Thursday Morning,

February 25, 1943

Dear Folks:

I am feeling fine this morning and expect to be released from the hospital Friday or Saturday. That will be swell as my battery is supposed to go to Yakima.

Believe it or not but I had a four hour pass yesterday. From noon till four o’clock I was on my own. It sure was nice and I enjoyed it very much. As soon as I got out I took a walk for over an hour. I was all over the main fort and seeing all the sights. It was nice, sunny day and the air sure was good. I had a swell view of Mt. Rainer which is only 30 miles from here. It is a very beautiful sight, bigger than those old Somet Mountains and covered with snow. Against the background of the blue sky, it made a very nice picture. Tourists spend lots of money to see it while I see it for nothing. After getting my exercise, I went to the service- men’s club and hung around until it was time to go back. The service club had radios, easy chairs, movies, and magazines galore so I had a nice time.

I also took some stationary to show you that I really was there. I think I will get another one today and go for another walk.

This hospital visit has turned out to be the best vacation I ever had. I can sleep as long as I want to, read magazines and the paper, have my meals served to me, and no work. I haven’t had things so easy in a long time. When they first sent me here I didn’t think I would like it at all. I never did like the hospital. The next time I am sick, I hope they will send me here again. I almost forgot to tell you that we have a radio here too- I have heard Bob Hope, Fred Waring, Phil Baker etc. We had a couple of good ghost stories before the lights went on.

I suppose you have received my first two letters by now. The fellow who took my picture is going to send them here to me and I will relay them. I’ll have to get going on that income tax thing before too long. I received six letters so far and heard from Ma, Helen, Charlie and Bill. I guess by this time Tom and Estelle are all settled in their big house. It is nice that Tom can have a home again and I am glad he is getting along so well. I hope they leave him there now. Those kids at the “Y” sure must have had a story to tell all the other kids.

Be good and keep going to church for me. I haven’t been myself for over a month.

So Long,

Joe