Santa Ana Army Air Base
Santa Ana, California
Monday, 24th, 1943

Dear Folks:

I'm sending this from the Classification Center here at the Santa Ana Army Air Base, where I arrived today. I was met at the train and am now here with the rest of the future Army Air Crews.

I've been registered and assigned to Squadron 7, where I shall remain for about two weeks. During that time I will have my physical examinations and tests which will determine whether I become a Pilot, Bombardier, or Navigator. After being classified, I will be assigned to another squadron here on this post, and then my actual preflight training begins. That preflight training will last for about nine weeks and then I will be sent to one of the flying schools to start my flying training.

You will no doubt think it strange receiving this type of letter from me instead of a personal note, but here is why: Our Commanding Officer knows that during the excitement and process of getting settled during the next few days, some of us will be apt to forget to write to the folks at home. This is his way of letting you know where I am and that I am well. It's just one of the many indications that I shall be well taken care of in the Army Air Forces. Another is my protection by National Service Life Insurance which is granted me free of charge all through my training period.

I know I'll have more nice things to tell you when I write a real letter. In the meantime, please let me hear from you. My address is

A/S Raymond Patheal
Squadron 7
Army Air Base
Santa Ana, Calif.

I've been here about a half hour so far and I've seen two P-38s already. So far this place reminds me of Sheppard Field, the same absence of grass. At Sheppard the barracks were white but that's the only difference so far. I don't know much of anything now so I'll write later.

Cadet to be??!!
Rae

P.S I still haven't seen the Calif. sun. It stays foggy but doesn't rain


(c) 2006 Patheal Family Estate This document is being made available for research and perusal purposes only. No part of this document may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the Patheal Family Estate. For more information contact Robert E. Rowland at bob@rerowland.com