Los Angeles, California

April 5, 1943

Dear Mother,

Just a few lines to let you hear from me. I am well and hope you are the same. I received the stamps and had just received a dozen stamps from the mailman. A friend wrote and told me that you are worrying about me going across. We have a lot more to do yet, it takes a years training, then another examination. If one tooth is bad, you don’t pass. You know how my teeth are. We haven’t been on the rifle range yet. Our basic training hasn’t finished yet. It’s a whole lot, yet I will be here next New Year’s. I get a fifteen day furlough in June.

I could come home now but would only have one day to stay. It’s no use paying about 75 fare for one day. It takes from six to seven days to travel. My sergeant is from Baltimore and just came back. He has been in the army a year. He said he was in Annapolis on far low at the Washington hotel. It’s not many fellows left there. He also sent papa one of his old friends. He was to go to his house and the beer garden across the street from him. He knows more about down there then I do. Tell Edith I’ll answer her letter I just came off a thirty hour guard duty. I walk two hours and rest four. I’ll finish the rest of letters tomorrow. We are moving today too. We are like gypsies, move on Sundays build a camp then leave it. That’s what we do all around the desert. The work is easy like W.P.A. We’ll be building camps along while yet. I’m also sending $40 ail mail special. You can write the same address. I’ll get the mail we’ll write more often now since I have stamps. Tell Glady Elizabeth and all hellos. I think I better wait for my 15 day far low It may be in May I’ll send you a telegram you can send me fair by telegram than too. It will be around a payday so I won’t send for much answer soon

Your son,

Randolph

Don’t end any more letters like that last one I’ll send some pictures soon. I weigh 179 pounds. Now you know I have been eating a plenty. Its very hot here, 110 in shade, 120 in sun.