Dear Mother, Dad and Jocie-
I am officer of the day today-it’s not such a hot job but, at least, I have a little time to write. As I told you before-the heat is terrific on this field. I don’t notice the heat as long as we have airplanes to look at. The whole idea behind this 10 day stay at this basic field is-they want us to get an idea of the mechanics of an airplane before we start flying. We are the first class to have the chance. I think it’s a darn good idea don’t you? Most of the fellows, including myself, know very little about an airplane. Our instructor has given us a good many pointers on the basic and primary ships-I hope they do some good. I’m worried about primary already-I suppose I shouldn’t be-but, you know how we worry, mother. I have talked to quite a few advanced cadets and they tell me that the great majority of washouts (about 50% washout) don’t care for flying so they try to wash. Gosh! I hope I make good-for your sakes. If I don’t mother I’ll still keep trying for my bombardier commission. I want to be a pilot so badly. Well, I had better stop worrying you about my troubles. If I make it, good-if I don’t, bad-but at any rate I want you to know I will do my best.
My little radio is right on my desk-it certainly is a little beauty. It has such a marvelous tone-that’s just one of the many things you’ve done for me-I think you’re the sweetest family a boy could have-I miss you terribly, believe me. I will write soon-your loving son,
Jim