Dear Janet,

It is nice to hear from you also; about the only good things around here these days are the fact it gets too hot to be outside (I will explain that in a moment) and getting mail. I seldom hear from my mother unless she is bugging me about not writing and that is no fun mail to get all of the time so it was so nice to see a letter with your return address on it for a change.

I also, in looking back on it, found a bit of humor in finding out my brother was my TI. He chewed me out because though he is my brother he is not my brother when he is my TI. The military does not allow one to be a relative of a TI or if they are, as in my case, they have to go a long way to show they are not showing favoritism. It’s just the way the Air Force works and I could see why it might be a disadvantage but you know that my family has not gotten along anyway so it makes no difference in this case.

 I have no idea what was on my plate; I think it was some variation of scrambled eggs and some thing. They do have this stuff I really like for breakfast though it is called SOS and when you put a little hot sauce on it it’s not to bad. Then again when you put hot sauce on anything they serve in the chow hall it improves the taste a lot.

Have you seen the weather repot? I am sure that one blanket will more than keep me warm. We were on our way to got through something called the “confidence course” we are supposed to go through it twice while we are here. Well they were marching us to it this morning and someone in a jeep came by and yelled RED BULB to the TI’s so we were told to about face (Turn around) and marched back to the barracks. It seems when the weather get a up to a certain temperature it is called a RED BULB condition and we are not allowed to be out in it. I have to wonder if they call a halt to wars when the temp gets too hot. I would guess not

Getting cleaned up is a short time is no big deal after awhile you learn to get your shower in a hurry and then shave real fast. While one half of the barracks is shaving the other half is shaving. Funny I never had to shave before I came here but the TI says every one shaves so every one shaves. (Another one of those things I know must have a reason but seem so dumb to me.

Yes they are strict here but that is only because they say you have to learn to do as you’re told because the day may come when doing as your told might mean the difference between you or one of your buddies living or dying. Seems to be a pretty good reason to me.

Tell you mom hello and than her for the offer of the blanket but unless it is olive drab I don’t think they will let me use it. Say hello to you mom for ma and remember you’re often on my mind.

Tom