The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-02-02
Mobile COnvaleSence Program Cures
 'Flak-happy'' Airmen In Record Time
CiviIion Hospitals
 Study Adaptations Of MentoI Theropy
M M |

anguish about his uncertain future by helping him to learn a new trade drought vocational program sim- liar to that of the Army Air Force.
 It is this personal interest in the patient that has been as re- sponsible for record recoveries as the mobile program. The Air Forces interest in Jim Hatch, the individ- ual, rather than Capt. James B Hatch, ASN 10456784,, has paid of in minimum of medical discharges.
 When Jim Hatch arrived witk his wife at the Redistribution Sta ton in Atlantic City, he was as- signed to a luxurious room facing the ocean in the Swank Ritz otel, which in pre-war days would have set him back $10 day. It costs him 50 cents and $50 extra for his wife. Enlisted men stay at the equally ultra Ambassador Hotel and are furnished food and room free, though wives pay $1.50 for lodging
 The Air Force, anxious for him to live as normal life as pos sible, encourages him to have his wife and children with him. High chsirs at luncheon in the hotels vast dining rooms are the order, rather than the exception, of the day.
 Once he's settled, his papers are put in order, back pay adjusted and clothes and equipment refur- nished. Then he's assigned to doc tor who sits down with him and irons out all his problems, He's en- couraged to unburden himself of everything that's been preying on his mind-things that once told often spell the end of weeks of un- broken nightmares In daily talks with the same doctor his profile takes shape-mental makeup, phys ical condition and aptitudes.
 Except for two hours of physical reconditioning and three hours Of vocational classes and lectures-on the state of the nation, what has happened in other war theaters. re- minders of safety-firsts in flying and discipline required at home their time Is their own, and the Air Force sees that they have the time of their lives
 There's horse back riding, bowl ing, billiards, beach parties, a dance every night and shows with top flight movie, stage and supper club entertainers providing the enter tainment.
 Chow is super. For sixty cents they dine as well as at the Colony or Twenty one on breast of guinea hen with all the fixin's or thick steaks. Their pastry chef is wizard and there's never-ending supply of oranges, butter. milk and ice cream to match their never-ending hunger for these scarce frontline items. For those with a passion for raiding the ice box before retiring, the cook keeps huge refrigerator full of midnight sracks.
 BEGINS TO UNWIND
 By the second week Jim Hatch has learned to take peace and quiet in his stride; the familiar is not quite so unfamiliar and frighten- ing as 1t was on hs arrival; he's be- ginning to adjust himself to civilian ways and discussion: he's starting to think of what he'd like to do next; he's certain now he won't be lost in the shuffle. He's ready to sit down and think about the immediate future and his next job.
 Assigned to an officer-also a re- turned airman who has been in combat and knows the score-he is first made to realize that combat flying is cut for at least six months. Then thev get down to the business of what he would most like to do and where he will be of most value. He may choose to be an instructor passing on his valuable combat ex- perience to new pilots ready for overseas and the share the fiak'' program. Or he may be given post in an airport tower directing land ings and take-offs. Never is he as- signed to a desk job or administra- tive work for which he has no apti- tude and which would make him discontented and result in a mal- adjustment for the rest of his life
 With the future of pilot James B. Hatch secure, patient Jim Hatch is tready to complete his covnales- cence at one of the Il Army Air Force hospitals nearer his home.