New Britain herald., 1918-06-10
'. M. |. A. AND RED
 GROSS GREAT BOON
Private Frank Marvin Praises Work Of These Organizations

A. c. McKnnie head of the sales department at the Stanley Works, has received a letter from Frank Marvin, a former salesman at the concern but now a private at Camp Upton, in which he speaks intimately Of army life and voices great praise for the work of the Red Cross and Y. M. c. A. and brands most posi- lively as lies any attempts that may be made to belittle the work of these organizations. His letter follows: ]
 June 6, 1918.
 Great South Bay. l.. I. MT, A. c. McKinnie,
 Dear Sir:
 Since coming down two weeks ago tCday, this is practically the first time I've had an opportunity, other than a few minutes, in which to write. Being in quarantine has it's restrictions, and as I've not over looked a single chance to gain rec osnition doing every little task which I could-and there are million and one in any branch of the service,- my time has been pretty well taken up and at night, when lights are out ar 9:15 I'm ready to hit the hay, Gin ality, as our mattress is filled with straw.) However, if a fellow will only work hard. and with the right spirit, he will be recognized accord ingly, and since last Thursday, I've had charge of the lower floor of our barracks, sam responsible for their appearance and at reveille or retreat, act as right guard.
 AS yet. can't drill men. I've had charge of a detail every day-twenty- five or fifty men. pulling stumps, po- oi t1,n IN supplies, or receiving outfits And my l co1poral has me write up reports to ! the sergeant.
 This a nl after mess, I was put in l charge of 100 men, arranged for l lunch for the same, then we packed l into two Packard trucks.--had a nice l ide for eleven miles. and at eight 1 o'clock, we arrived at the prettiest | of Long Island bays. to build large bathhouse for the Camp Upton boys, 1 who later on will hike over here. All l The carpenters were picked out, and 1 it's surprising how quickly the building 1 Is going up. We will lunch here and 1 go back at 400 D. m.. so today is a great holiday for the boys. At all ] times and in all things, Uncle Sam is l most efficient in looking after the l comfort of his soldiers. and to prove l this we have fifty bathing suits avail 1 ble if we care to swim.
 This is a peach of a place for a l vacation--the bay is sheltered and 1 dotted with fishing and pleasure 1 c1aft-fshing is most profita ble 1 here,-and there are two nice hotels ] where we can buy at reduced rates l coffee, sandwiches, and clam chowdcr l such as only can be had at these
 little seaside hotels. Just over the hill or sand knoll. the surf is roaring l and heavy this morning-on Che | ocean side; in back, the green woods, l aL quiet and peaceful. The war seems 1 far far away until one notices the | boys in uniform, and looking up can l See an occasional hydro aeroplane 1 flying out to sea with the motor roar | ing-to spot any suspicious looking | craft, as it is thought that we may l hc in the locality which the German 1 subs may cruise. Possibly they will | shell Camp Upton--that would be ex-
 citing and good training.
 It's all the greatest game in the 1 world and every day, finds me more , and more embued with the spirit all | the boys have, which can only win, l such as only men in uniform can
 truly feel. Mental guts and hardness ]
 the rest will take care of itself. A little later on, when out of | quarantine and I have little more
 time, I'll write in detail and try to l give you an idea of the bigness of 1 an army cantonment.
 I'm writing this, using as seat 1 the bottom of an upturned boat-m1 | material Is also rather unsatisfa ctory l but this opportunity to write was too | good to miss.
 In closing. I want to mention the
 wonderful work the Red Cross is 1 doing, and the comfort the kit given
 to the boys by the local branch has
 afforded them Seemingly, the New l Britain boys are more fortunate. and | equipped better than those from oth- | CT localities, for during the first two | or three days, before we received our l uniforms, after which all sweaters | had to be worn under shirts or coats | many @ time. we were asked the l question,-"Say, Buddy where did l youse guys get all de sweaters from ?'' l Some Red Cross.-you can tell the l And we are all very grate- | full for this most kindly consideration
 of our comfort. The Red Cross and | Red Triangle Y. M. c. A. organiza-
 tions make a soldiers life more pleas l ant and should be given full recogni- 1 tiOn as such. and any attempt to | islander same should be chokeL down ! the threats of those who wo lid hurt 1 cur cause as foul lies to bc treated 1 as the work of spies.
 Pretty near the close of wonder l ful day. so with best wishes to all Most sincerely,
 1 PVT. FRANK F. MARVIN, 1st Co.,, 152d Depot Brigade, l Ca linton N