First, a little back up. I was looking through old newspapers yesterday and found this notice about his job in the Puget Sound Naval Yard. NYA = National Youth Administration. This is from the Albuquerque Journal, Sunday, April 19, 1942
Now, let's catch up with Jack in February, 1944 at Buckley Field, Colorado.
In the upper left corner: May be you ought to hold income tax until I see if I ship will know in a day or 2.
Feb 4 1944
Dear Ma
While I am waiting to have one of the fellows cut my hair I'll try to write you a little note.
I got your letter today the one with the picture of the kids. It is pretty good until you stop to look at it & then it's not so good.
Say would you send me my last year's income tax return & my slip showing me how much I made the first half the the year & all income tax papers I have there that you think I need.
We sure had a nice day today -- the sun was out all day & it was nice & warm just like a real spring day. We had all the windows & doors open. In fact one of the fellows just started to close the windows.
I got a letter from Bo a day and a you & she seemed like she didn't mind it too much.
Well I am so tired I can't think so I'll close for now.
5
I have to go out on pass [?] this afternoon - so I'll try to finish this now - quick but sweet It has been cold to day & is cold now. Am planning on going to to Fort Collins to night
Jack
Feb 7 1944
Dear Ma
I guess I ought to write you a note so as you will know I am still alive.
We didn't get passes Sat night so I had to stay in and save my money also be a good boy. It was such a nice day to stay in too. The sun was out & it was a typical spring day. I ran around all day with out a coat on it really was nice. It was just as nice today too.
I didn't do any thing today just got out of detail & tried to hide out. That's more work than working. Say I got another letter from the runt those things kill me. I have to show them around the barracks even let them read some of the remarks she makes including her cartoons.
Nene says all you do is set around and admire your picture well you tell her that that's all right because I got some very nice complements on that picture. all the fellows think I have a very good looking ma, & that's not just kidding. Don't let it go to your head now but if it makes you stop worring about your good for nothing kid let it go to your head.
I have to go up for a nother shot tomorrow so I won't have to work tomorrow if I can help it. Thats all ways good to get out of work.
Well I guess that's all I can think about for now so will close for now so write soon.
Jack.
Feb 10 1944
Dear Ma
Well we moved again to day. & it sure was a nice day to move. When we went to bed last night it started to snow, well it kept it up all night but didn't snow a whole lot. The wind did blow & when when we got up it was really cold. It blew & snowed till about noon & it sure was cold morning.
Say while I am thinking about it are you still sewing for other people? Now I am telling you if you are that you have to charge more for the work. If they don't want to pay it tell them to spend there money on war bonds and do it them selfs. You know you are only recking your eyes & those glasses don't come cheap. I am not kicking about you getting the glasses but to tell you the truth I don't think you made enough money to pay for them a lone & eyes are priceless. Rember I am still head of the house hold & what I says goes. I don't think you need money bad enough to have to ruin your eyes to get it. You know a blind person can't do a whole lot of sewing or anything else so please listen to your little son once. I don't think he ever told you any thing that you have gone wrong on yet. Even if I am bragging I don't think my advice has done any body any harm yet.
We had below 0 weather to day so I guess you know it has been cold. It gets colder here than in Denver [?] so it's cold.
I hear we only get 20 days basic so we won't have it too tough after all. We are suppose to have 45 days at least but they are going to close this as a training camp so are pushing us through.
Well I'll close for now.
Jack
Notes:
The Army Air Forces had considered closing the base as a training base, but they didn't close it completely. They drew down the numbers until the end of 1944 according to this site.
Gram didn't ruin her eyes sewing. She enjoyed sewing at least through the 1960s when she lived with my family. She made me clothes, she made me doll clothes, and also toys, including this cute kitty cat pajama bag.
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