The Mena weekly star., 1917-12-13
LETTERS. FROM POLK COUNTY
 BOYS IN C0UNTRY'S SERVICE
Frnm Nictnr U. Wear.
ii2d F. A.. Headquarters Co.,

Dear Homef0lks: l am well and getting latter every day, and am having a fairly good time. They are assigning us to duties for which we are quickest to learn.
 The Headquarters company con- sists of five divisions, namely: Avla- tion Corps, Signal Corps, Hospital Corps. Mounted Scouts and Messen- gers. and we are to be assigned to the one for which we are best fit ted. I don't know what I'll get but am determined to make good at whatever they give me.
 There are a lot of hardships in the army, but it is we'll worth any, bodys time to spend two pr three years in the service. It will make Q man out of anybody, both physically and mentally, if he will halfway try. lo do what's right. The best lesson I've learned is to be obedient to| those over me, altho I have not had cross word spoken to me by any officer since I've been in the army. It's all a mistake about soldiers be- ing treated like dogs, tho there are some that are treated like dogs be- cause they deserve it. Any one that tries to do the right thing has the sympathy of all the officers, and they will do every thing in their power to help the men.
 Of course I realize that 1 should be in school now, but l consider the training l receive here IS equal to any schooling could get, and I'm still young enough to go to school when l get out. I'm going to save every penny can and when l get out of the army I'm going to take a business course or something that will enable me to get a decent job and make a decent living. l have a good opportunity to study here If l had anything to study. l read every thing can get hold of now.
 From the way this mornings pa per reads I'm afraid I'm not going to get to go to France, altho l really do want to go.
 Victor then tries his hand at some verse, which may be pretty lame i'll meter but it is sound in sentiment. Here it is:
 You stacker who is left at home,
 Enjoying yourself and having a
 time;
 Going to dances and parties,
 And seeing good show for a
 dime;
 Flirting with soldier boys girls
 While they serve the blue But if given a chance tonight
 wouldn't swap places with you You only work eight hours day,
 While we work sixteen or more; You sleep late in the morning,
 While we rise at four; lou sleep on soft feather beds
 Having good things to seat too But if given d chance tonight,
 wouldn't change places with you. You swing your swagger stick,
 While we carry our gun; You rest at ease in the shade
 While we train and sweat in the
 sun:
 You have a good easy time,
 We all know this to be true But if given a chance tonight I wouldt change places with you. You get to rest every Sunday,
 While we go on guard: On holidays you are idle,
 While we are working hard; We have many inconvenience,
 Rough things we have to dO- But if given chance tonight,
 wouldn't change places with you. You have shirked your duty,
 While we're serving the best we
 can;
 Even your truest friends
 Know you are not man; You are sleeping under shelter,
 While we sleep out in the dew But if given chance tonight,
 wouldn't change places with you. We will be fighting our enemies,
 While you shirk and lag; But true Americans won't forget
 The boys who have followed the
 flag;
 You will be fishing and hunting
 While the German lines we hew- But if given chance tonight,
 I wouldn't change places with you.