Well, I was classified yesterday. I'm finally on my way towards becoming a pilot. Most of our squadron were classified as pilots and there were no navigators. About one fourth were bombardiers. It was the first impressive ceremony I've seen since I've been in the army. First a Chaplain gave us a prayer or something. Next an officer who had been in combat duty over Germany talked to us. The colonel also talked to us then our names were called out and we went up to the desk and were told what we were going to be. We had to sign something that said we accepted the choice of the Army. That means if I don't wash out I'll be through and get my wings in March or April. It is supposed to take 9 months. Then I'll either be a flight officer or a 2nd lieutenant. I am in the Army of the United States not the United States Army. Sonny is in the USA. The difference is I'm through 6 months after the war while he isn't. If I wait I'll get a chance to join the USA at some time during my training. When the war is over most of the U.S.A. men will be in the reserves.

Friday I was on KP (M.M.) all day. It was from 3:45 AM until 8:45 PM. My job was "mop man." I was supposed to keep the floor dry at all times and whenever some one spilt something I had to pick it up. They also had me de-eyeing potatoes and fixing radishes. At the end I was drying pots and pans. Boy was I tired when we finished. I have it again on Monday so I'm resting all day today. I don't think we'll be moved from classification to pre-flight for a week or two yet. I hope we get our cadet uniforms soon. Oh yes, we don't become cadets until they move us to a cadet squadron. Boy, I'm sure glad I got pilot. But I was kinda sure about it. Anyway, I never thought I would get it. I just felt that I was going to be one. I never heard of your parents being able to pin on your wings but I sure would like it if it's possible. I would like it better than anything else. Say, you better start getting it in your head that you're going to fly a lot. After the war is over we three are going to do a lot of flying together. There's really nothing to it when you just fly level flight. It's just like riding in a ford only a little more noise. I got a letter from Robin - three pages too. Boy I sure don't get much time to write letters. Oh yes, I have some disquieting news. Now that I'm going to be a pilot I won't get shipped any farther east than Arizona for all the pilot schools are out here in this area. So I guess you'll get to see the grand canyon after all. If you can pin my wings on I'll expect you to do it - I mean pa, but of course, you'll both be there. As for coming sooner, that's up to you. While I'm in pre-flight here I could spend from 4 PM Sat. afternoon until 3 PM Sunday afternoon. In advanced schools I imagine I'll get more time than that. When I get my wings I might even get a week. Well, it's about time for the review so I better close. I hope we have a better showing today than last week. If we do good we won't have to drill after supper anymore.

Love,
Rae