Dear Mom:

Things have taken a turn for the better since you heard from me last. We’re off from tonight, Thursday, until Sunday night. We can go anywhere we want and that time permits. We have a new cadet club opening up tomorrow night with a Christmas eve party. So, all in all, things ain’t so bad all over.

Mom, don’t worry about me not sending any Christmas cards, people should understand and then I have been in quarantine to boot. I’ll write them all a letter and thank them in good order. I’ll try to send some New Years cards to make up for it.

Our “flu” here has quieted down, they gave all of us 4 sulpha-didine pills. I’m not sure that is the way it is spelled. I had a terrible cold and it cured it. I wish you would see if the doctor wouldn’t give you some. I believe they would help your sinus. They kill every germ they can find.

I guess you have received the little remembrance, but I could not get anywhere to buy anything. Maybe next Christmas will be better for us all. I hope so. If you are not going to get Ben a bicycle, get him whatever will do him the most good and he’ll probably be better off. I had some pretty narrow escapes on mine that I never told you about. I used to be a crazy kid, I don’t see how I ever kept from getting hurt real bad. Well, it’s all past and I am safe and sound.

Mom, about the box of candy that you said Aunt Rene sent me. Somehow I got the idea that Bertha sent it and I believe I wrote and thanked her for it. If I made a mistake, I’ll have to write and rectify my error.

Don’t worry about me and make yourself unhappy fearing that I am dissatisfied. Mom I am well-fed, well clothed and as happy as any guy could be away from home. I’m lucky to still be in this country. Some guys would give their right arm to be this near home so I am to so bad off after all. It won’t be but 6 more weeks, it seems like no time since it was 6 months until that big day. They all pass fast – from now on and then homeward bound. I am coming if I can’t stay but one day – wait and see!

Mom, I haven’t received the ties as yet, I’ll let you know just as soon as I get them. I can always use ties. I wrote you that I had received all the other things, guess you hadn’t gotten the letter when you wrote me.

I am sure glad that I have made it this far along. I don’t know what I would have done if I had washed out. Those silver wings are one of the few things I have wanted with all my heart. I am really thankful that I have made it safely, lots of the boys have crashed. Nine times out of ten it is caused by carelessness or showing off or some fool stunt. If you keep your head level and think you are as safe as in your own living room.

Did I tell you I had a letter from Eehols, he is just starting Primary in Illinois. If he only knew what he had ahead of him.

Thanks for the sweet card Mom, and thanks again for all the swell gifts.

See you soon I hope.

Love to all,

Roy

I love the pen, it’s wonderful!