Dear Mother:-
Today one year ago I was first turned down for the Army. Just took me about that long to get fixed. They have marked a bunch of the boys Home service and so far I am still fit for foreign duty. I'd rather go over and fight than go out west and farm. People are coming in by the hundreds this A.M.  Excursions from Pa. to see their offspring. We are not allowed out at all because the boys that were given furloughs all stayed away overtime and that stopped things up for us. If we don't get to come home at the next camp I'll let you know and maybe you can come to see me. It would make a nice trip for you and I would like to see you before we cross. This is all guess work of course and they may give us some few days but it don't look like it just now. I had my picture taken yesterday and if I am fortunate to receive them I'll send you some. We were given steel helmets yesterday and they are some hats. You can use them to eat from, wash in, shovel with and cook in. One fellow was parading thru the kitchen with his on and all of the cooks hit him over the head with a poker. It put a dent in the hat but never hurt his head. The only mail I have received here was a letter from Florence. It followed me from Hancock. I saw Walt Stauffer last night in the canteen. He is on his road again today. He was trying to get home because he is in charge of the estate and left without giving anyone power of attorney. If he don't get a furlough he'll be out of luck. I suppose the weather is fine at home now. Please tell Ben to write once in a while and a letter from Albert would also be cheerfully received. You can send them my address. I'll keep you aware of my whereabouts and with love to all I am
 

Your loving son