Camp Ord, Cal. Jan 31, 1940

Camp Ord, Cal.

Jan. 31, 1940

Dearest Mom,

     Here is the $11.00 for the payment on the furniture and at Wards.  I hope it doesn't take to long before you get it.  

      The weather here has been pretty swell the last few days, although it did rain a little bit today.

     Since we came into Camp Ord the band has moved three times.  Now I hope we are settled at last.  Every time we had to fix up around the tent.  We had to get a rake and shovel and level off the ground, and dig ditches so the water will run off.  We have done everything but plant lawns in.  But the band has the neatest looking tents on the post, and General Sweeney told us so.  The more (unreadable word) the band gets, the better off we are going to be.  But we haven't gotten over our moving jag since we left Fort Lewis.

   There has been a lot of soldiers going over the hill already.  But when we go back to Washington they won't find any one in the band missing.  General Sweeney says he expects about 1/3 of the 3rd. Division will be over the hill before we get back.  But he said he had great confidence in the band.  He said he would be willing to bet anyone that there wouldn't be any of the band leave.  I thought that was quite a compliment, don't you?  I guess he just wanted to pep us up a little.

     Maybe I told you this before.  The band plays two concerts a week at the theater, and we get to see all the shows free.  All we have to do is wear one of our pins (Band pins) and walk right in.  We don't even have to stand in line.  So don't wonder why any of you aren't going over the hill.  We are sure privileged characters around here.  Pretty swell eh, mom?  Although I do miss home and Margart a heck of a lot I will make the best of it.

     Well I have told you just about all the news so I will close.  Tell everyone hello and also tell them to write.  Tell Uncle Lester and Aunt Iva hello, also Uncle Charlie and Aunt Ollie, if you see them.  How is Jerry getting along?  I wouldn't want anything to happen so I wouldn't get to be an uncle when I come back.  I am looking forward to that.

     I will close mom hoping you and the rest of the family are feeling well.

                             With love to everyone.

                                       Rex XXXXXX