1/22/43

Dear Gram and Dad,

          It sure is swell to hear from you so often but please don't think that I am putting off writing by not answering your letters any sooner. You see I am out on bivouac and will be for two more weeks. The snow is now off the ground but it's still plenty cold. The Furlough Officer called me in the office yesterday and said I would go on furlough the 6^th Feb. and was I a happy boy, WOW! He hasn't told me the route or how much it's going to cost but I think I have enough to cover the cost, but if you can spare me some money I would sure appreciate it just in case I haven't. You see everybody turns in their money 10 or 12 days ahead of time to get your ticket and schedule ready which puts me on a bad spot because they only pay me the 1^st of each month. If this letter don't reach you in time I will wire home for it. Please don't try to send the money by check because you can't cash the check here at camp any more not even with the Chaplain. He don't get off in time to go to town and cash them in the bank and no stores of any kind will cash them so there you are and if you did send the check by mail it would probably get here late anyway, so please wire it. As I said before I don't know how much it's going to cost but think $20 will be sufficient and I would like for Dad to take it out of my account. I was sure glad to get the Air Corps papers but I am afraid will have to take the test there because I can't go out on past as long as I am on bivouac. I believe all I have to do is weigh in anyway so it won't be much of an exam. I will write again as soon as I know my route and hour of departure.

Much Love and Kisses,

Mike