Winfred to Margaret

EDITOR’S NOTE: The letter below was the first sent home by Winfred from his new base in Sioux Falls, S.D. where he began training to be radio operator.   Feb. 5, 1943                      0060      WM       AAFTS/ Sioux Falls, SD Winfred writes Margaret that he went from hot FL to ice covered SD in three days.  Went through Irondale at night. He likes the new camp; better food, no K.P. or guard, can sleep until 7:00.  He is going to radio mechanics school. The course should last 18-20 weeks. Afterwards, another camp or across.  Some will fly, the others will be on the ground. No chance for a furlough while they are there.  Asks about her work and their brother Clifford. Comments that is hard to work your way up in the air corps.  Brags about all the travelling he has done already.

Feb. 1, 1943                      0050      WM       Clearwater, FL                  POSTCARD 4 Winfred sends a postcard to Margaret saying he’ll be on the move again to somewhere. He’ll let her know when he gets there.  Just feels lucky to get out of basic training early. This is the last postcard sent by Winfred from Basic Training in Clearwater, FL.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This first/oldest letter in the collection was sent to Winfred’s 24-year-old sister Margaret who was working in St. Louis, MO. and living with her Aunt and Uncle. Jan. 23, 1943                     0020      WM       Clearwater, FL Winfred writes his sister Margaret. He has had a sore throat and cold since he got there (FL); everybody does. He is writing on his knee because he can’t get a table.  He can drill and exercise all day now. He can lie on his back and hold his feet 10 inches off the ground for a hundred count.