March 27 & April 2, 1941

Camp Forrest, Tenn

Thursday March 27

Dear Mary Rose:

Greetings from Camp Forrest on this damp misty evening.  Ah!  Glen Miller just came on the radio.  Good enough.

It certainly has been a terrible day here.  Chilly, damp and a drizzling rain most of the time .  The mud is still here and probably will be for sometime.  Many of the fellows have colds and the hospital is filled.

A 6th Class Specialist is merely a form of rating which includes extra pay for performance of a special duty.  Mine is that of a mounted messenger so they tell me.

The Easter trip is pretty much still a question.  The fellow handeling the arrangements spoke to the captain and he indicated that it would be O.K. with him.  However it seems as though we must get written permission from the Major.  This latter step is mere routine and should not involve any hard work.  As soon as I learn one way or the other about the setup I'll give you full particulars.  As it now looks this will be our only chance to get leave until November or December.  It is rumoredthat we start our maneuvers June 21st.  This will last for four months and will take us to California, Texas, New York, and Washington. 

This week has been the start of our thirteen week training period which should take us up to the maneuver date.  We've been riding bare back about two hours each morning and you can bet there have been many boys hitting the ground unwillingly. (I haven't as of yet)  The food continues to be fair or I might even say poor and the boys by no means take it gently.  So much for the drafted army. 

Opening day is quickly rolling around isn't it?  I'll certainly miss it and all the fun connected with it.

Oh! well I'll grin and bear it.  Possibly it could be worse.  You, or anybody not connected with the army, cannot appreciate what really goes on here.  I'll detail this statement when I see you.

In order that I may rise and shine in the morning I must now prepare for bed.  So long and write soon. 

As Ever

Stan.

P.S.  I hope you haven't made a special effort to send me your picture.  Have you?

Cincinnati, Ohio
April 1, 1941

Dear Stan,

California, Texas, New York and Washington.  I thought it was the Navy you joined for such sights.  People never tell me anything.

I've been trying so hard to get something besides Molle on the radio but after two minutes striving I give up and so I listen to Smith vs. Harvard, like it or not.

Pens are impossible- running out of ink or they don't work at all- but- here I am a full pen and lots and lots to tell you.

Success and more success in sticking to your horse and how would you enjoy a private salt and pepper shaker- it might help your food- especially potatoes.

Things are happening right and left around the office- Betty Bonte is in the hospital with appendicitis, and desks are changed around or have I mentioned this before- Bud doesn't have to go to the Navy because he can't see very well and Dun got his papers- but you probably know this and Loraine was in to see us and there are lots more but I just can't remember what they were- After reading this last bit I wonder if it will make sense- oh well it makes a good puzzle anyhow.

You might say I did and you might say I didn't make a special effort for this picture.  Several weeks ago I had my picture taken for family use and just had one more added to the ones I had already ordered.  So enough of that.  It will come this week.  Maybe.

Believe it or not I hit a neat 84 last Sunday in my first game of golf this year- 84- I must be truthful 84 for nine holes.  If it wasn't a tree it was a bridge if it wasn't the bridge it was the lake and so I am beginning right where I left off.  up high.

My goodness!  I hope you find out soon about your Easter trip- I'm all a-dither.

Next Sunday I'm going plane riding so with this bit of something or other I'll leave you and tear off to a bit of nightmares and dreams.

Sincerely,

Mary Rose

P.S.  I hope it has stopped raining by this time.  What does (H-MECZ) stand for?