we draw all the men to the games.
Tonite I go to band practice - a little outfit that the 21st & 23rd regiments threw together - but good - a professional directs us.
Tomorrow Co 1309 has final review. Since I'm regimental bugler I get to stand with the officers etc. Hot diggity.
Mail Call - a letter from dad - I'm afraid to open it - but I'm writing now. Well, well, - if by not writing for two weeks merits 20 dollars - I should not send this maybe. Wow!
Let me say again I'm terribly busy - maybe the Portman's son is just a plain seaman but your son is busy from 5:00 AM till 10:00 - figure it up - 29 to 46 calls a day - Company drill - D + B Corps drill. When [page break]
most men get off at 4:30 - I still have half my calls to make - go to colors - wash clothes. Believe me I write when I can. Today we had Sex Hygiene pictures & lectures - and they were over early. This is my first free time in days. In ten minutes I blow secure, then 2 chow calls, colors, sick call etc. etc. till taps at 9:30.
I won't cash that check cause I don't need money.
Please don't worry about me - start worrying if I write too often.
Lots of love
Bud
P.S. Tell Veen I'll write her soon. I hope you folks understand.