The Greeneville daily sun. (Greeneville, Tenn.) 1918-1920, 1919-04-16
CHAPLAIN'S LETTER
TO PARENTS OF
CLARENCE B. KICKER
Headquarters 316 F. A.,
American E. F., A. P. o. 919.
Feb. 18th, 1919.


ed with you personally, feel that
you are my friends, and because of
the close association that | have en-
joyed with your loved one here with
us. You may be somewhat surprised
to hear from me, although he may
write you regularly, but | feel sure
that news regarding him and his sur
rounding will prove of much interest.
O course all the men are very anx-
ious to get back to Gods country
America-and to their loved ones
there, but it is necessary for US to
wait our turn. There were in the
neighborhood of 100000 in France
when the armistice was signed. In
the meantime the commanding Of
ficers and the organization command
ers of the regiment are doing all in
their power to make the mems stay
here as pleasant and as profitable for
them as possibly. Practically all of
the mess halls and barracks have cleo
trio lights in them. Three nights IN
the week there is a moving picture
show in the Y. M. C. A. For the use
of the regiment there is library of
TOO books, and at present there is
a regimental school with an enroll
ment of over 200. Some of these
take elementary, intermediate and
advanced studies, which includes
reading, writing, spelling, arithmetic,
geography, history algebra, English
grammer, physiology and French.
There are ten organized Bible
classes in the regiment, which meet
at 900 o'clock on Sunday morning
and evening. There is mid-week re-
ligious service, which is usually con-
Quoted by the leaders in the Bible
class.
The medical department makes its
regular inspection of the mems quar-
tiers, dining halls and the grounds,
and sees that everything is done to
conserve the health and strength of
the men.
The barracks and dining halls we
have here in st. Bin, France, are the
most comfortable that we have had
since we left the States.
A sufficient quantity of blankets
are available to keep the men warm
and cozy this winter, and stoves have
been placed in each sleeping and mess
hall.
The organization is at present at
St. Bin, Haute- Marine, France, which
is 20 miles north of Chaumont Gen
eral headquarters A. E. F.. We are
not great distance from the battle
fields, and it is hoped that the men
will be able to visit the places of in
terest some time soon. 5 .ua
Your doubtless realize that it is
very hard to transport 1900 or q
90 men for a hundred miles through
these regions on, a pleasure trip, and
it takes time to make all necessary
arrangements. Part of the men are
off now on seven-day leaves of alb
sence, not including the time of trav-
ell to visit AK Les Bames, Mines.
Monaco and other large resorts in
Southern France, where they doubt
less enjoy themselves very much and
see places of historic interest.
Heavy transportation will probably
be available for the remainder of the
command for this purpose before we
leave France.
The officers have been instructed
to grant the men twenty-four hour
passes in order that they may visit
the cities and places of interest in
this immediate vicinity, and many of
them are availing themselves of this
opportunity.
There is very little sickness in the
regiment at the present time. In the
entire regiment there are only about
ten men who are sick enough to be
confined to their beds. We have rea-
son be especially grateful for the
excellent health existinfi in our reg
iment. We believe we will leave be-
hind in France good reputation.
We are very proud of our regiment,
We do not believe there is better
one in the A. E. F. Our officers are
of the highest standard, and our men
can not be beat anywhere.
From the bottom of my heart let
me say that l am proud Of them. 1t
has been a constant pleasure and
privilege and honor to be with them
and to try to serve them as chap
lain.
You, too, are proud of your boy
over here, and believe when he re-
turns to you, you will be even proud
er of him.
With kindest regards and the wish
that this year may be happy, pros
porous and blessed one for you, am,
Your sons Chaplain,
EDWARD S. CURRIE,
Chaplain 316 F. A.
EASTER SERVICE AT TUSCULUM