The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-01-02

Four WaterDury boys are CogeCner in the U. s. Army somewhere in the Pacific and enjoying their Army routines, according to letter one of the lads, Morton Kaplan of Bronson street, sent to the Editor of Tall Tower Topics and received to- day.
 The other youths from the Brass City are Sergeant Homer Crane of Randolph avenue, John Maisotta of Walnut street, and Jim Wells of Piedmont street.
 Private Kaplan's newsy letter fol- lows:
 Hello Waterbury:
 A few lines to the folks at home to let them know we are all fine and we hope to hear the same from you
 All is going smoothly on this is- land in the blue Pacific. There may not be New York or Chicago tc hop down for good time on week end, but we manage to create a di' version from work now and then.
 We have a softball and volley bal league to occupy our spare time There is quite a bit of fancy play. ing in these games and the competi ton is rather keen among teams Although there Is a fixed schedule of play, challenges are hurled thicl and fast.
 On other days, if time permits we are given permission to go hunt ing. There is an abundance of deel in the hills and mountains of thi country. Hunting parties are always on the move and there is talk o1 who shall bag the biggest buck.
 Juicy pineapples and delicious CO., coanuts are also couple of natures foods that can be gathered on the island if one knows where to lool for them.
 Horseback riding is one of tht favorite pastimes for the men Anyone standing at the table is bound to be a victim of the ques- trian sport. Quite few lads prefer to eat standing these days.
 In the evening after the day is through, the boys are bound to gather in the canteen and have a regular gab session. The canteen is a favorite hangout and there one can find reading material, music writing tables, games of checkers, chess and cards. Gambling is frown- ed upon, but boys will be boys.
 Yours truly, who is in charge of the canteen in the evening, knows it takes a few changes in the routine of everyday work to keep the boys happy. We try to have the canteen as best supplied as possible. At pres ent we have all the lads can ask for in supplies. Any articles from a toothbrush. to matches can be had. We have enough soap to give every Jap a bath after we kill him. Of course at the rate of their decrease it is possible I am in error.
 We have a portable radio to keep us in touch with the States and the the news announcements are held each evening outside if weather per- mits. To hear c bit of music played in the good old American way is what the lads are eager for. It is difficult to keep up with the popular tunes prevalent in the States, but the boys are in the groove. At pres- ent all lads are humming 'White Xmas. the current No. song on the Hit Parade. All other numbers forgotten at home are still in the running here. The photograph we have is on continuously 24 hours a day. Yes sir. right through the wee hours of the morning.
 4 P. A. (public address) System has been set up and recordings are played each evening for a few hours. Numbers are specially re- quested by men for friends are aTl- nounced and played for persons for whom requested.
 Twice Q week if weather permits, we have a band concert. The boys in the bands can show some of the big-timers at home how to get in the groove and swing out with solid numbers. The hep-cats here are cute ting a rug with each other. There may Dc a lack of jills lgglsl. but it does not bother the dyed.in-the- wool iltter-bug. Some of the jacks (sellowsl can really five q mean leg when they are sn the mood.
 Now and then We see a O. |. movie. also if the weather permits The pictures may be from three 10 six months old, but ct no time do the soldiers complain. We are inc deed fortunate. to have even this pleasure. The Special Service Unit IS doing a fine bit of work trying to keep the boys morale ID. You people at home can do the same by Mrltlng twice ls often, buying twice aa many bonds and stamps the coming year Make this rule first on your iIst og New Years resolutions.