Thursday, 15 October 1942 (D421015)

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October 15, 1942

Dear Folks

I've had a very pleasant surprise this week and am eagerly looking forward to a very pleasant Sunday-Tuesday. I received a very nice letter from Mrs. Daniels saying that she had learned from a very good friend of her's (you) that I was in school here and that she wanted me to bring a friend with me and meet her so that they could take us to their home for Sunday dinner. So I called her last night to accept the invitation and made arrangements to meet her at church. Also she said that she had invited you folks to stay with her and visit me. If you could work that out it would would surely be nice. The only trouble is that I only have Sundays off. But it would be good to see you even for a day.

Time is going fast here and I'm enjoying the course more as we progress. The boys that live in the hutment that I do are a very swell bunch of boys. 3 from Texas, 3 from N.Y., 4 from Calif, Wash, LA and Ohio. So you see the U.S. is pretty well represented. We are all working hard under quite a nervous strain but fortunately we all have a good sense of humor and are able to relax often enough to keep in shape. Also we have the very best instructors and they are using the newest scientific methods to get the point across to us, so that we can become instructors and leaders to our men. 

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I listened to the President's speech the other night and surely believe that he is on the ball. Of course we all hate to see our young boys in this but it's true we need them and I believe the training will do them lots of good. Willkie's report after all that travelling must have been very interesting to the men on the inside. And I thought it very significant that our Pres should push all personal ideas aside and pick the man for his qualifications to do the job, and you can bet that Roosevelt is not about to send a man that far for nothing.

Glad to hear that Pa went to Des Moines on that committee meeting and that the farmers are playing a more and more important part in our legislation. After all we boys here are very directly controlled by the food we receive. It's known and proven fact good mess and good Co and good butter, good mess. We are pretty short on milk here but otherwise we have a very fine mess and we have steel beds with mattresses, sheets and plenty of blankets to keep warm. You know sometimes I'm very sorry that I'm not a writer because I've been fortunate to see so many different people, places and things. I think if it were fixed up properly that it would be mighty interesting after the war is over.

Must close now for the lights are about to go out. Will report on my Sunday with Mrs. Daniels. Thanks a lot for writing her.

With love

Leonard

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I could use some coat hangers if you have any extra ~

Sunday night (18 Oct)

Dear Folks

Just returned from one of the very nicest times that I've had in a long time. I met Mrs. Daniels at the Baptist church this morning, and after church they drove my friend and I to their large beautiful home for a very fine dinner. After dinner we visited a while and then they drove us all around the city and showed us all the beautiful sights here. After which they brought us out to the camp. A very perfect day. Now I'm to find out when you will arrive and how many are coming. It may be possible for me to meet you Saturday night and stay over night. Just let me know as soon as you can what time you expect to arrive, and I'll make the very best connections possible. Mrs. Daniels spoke like she expected you all to stay with them while here, which is very good because you folks will enjoy them and rooms are almost impossible.

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I sure hope Pa can come but I do realize that he's been mighty busy. Am glad you heard the radio program. Evidently they told you things that we don't know. Am sure looking forward to seeing you.

Love

Leonard