Randolph Field February 21, 1942
Dear folks,
Today is Saturday, but we haven't gone out. I spent the day in the gym and at night we went to the movies.
Sunday 22nd - This afternoon we went to San Antonio. Some club of Mexican girls gave a party, it was nothing special and we left early. We had dinner in a cafeteria, called the Cave-teria, in the basement of a hotel. We left to go to bed early and we short-sheeted the beds for everyone else who came later. This started a little war at 2 in the morning when the rest of the guys came back.
Monday 23rd - We spent the day making preparations since we leave tomorrow. I'm the king of suitcase packing, I got all the suits I had brought along and the one I was actually wearing, everything into the suitcases, overcoat and raincoat included. The bag that I had outside the suitcase wound up with the dirty clothes, some socks and shirts. Tomorrow we'll put on our blue cadet uniforms of Randolph Field. It'll be our own special uniform since the rest of the cadets use kakhis.
Tuesday 24th - Today is the grand day. We got up at 6:00 am and put on our uniforms. At 8, we got on the trucks that took us to Garner Field where we'll go through the first part of the course. The driver was a Mexican who kept whistling wildly and out of tune. The camp is about 4 miles from the city of Uvalde. It doesn't even qualify as a town, though they call it a city. This is tops in comfort. Rooms with automatic, regulated heat and a bathroom for each room.
Wednesday 25th - Another new class of cadets arrived today. Now we are 3 Argentines and 5 Americans per room. Now we'll really start practicing our English. Today the officer ranks we hold in Argentina were recognized and that saves us from the worst part of the instruction here; that is, marching, formations, etc. We can walk relaxed behind the formations. It's great. Late today, there was gossip that the people in Barrack B will start to fly tomorrow. Tell Saúl Pagliere that I'm here, give him my address and tell him to write to me or send me the letter he wanted to send so I can look into getting the plans he asked me for.
Thursday 26th - Another great day. In the afternoon we officially started the instruction. I now have 30 minutes of flight time. A planes are new and identical to the ones the parachutists are regularly checked out on. The instructor is a great guy and I understand him easily. The model of airplane is what they call the PT19 or the "Primary Trainer." It's made by Fairchild and is the most used model in the army because of its safety record. It's one of the best in the world of its type.
Friday 27th - First day of Ground School. We'll have to study like crazy to keep up. The English calss is more difficult. This afternoon I flew for 38 minutes and landed on my own. Tomorrow, we'll have a review. I got a letter from Mom. She writes about a previous letter. I received a letter from Dad signed on February 13, the same as the one from Mom. Nevertheless, they got here 5 days apart. As for the jacket that Uncle bought me, many thanks, but here we wear the uniform all the time, we don't use civilian clothes at all. All my clothes are stored away in suitcases or being held for me at Randolph Field. In the nexst letter, I'll send a photo. For everyone who asks about me, I'm fine, tell them to write, I don't write. Each airmail letter to you costs 40 cents and by boat they take more than a month. I'll use the jacket when I get back. Mario says that it's cold, but here in the South it's great. Here we go around in shirtsleeves and during the summer, it's going to be phenomenal. As for kilos, I have no idea. Now everything is done in pounds. I gained 3 since I left Buenos Aires. We always rushing around so much that we don't even have time to shave. The local papers carry no news about Argentina; it's okay bedcause you're already sending the interesting news.
Saturday 28th - Today we had a review. Everything OK. At night we went to the movies. Since there is nothing to do in town, we came back and went to bed.
Sunday 1st - Today was phenomenal. The day dawned sunny. We didn't do anything today. We'll pretty much spend the whole day studying. Since it was Sunday, we drank some mate and listened to tangos.
Monday March 2nd - It's my birthday today. I shaved and went to fly. This week we fly in the morning. I had a fine day. I received a leter ffrom the family. Dad calculated correctly, it arrived today. I also received a telegram from Grandma and Uncle Roberto. They ask about a letter and if I received it when I arrived. I didn't find any letter. The first one I found was in Randolph Field in asnwer to mine from New Orleans.
Tuesday March 3rd - Today, the stuff I had sent with photos of Randolph got returned. They sent it back because I had sent it in a closed envelope. Tomorrow I'll send it again. Today in classs they showed a movie about engines. After dinner, we came back to our room fairly early early. We have to work very hard but it's good and I like all the work and the experience. I've got nice photo of myself. I'll send it soon.
Tuesday 4th - Today I got 3 letters. Two from there, from Helkier and Sormani and another from here in the US, from the guy who was my roommate on the ship. Here everyone is fine and happy. The next letter will be shorter. That way I can include a piece of paper for you to send to Grandma and Uncle. Another piece will be for Uncle Luís. That way, with just one postage, I'll be able to send letters to several of you. Always put in the upper left corner of the envelopes, "Member of the Interamerican Aviation Training Program." It helps distribution and facilitaes passage through the censor; everything goes quicker. My best to everyone and to the family. Hugs and kisses from Ito. For sure. Tomorrow is the test, so there's not much time to write. More news to come and since this is a diary, I'll just say, "till tomorrow." - Ito.