Dear Dad,
Well we finally got a few hours off. Yesterday they let us off from 10:00 A.M. till 8:00 PM. I was going to call you had it been an over night pass but it didn’t work out. When we do get off over night I am going to call you. Ernie and I went in and saw the Perk’s and they had us for lunch, we really had a swell time and it was a change which helped alot. Mr. Perkins got an advancement and is just about at the top of the state engineers.
Long John was flying but got to talk to him over the phone. He said he had received a swell letter from you and wanted me to give you his regards and said that he would write when things let up alittle.
Say Dad, you mentioned something about you and Cleda coming out here. It would really be swell and I was wondering if you had thought of coming out for graduation in April. You said that Cleda could come out alittle early, that would be OK but I doubt if we get off very much, because you see we are suppose to get one day off every eight days but that usually isn’t the case, it is more like every 16 days. You can be thinking about this, I was going to send you an announcement anyway so there isn’t any rush in deciding. Don’t plan on too much because they are still washing boys out and I am no exception.
Today we started formation flying and it is alot different here than in basic. A period of formation here usually ends up in a rat race, and after 15 min of that you would really think you have been through a dog fight. All a rat race is, is where you follow your instructor and try to keep on his tail. It usually ends in a “luftberry” circle which is seeing who can turn tighter than the other. It is a circle where you put down all your flaps, wheels, and if necessary hang your feet out the cockpit if it helps to keep you from stalling out.
I was glad to hear that Karen was so much better and back home. Tell Elaines’ that I received their letter and will answer it before too long. Give them all my love.
I also got a letter from Zoe and she said she had called you and that you seemed to be enjoying your work alot. She had been sick and was going home this last weekend. Bill VanMeter had also been to see her. How did you and Bill make out? How does he like it in Chicago and his new work? He could probably tell you all about the planes I have been flying.
Say, ask Elaine what she wants for her last weeks Birthday? Yesterday was Washington’s Day so all the stores were closed in Phoenix and I don’t have much of an idea what she wants, jewerly or what?
Well Dad it is 9:00 and 5:00 comes awful fast so had better close and get in some sack time. Goodnight –
With love,
Tom
