September 15, 1945

Randolph Field

Sept. 15, 1945

Dear Mother:

I am a little short on letter writing time at present but I have 2 money orders here to go so I guess I had better send them while I still have them.

Pop paid 1/2 of my income tax and so will want about $65.50 from you so I guess you had better give it up.  I had hoped to put off sending in the tax money until the end of the year but it is just as well now since they will be after me for it sooner or later anyway.  I may as well pay for this war as long as I have the money.  I am certainly getting more for my money than I am spending.

Here is some hot news.  When you receive this letter I will no longer be a member of Randolph Field.  We are shipping across town to Brooks Field so we will still be in S.A.  We have been hearing all kinds of rumors about shipping out and most of them were morale killers.  Everyone thought we were headed for the sands of N.M. again or maybe North Texas.  As it stands now we are still in civilized territory if you can say that of Texas.

As for the money you can pay Pop and put the rest in the bank or any place suitable.  I don't think I want War Bonds because they are hard to get a hold of in a hurry just in case I see something I want.  I could sure use a good car.

I sent Mary a birthday present which should get there on time.  Please give me your opinion of it and be very frank.  I looked around a lot and just couldn't find anything that she might like.  Maybe I am a little too choosy but any way it has gone now and I hope it is fitting of the occasion.

Well I met a girl in San Antone.  Maybe you read Pop's letter or he told you.  She is a little younger than Mary and rather nice looking with Mary's freckles.  She seems rather proud of them too and I might say that freckles never hurt anyone's appearance.  Anne Roberts is her name and she comes from Wausau Wisc.  Her dad is a lumber and paper man; you see I am almost a member of the family.  She is a swell kid and more fun than a barrel of monkeys, and very inexpensive.  But never you fear, Mother dear, it is not the real thing and I will still come home single, I hope.  It is too bad you don't get to see these lovely creatures I get on the string so you could give me some advice.  I could really use some at times and all I have is a roommate but what does he know about women.

Well I will write again soon from Brooks Field and give you my new address.  We report there on the 17th before 23:59

With love

Autin.

Birthday - 45

Birthday - 45

Dear Mother:

I got letters from about everyone today and I really should answer them but how can I and keep up in my social life?  It is just one big whirl.  

Well Mother, you can no longer make me do dishes or go to bed or do anything but disinherit me and kick me out.  Today I am a man???  I am no longer your little boy but 21 years old, old enough to vote and pick the next president.  My it's a wonderful feeling but I feel like I did yesterday.  I know my rights now and you had better look out.

You know I don't think I will disconnect myself from the family quite yet.  I still like most of the people in Stoneham and it seems that my favorite relations live in Stoneham.  The Army still has quite an influence on me so I can't see that I have gained a heck of a lot in the last 24 hours.

The Seeleys and the Schmales were both wonderful.  They tried to give me a good time and were very successful.  It's no so much what they do as just the gesture.  It makes one feel good to know that someone cares. I doubt if we could have run into two any finer families if we had set out to find them.  How lucky I am.

Well Sam and I are giving the girls a break.  We are having a little trouble breaking their hearts but I hope they get over it and don't take their lives because we spurned their love.  After all they should feel lucky to even get a date with such an eligible pair.  We sure are a gift to the women.  We meet all comers on their home ground.

Well maybe it isn't that bad but we have never been refused since we have been here.  Once we took a girl away from a lab period and again away from a study period for an exam.  They are always too glad to come and help us spend our money.  The trouble is they don't seem to be gold diggers but rather spend thrifts.  

I shouldn't write to you about such things because you might get the idea that I will fall in love or something but that won't happen.  I am immune to women and have a fond intention of being a bachelor.  Maybe after I have made a million I will give some nice pretty home-loving girl a break but not till I find one such.

I hope you haven't forgotten the newspaper for the Seeley's.  Now about those pictures.  I sure would like some kind of proof that I had the pictures taken.  Never mind the small pictures if they are going to be a bunch of highway robbers.  What they are asking is much too much.  maybe Mr. Braynard can tell you what we should know but don't get the small pictures if they are going to ask all of what you quoted to me.

I guess I will have to leave off here and continue some other day.

With love

Austin.