Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1943-02-24
Elsie Robinson
Letter Gives.
Fine Picture
Of Youth


HE is big brother, who has
already won his wings. Hes been
through the mill, found what
counts and what doesn't.
But, stationed at another
camp, there's a kid brother
cadet-who doesn't know the
ropes yet. A kid who's strutting
his stuff high, wide and hand
some outside. But is inwardly
bewildered. Waiting 10 be a
regular guy-but not knowing
what il takes.
And, back home, two Older
men executives in the firm
where these youngsters once
worked. For them there can be
no wings. But their lives rotate
about the dreams nd struggles
Of these boys who are out 10
save the world for them.
II VIII Move You
One Of them has sent me a
letter which the Older boy sent
10 the younger.
/ cannot tell you how it has
moved me-or how / think il
should move all America. For
once l had a boy who won his
wings-and went away, for
keeps. And never more will l
think that youth is a shallow.
flippant thing.
So I'm going 10 print the let
ter that came TO me, just as 1t
came.
Perhaps you haven't believed
very deeply in American youth?
Perhaps you've thought they
were smart-alecky and soft.
Then read this message TO one
whose young wings are set on
the trail of death-but who sees
only the glory of immortal life.
as il should be lived by IAN Off
Ger and a gentleman
Dear Kid:
LAS a lieutenant I want to
give you all the advice, without
preaching, but at the same time
feel 1t is still better for you 10
analyze the problems as they
come along. Besides no set rule
Of procedure will hold for all
what helped me might harm you.
Certain generalities might be of
use.
Be Eager
One. Always apply yourself
diligently. BE eager. Most
cadets look down on an eager
comrade merely. however, be-
cause they have no cuts, and are
TOO lazy themselves. Don't be a
goody-goody-be regular, but
still be eager. ready, willing and
able TO learn from and benefit
by everything you come up
against.
Two. Be prepared for many
disappointments. That will hold
true as long as you're in the
army--well. in all life for that
matter. But remember. there's
always a silver lining. Look for
something good and il will be
there.
Good Habits
Three. Start from the first
10 form good habits. Above all
is this true when you get into
flying. Good habits are the life
insurance that gets you out of a
tight spot, keeps the going
smooth in general. That doesn't
mean a strict pattern for your
every breath!
-Four. Develop your integrity,
which means character. This is
the matrix around which all the
parts which make up success is
nodded. Integrity means doing
the right thing at all times.
without hesitation. 1t means
clean life. II means unSelfish-
ness and SelfleSsness, about
which Dad talks so much.
y Place for Religion
Give. Keep some room for
religion and church in your daily
life. II helps. Don't ask me why.
An hour in chapel Sundays. a few
prayers daily, occasional Bible
reading-after these 1 find it
easy TO breathe deeply. put my
chest out and stride firmly for
ward.
Bill, you know I wish you all
the luck The family must be
lonely but they are brave
Drawer than we. Work hard,
good luck. be good and be right"
There you have the gist of il.
one boy talking to another out
of their common breeding and
blood.
BE eager BE prepared for
disappointment Form good
habits which will support you,
like wings. when the crisis comes
BE tolerant Develop
character Keep some room
for communion with God in your
daily life,
/ know no finer code for any
gentleman who bra yos the air.
Good bless you, youngsters,