December 22, 1942

Dear Mom,

You perhaps received my two wonderful cards? We have spent exactly 24 hours in the center. So far so good. We've spent most of the time filling out papers and more papers. This morning I filled out a $10,000 life insurance policy. At the same time they gave us a foolish form to fill out. It was sent to you.

Evidently they figured I wouldn't have time to write.

The weather is fine. The sun shines brightly. We go around in our short sleeves. The cold is about all better. I'm still with Whity. The planes roar around here like flies on a summer's day. They tell us in about 3 months we'll be able to touch one. You know, just the wing.

We have not yet been classified. Our troubles begin when we do. We'll draw guard, KP etc. for about a month before. This isn't bad for me. I've only been here 24 hours and I wrote 4 pages. We're 8 miles from San Antonio. It doesn't make much difference we can't go out anyway.

A late Christmas (By the time this gets there) to all.

As ever, Love

Al

The new address is:

A/C Albert E McKinley Squadron 107 Airfare Classification Center San Antonio Aviation Cadet Center San Antonio, Texas