June 1, 1918
Fort Riley, Kansas

Dear Mother,

I will scribble you a line or so this evening to let you know that I haven't quit my job or got fired yet. We were just taken into full soldiership today. Had our examination, got vaccinated and one shot of syrum in the right arm. About 25 fellows fell over in a faint at just the thought, I guess. For it did not hurt very much. We were walked the biggest part of the day, signing a lot of red tape dope and gathering up our belongings, so you see we were were diked out in our uniforms. I am sure some bird, believe me.

I dont think I will be bothered much with corns as my shoes are no. 11. At that a little tight. ha ha All the other fellows have the same thing for a few days until they sort of break in. There were 15 hundred left here today but you could never miss them. I don't know how many soldiers there are here but there sure is one awful bunch.

When the bugle calls of a morning, the first time you have to appear fully dressed for roll call. Then you go to your barracks and leave your hat and get your mess kit which is composed of a knife, spoon, fork, sort of a frying pan business with a lid. You also have a cup for drinking purposes. I didn't think very much of the eats for a day or so, but they sure do taste good to me now, and we sure have all we can eat.

The Cleveland bunch have been scattered all over the Camp. Hardly any of us together. I don't think we will have to stay here very long unless we want to. You see, this is a Medical Officers Training Camp and as soon as they get our number and what we crave mostly, then they will send us where they desire. We begin training next Monday. We have to shave and take a bath every other day. Well folks, it is getting time I have to go take my bath. For I will probably have to wait on 50,000 ahead, so answer soon.

Your son,

Charles L.

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