Trench and camp. [volume] (Augusta, Ga.) 1917-1919, 1917-10-31
SERGEANT FOWLER
WRITES or ~" WORK

camp Hancock, Augusta, Ga, Oct %.
Dear Brother:
Knowing of your interest in Y. NJ.
G. A. work, I have been able, through
the kindness of several of the earnest
workers in this efficient organization,
to procure little information as to
their many and varied activities.
The immense task of organizing Y.
M. G. AS at the various contonments
has been carried out in remarkably
successful manner, and it coudd only be
accomplished by men whose hearts are
in the work. The work done here at
Camp Hancock is miniature of what
is being done in every camp in the
country, and not only here in the Unit
ed states, but even on the shell-scarred
fields OF France. Almost the first thing
one strikes on entering the camp is
the \. M. G.. A. administration build
ing. In this building are located the
headquarters of the General Secretary,
Educational Secretary, Secretary of
Religious Work, Physical Director and
two business secretaries. This building
is the handspring Of the local organiza-
ton, and from it the activities of the
five other buildings, each one similar
TO the other, are governed. Each of
these buildings has a Building Secre-
tary, and also directors having charge
OF religious work, physical training and
educational work.
However, the thing of most interest
in connection with the Army Y M. c.
AS is the great number of activities
IN which they are engaged with the
greatest enthusiasm and the success
they attain with the various classes of
men that are gathered together in a.
concentration. Athletic leagues are
conducted in baseball and football, and
the necessary articles are in a majority
of cases provided by the Y. NJ. c. A.
Setting up exercises are given, and
everything that tends to increase the
vigor and health Of the men is foster
ed.
Not only the body trained, but the
mind is stimulated in an educational
way by means of French classes for
both officers and enlisted men, circulat-
ing Libraries, lectures and entertain
ments for which the best speakers and
musicians available are procured. To
many q man who has not had the ad-
vantage of an education, these features
of the Y. M. G. A. work are a great
boon, for they may. while serving their
country, help prepare themselves to re-
sumo their place in civil life. For the
benefit of those who find it impossible
or inconvenient to attend church in
the city, the Y M. G. A. conducts Bible
classes, Sunday schools, distributes
Testaments and holds semi weekly
meetings.
The men are given the means for
amusement and recreation through mo-
ton pictures numerous entertainments,
games. pianos, Victrolas, magazines,
etc, Each building is open daily until
taps, for the use of the men, for read
ing and letter writing. Stationery ink
and pens are provided for the conven-
fence of the men. practical help is
also afforded the men in the sending of
money orders. On one occasion, during
the three days following pay day, over
$4,000 was transmitted through this
agency
Eery evening is taken up with some
thing or other to aid the men in ban
ishing whatever lonesoneness they
may feel, and in making them stronger
physically, morally and more efficient
mentally, to the end that they may
be better men and better soldiers, and
may more nearly approach the high
ideals and traditions to which our army
is devoted. Each building is meant TO
serve 5000 men, and this number is
closely approximated in actual prac-
tice, so you may easily judge of the
success of the organization.
Everything done to make life more
enjoyable for the soldier is sure to be
appreciated, and I am sure all the men
at Camp Hancock are united in their
gratitude to the Y M. c. A. and to the
men engaged in that work for all they
have done to make our tasks lighter.
Hoping this has been of interest to
you, beg to remain,
Your brother,
HARRY w. FOWLER,
First Sergeant, Ambulance Co. 112.
THE RED TRIANGLE TENT.
Dr.. ussher and the Berkeley Sextette