The Denver star., 1918-09-14
LETTER FROM CAMP LEWIS BOYS

LETTER FROM CAMP LEWIS BOYS
Mr. Ge. G. Ross,
Editor of the Denver Star,
1926 18th Street,
Denver, Colo
Dear Friend: have been approach
ed by several boys of 1.-The Fighting
Eighth District" Of Denver. Colo, who
left Friday, Aug. End, at l p. M, for
Camp Lewis, Wash. or American
Lake, to answer the call and to show
that Colorado has no slackers. l wish
to ask for some space for publication
through your columns, If you please.
If not intruding upon you, so our
friends and citizens of Denver may
know something about their boys.
10 and Experience in Camp Life
Thus Far:
Well, mothers, fathers, sisters and
brothers, relatives and friends. we are
all we'll with very, very few excep-
tions, who are suffering from a slight
cold, contracted through exposure of
our trip. We were given very enthusi-
astic receptions by every gathering
we passed en- route. The Red Cross
treated us fine every place we stop
ped, mailing our letters, cards, supply
ing us with stationery, candy, puzzle
games, checkers. serving US hot cof-
fee and doughnuts, all kinds of fruits,
lemonade. They cheered US boys from
the time we landed until we left. AL
ways some amusement going on. SO We
couldn't get blue. We stopped at diff
ferent points picking up boys and
meeting friends we haven't seen for
years.
The scenery was fine, one couldn't
begin to tell how interesting our trip
was. We arrived at the camp on Sun.
day, 6 p. m. Aug. 5th, making three
days and two nights on the road.
Landing at the Camp.
We arrived at the camp. greeted by
Lieutenant, who, after giving US
some Instructions, turned US over to
the Sergeant, who escorted US over
about two miles at a receiving station.
where we received light examination.
We then marched another mile to the
Barrack of the 23rd Company. 9Th
Battalion and 166th Depot Brigade,
also greeted by very large bunch of
Colored boys cheering US, which prov
ed to be friends who we haven't seen
for years. We were then marched to
a supply room, where we were fur
nished with blankets, towels, comb and
brush, tooth brush and soap, then led
upstairs to our beds, where we we're
showed military style Of making beds,
etc., after which we were marched
down stairs and introduced to the
Wash room, where we cleaned up. Aft
er our trip preparing for dinner. we
entered into the dining room, where
a nice dinner was enjoyed by all. The
lights go out at nine O'Clock, so we
Po to he'd ear1y now
Early Monday morning, about 5:45,
hearing the bugle call, the boys jump
ed up dressing, making ten minutes
time. We formed a line, answering
roll call, after which we hurried up
stairs, making up our hunks and
sweeping out was very amusing; then
down to the wash room, where we
have everything we need, fine show
ers, etc. From there to breakfast,
after that to the drill field, where we
do physical culture drill and march
ing for III hours, which made US feel
very fresh and lively. This was when
the boys began to like the new life
called Soldier Life" We have Y. M.
c. A. here where we can go for amuse-
ments. The Colored Y. M. G. A. is
conducted by our friend, man of
Principle, Race Enterprise and loyalty.
by the name Of Mr. johnson. better
known in Camp Lewis ar "The Boys
Friend" Much amusement at all the
"Y's" at all times. The most puzzling
point was when our uniforms were
handed to US. The boys yelling they
couldn't put on their leggings right,
etc., and It was very interesting to
the boys being puzzled. We have our
uniforms, and everything we need. We
have plenty to eat, therefore we are
tickled to death to do our best and
show that Colorado Boys will stand
second to none helping go Over The
Top" and bring Home the Bacon"
Colorado is we'll represented. There
are boys here that can do anything.
Although, not boasting, but Colorado
Boys will also lead in drilling. 1t
comes very easy to us, and when we
meet the kaiser we will show him we
are his master.
Camp Lewis is an ideal spot. Il
covers space Of IL miles long and
10 miles wide. There are over 2,200
buildings, capable of housing $4,000
men; also the $4,000 men can eat at
the table at the same time, with plen-
ty to eat and drink, a nice, clean place
to sleep. a jolly good bunch Of boys
to associate with. Every Sunday after
noon program at the "Y," listening to
the nightingales OF Seattle and Ia
coma, and other nearby points OF
Washington, cheering the boys.
Well, mothers, fathers, sisters,
brothers, and friends. kindly don't
worry for wo oro ffcl1od m doafh