This poignant letter dispels the idea that farm children are unable to cope. A farm-raised individual who enrolled in the Marines rapidly saw the stark difference between their rural background and their military training. To bridge the gap, they addressed a letter to their family, requesting that they enroll as soon as possible. The letter humorously highlights the disparity, pushing others to join before the truth about marine life concerns spreads.
This story emphasizes the tenacity produced by farm life and how it prepares individuals for the rigors of military duty. The witty letter attests to the toughness gained from farm experiences while underlining the contrasting realities of military and agricultural life. The complete letter is as follows: To your Mother and Father: I’m ok. I really hope you are. Inform Brothers Walt and Elmer that working for old man Minch is significantly preferable to working for the Marine Corps.
Tell them to join up fast before all of the available places are filled. I was originally agitated since you were allowed to remain in bed until almost 6 a.m. But now that I’m used to it, I like to sleep late. Inform Walt and Elmer that all you do before breakfast is smooth your cot and polish a few items. There are no pigs to slop, no feed to pitch, no mash to mix, no wood to split, and no fire to start. There is nothing.Men must shave, but it isn’t that unpleasant since there is warm water.
Breakfast is strong on trimmings such fruit juice, cereal, eggs, bacon, and so on, but short on chops, potatoes, ham, steak, fried eggplant, pie, and other standard stuff; nevertheless, inform Walt and Elmer that you can always seat next to the two city lads who survive on coffee. Their and your meals will keep you going until noon when you will be served again. It’s hardly surprising that these city slickers can’t walk too far. According to the platoon sergeant, we embark on “route marches,” which are lengthy walks to harden us.
It is not my responsibility to persuade him differently if he thinks that. A “route march” is similar to going to our mailbox at home. The city folks are weary of walking, so we all ride back in trucks. The sergeant is analogous to a teacher. He is continuously nagging. The Captain is comparable to the school board. Majors and colonels ride around frowning. They don’t bother you in the least.
What happens next will make Walt and Elmer die laughing. I’m always earning shooting medals. I have no idea why. The bulls-eye is about the size of a chipmunk’s head, doesn’t move, and isn’t firing at you like the Higgetts back home. All you have to do is lay down in a comfortable position and smack it. You don’t even load your own cartridges. They are sent in boxes. Hand-to-hand combat training is another option. You get to wrestle the muck of the city.
But I have to be cautious since they are easily broken. It’s not like you’re battling a bull in your living room. With the exception of Tug Jordan from Silver Lake, I’m the greatest they’ve got in this. I had just one triumph against him. He joined at the same time I did, but I’m just 5’6″ and weigh 130 pounds, whereas he’s 6’8″ and weighs close to 300 pounds dry.Tell Walt and Elmer to hurry up and join before more men arrive and begin stampeding in. Alice, your loyal daughter.