In this letter Bill describes the situation in this pre-basic-training period. Among other things, he writes about the camp schedule, and their responsibilities to do “KP” or work in the dinning room. He then goes on to list the various acronyms used in the army, followed by a description of the camp grounds and the area surrounding the Camp.
Included in his description of the PX are the prices of various things: a chocolate bar is 4¢, regular beer is 10¢, Schlitz beer is 15¢. In the early 1970s I remember paying 10¢ for a chocolate bar, 25¢ for a regular beer and 35¢ for a name brand beer. About two-and-one-half times more, 30 years later.
Bill goes on to describe the barracks and the daily routine. He later notes that their basic training won’t start until December 6th.