Well I imagine you missed my letter yesterday, but I have a good excuse. I was sick yesterday, so I slept all evening. I had a head ache and a light head. This morning I awoke with a sore throat and since it was pretty raw, I didn't eat much today. One of the boys has a thermometer, so I took my temperature. It was 100 degrees, so I took some quinine pills he had. My head ache was gone today, but I still had a light head. I think I'll be alright by tomorrow. The reason I didn't go to the hospital was that minimum you stay is a week and I would miss too much that way and besides my flight is supposed to leave the first of May and I wouldn't want to get changed.

Jack is still with me but Ed is in Iowa. As for your questions, I just answered no. one. 2&3. Sure I like Jack and he lives in Lombard. 4. I haven't got the Elm Bark yet, but my girl sends it to me. 5. I've got two issues of the Town Blabber. I do enjoy reading about the town boys. 6. No magazines, no time. 7. No pajamas. 8. No money. I'll answer no. 9 later. 10. Texas is all right but give me Illinois.

I got a letter from Ray King today, but I haven't heard from Bill or Ken yet. Pa, you make me laugh saying you're stiff. For the last three days I've bee so stiff I can hardly move. Today after calisthenics we only had to run around the track twice and then go over the obstacle course - being sick doesn't help matters any. I got paid $20 at Sheppard Field after two weeks, then I was shipped just before our next payment. Since we were shipping from San Marcos they only gave us enough to leave. Most of the boys had debts. We won't get paid until next month and if we ship, Lord knows when we will get paid. That's why I haven't sent any money home. Now for question no. 9. Try and follow closely. There are two reasons why we're here, the real reason and the good reason. The real reason is they had to call all the young boys up before they could get at the married men. They didn't have any room for us so they put us back in school until they had room. But since we are in the army that gives them a free hand. Now the good reason is that they're giving us a basic course just to familiarize us with what we'll get in pre-flight and advanced. This course is really not necessary, it's just a way of "marking time." In all your letters you seem to think I might get to come home. Well I positively won't get home for a year and half. When I come home I'll have my wings and a bar on my shoulder. I'll get the wings before the bar though. There is already a rumor that we're to be sent to San Anna.

Well, I have to study for a test tomorrow so I better close now. Good night.

Love, Rae

P.S. Oh, yes I got three packages today. Your box of candy, Unk's box of cookies and Doris sent me some candy, gum, pretzels, and carmel corn. Please use a system. I go from nothing to a over supply. I still have one cake to eat yet and about five packages of gum. Good night again.

Rae