February 20, 1969

Dear Mom + Dad + Dan

Well, we got up at 5 pm this morning (20 Thurs.) and shaved, got dressed, and had a formation at 5:15 pm. We ran about 1 ½ before breakfast. Some kids walked, and some got sick, but the old general came through. We had chow and then marched for about 2 hours.

I signed up for Bonds, they will send them home to you. I’m wearing my dress uniform now waiting to go and have our pictures taken. I was talking to a couple guys that are leaving basic today and they said that it wasn’t too bad.

I start truck driving school next Tue. for two or three days. (Ah! No K.P.) well got to go to chow now. (hang on). Well, we had chow and had our teeth checked at the dentist and had our pictures taken.

We also went to a supply building and got all our field equipment such as helmets, jacket, canteen, pistol holder, ammunition holder sleeping bag and tent and mess kits and a whole lot of things.

I got a big duffle bag and another bag with field equipment and another bag with sleeping bag and mess stuff. Boy they got heavy.

Now I’m in the barracks and everyone is writing letters or polishing boots. Our senior Drill Seargent had a talk with us this afternoon and told us that this was going to be the best company in Fort Gordon in 8 weeks. You know I really believe him.

I’m going to try and write each night. It might not be much but I’ll try and write. How is Clem doing? I tried to call ya last Sunday night but no answer. I tried to call ya Mon night but no answer. I tried to call ya Tue night but no answer. (what’s going on) I’m sorry I had to hang up the other night but a P.F.C. came in. but he didn’t catch me. I can’t call till Sat or Sun 22nd or 23rd so you will probably get this letter after I call ya.

Man, you should see my head. Boy am I bald. Boy is the food good here, they also have a fruit machine outside the barracks.

New trainees are moving in with us tonight. That means there will be about 250 of us in this company.

What’s new in Hamilton? Boy, do I wish I was back there. Is my car still back in Wakefield? How’s the case coming? I hope the old Falcon is still there.

You want to know something? Remember that day (February 12th) when you let me off in Danvers, boy did I get chocked up. That’s why I didn’t look back. But that’s all behind me now. I only have 722 days left. You should hear the language on the Drill Seargent’s well I got to go now. Please write.

Love ya

Mickey