April 25, 1942
Camp Livingston, LA.

Dear Mom,
I can’t remember when I last wrote to you so it must have been quite a while.
It’s still just the same old thing here, and a fellow has to rack his brains to think of anything to write about.
I took a test, along with the rest of the company, in sanitation, anatomy, gases (chemistry anyway chemical warfare), Word, nursing, first aid in the field, and something for collecting specimens. We were rated 1–fair: 2–good, 3–excellent, 4–qualified for teaching. You had to have 3 or 4 to pass or keep studying and taking the test until you did. I got 4 on everything but bandaging. I hadn’t done any since a year ago while getting the 13 weeks of basic training at the Gap. I had to practice on Barto bandage left (for fractured jaw) I had the primary all right, but didn’t get the technique. I got 3 on that so I’m not quaking. Pretty good for going to class about once a month.
I had to interrupt this letter and help the other fellows move our stuff out of the tent, sweep, mop it and oil the floor. So far it’s the only one to get oiled, but if the officers see it, I imagine the rest will be.
I had to move night before last. There were six men to a tent and they had to arrange it so there were only five. I am now with Sergeants Ramsey, Coleman, and Cleveland and Corporal Brigham. I’m like a busy lad as Chuck says.
I got tired of doing nothing the other day so went out in the field with the company. They have a 1000 litter carry with seven obstacles, a 5 foot fence to go over, shall broken, trenches, etc. I was the number one man (gives the orders for two litter squads) but use the foreman carry so I had to work too. Boy oh boy! Five weeks of doing nothing and then getting something like that.
We had a “patient“ that went about 165. You’re allowed three stops but have to make the course in 40 minutes. We did it in 25. Plenty good !!
Well, Sergeant Coleman just spilled a bottle of liquid shoe polish so I got a free shine. It shines without polishing or my shoes wouldn’t shine, and I won’t repeat what was said.
Yesterday forenoon, I had to go out in the field to take the litters out. I was in the parking lot when they came after the truck and didn’t have my medical pouch or leggins so they used me for a patient again.
I haven’t gone to the shows this week. I didn’t like the titles enough to borrow money to go.
I went to see the boxing matches the other night. We have several professional fighters in this division, including the middleweight champion of Europe and the light heavyweight champ of Pennsylvania so they were all good.
There were nine bouts, but they only let them go for about four rounds apiece. There was only one knockout, but blood was shed in all of them.
My paper flew off the table and onto the floor that counts for the grease spots.
Well, it’s nearly chow time so will close.
Love all,
Wayne.