My address will be the same until I

notify you differently.

11/14/43 A.M.

Dear mom,

Just got back from church, the first time I’ve been in 3 weeks, so I enjoyed the service very much. Guess I was in need of a little religion after saying some “bad words” during the 3 weeks of mountain and desert maneuvers! Anyway, we are really glad to be there with them and back in camp again.

We got back about midnight Friday after riding in 8 A.M. that day. The problem ended at exactly 11 A.M. on the mistiest day, and we were glad. We really had had enough for one time. In Tennessee we had 4 day problems and rested 3 but out here they lasted 8 days without stopping. We were really tired out from doing double duty most of the time. Wednesday night I only had 2 hours sleep and then worked all day until 9:30 P.M. Thursday picking up wire, etc.

Yesterday I shaved the 1^st time in 3 ½ days and had the 1^st hot shower since we left here. I did take a cold-water sponge bath 2 weeks ago! We were really grimy and filthy from the incessant dust that we are in daily. I stood under the shower about 30 minutes just enjoying it!!

Had letters from Martha and Mir yesterday, and Joe the day before. Joe said he was getting his “blood test” last week and thought he would have to go soon after the 1^st of January. Hope something comes of that. We will get him out of it. It’s hard enough on us single men, so I can imagine how it will be with those who have families.

Joe was always bragging about how he wouldn’t mind being in the army, but now that it’s to become a realization, I think he has changed his mind! I see Elliot is in the Navy and it seems that all of the latest industries are going there.

Well we finally found out where we are going. We leave here the first of next week for camp San Luis Abispo, which is about 200 miles North of L.A., about half way between L.A. and San Fran. –It is close to the coast, but they say it isn’t fort of Embarkation.” I suppose we will get our replacements there and, maybe some amphibious training. Will let you know more about that later. The Division that took our place in Rucker came from there. It used to be a “guard” camp so we are hoping it still is! Anywhere to get out of this dust. We will be close to a lot of town and cities out there, so hope to enjoy them.

Yesterday it was 95 degrees here in the tent and last night, or early in the A.M., it was 38 degrees! That gives you an idea of the extreme change of temperature every day. We nearly freeze every night and then sweat it out during the day. Maybe Abispo will be better. We are hoping to be shipped east soon, for they “say” we may not be in Abispo over 3 days or so. Did you get your hog killed during the cold spell? Martha said they had a good time there.

Hope to hear from you soon-

Love Russell