7-19-1943

Dear Mother, Dad, Shirlee, Rhoda;
Well How are you all tonight? Hope you are all well. I just received your letter and the levis and I was sure glad to get both. The levis will really come in handy because we can use them to work in.
Mom you thought I was skribbing when I said I didn’t get “shot sick” well I wasn’t –I’ve really been feeling good lately—I think I have gained about 8 lbs according to the scales. I kind of miss you all and I sure will be glad when you come up. I think the best time would be the 7th of August. Try and make it so you can come Saturday morning to Drill about 10 A.M. U guess you got my letter about Max Fletcher the guy who got the purple Heart at he last inspection (last Sat.)
I called last night but Shirlee was the only one home. I put my last .50 change in the phone and I guess I talked toooo long because she wanted to charge me a lot more. I hope you don’t mind if I reversed the charges. Haha
We get payed tomorrow (tues) We all get about $26 our first Navy Pay and by hook I have really earned it.
I got a letter from Don today & I have one from Frank. I sent them both one right off.
Well I think I will go try my luck at calling you up again & this time I hope you are home.
Well tell everyone hello as usual & excuse me for not writing to them as usual & give them the usual excuse.
If you can, call Mrs Nuttal & get Bob’s address I would like to send him a letter.
Well I guess I’ll close the hatch—
Your loving Son
Plus 8 lbs. Bill
(You ought to see my muscles bulging out) haha
P.S. This stationery is a friend’s of mine. I ran out)