June 8, 1944

Dear Dot and Dana,

It is much cooler here than it was in Florida. Last night I had two blankets over me and was still a little cold when I awoke this morning. I would say the climate here is about the same as in Maine.

In our trip across the States we weren’t allowed to get off the train until we got to some town in Utah. We were held over there for about six days. There was an Army Air Base there and we all went to look over some planes and went to a movie on the base. It was quite a relief to get off and stretch our legs. We went through the Rocky Mountains in Nevada. That was a beautiful sight and in California it was quite a sight too. There were large forests and the trees were awful large and tall. Some different than the trees around home.

I have been washing clothes most all the morning so I have them all clean now. Just got back from dinner. They feed extra good here. We have to muster at 1:00. I don’t know if we will have anything to do this afternoon or not.

We have liberty tonight. I probably will go to town and look it over. I’m not sure but I think it’s about two miles. There is a trolley car right by the base.

They sell beer right here on the base so I won’t have to go to town to get it. That’s one good thing. I was up to ships service and had some last night, only 10 cents a bottle.

I bought a bottle of perfume in Florida. It was in a box ready to mail so I will send it when I get a chance. It won’t be a very big bottle because it only cost $1.20. I didn’t look at the bottle myself.

3:30 PM. We didn’t have anything to do this afternoon so a bunch of us went and played softball and had quite a lot of fun. Do you get a chance to play ball now Dana?

I hope you’re not too lonesome out on the farm.

I found a letter on my bunk when I got back from you that came from Florida. I sure was surprised to get one here so soon.

I know you are expecting me home, but please don’t feel too bad dear. I am feeling fine and getting along O.K. but of course you know I would like to get home, but I guess I can’t now.

You may as well know Dot, this is not a training base. It’s an outgoing unit base. We are just here waiting to go someplace. God knows when or where.

One never knows what the Navy is going to do. They might change their mind and send us right back to N.Y.

Well darling, I am going to shower now and get cleaned up.

Love and Kisses xxxxxxxx

Beecher

I would like to see you in your new white sailor suit Dana. I bet you’re a pretty snappy looking sailor. I wish you would send me a couple snapshots of the house and barn, if you have any. I would like to show them to the boys.