Jake makes Xmas plans at his new base in Texas

This letter is postmarked 01 December 1943.

From Pyote, TX

Dec. 1st

Dearest Mother,

This is to you personally. I know you read all of Dad's mail and you should but after all I haven't written you in about a year.

I haven't heard about the Xmas cards yet. I should be getting mine out soon because I may not be in the U.S. much longer. Send them as soon as possible. I need about 50. I prefer ones with my name in them. I could also use some calling cards with Lt. Jake S. Colvin, U.S.A. Air Forces.

The cake finally came and it was the best I've ever eaten. All the fellows liked it too. Just like at school, it didn't take long for it to become just a few crumbs.

My Thanksgiving dinner was in Redmond Oregon. We had a regular G.I. dinner but it was good. I wish I could have been at home with your folks but I'm thankful that we are all well and happy.

What are we going to give the old man for Xmas? Let me do my part or if you can think of something I can get let me know.

As for my Xmas I don't know just what I want. There is very little except maybe a pair of leather gloves, with no lining, size 9.

What have you to suggest for Margaret Neely. I've got to get something nice. Penny, Jessie, and grandmother will have to be looked out for too. (Penny is Penn, Jake's little brother and Jessie is one of his sisters.) Sister's is the trunk which will be home soon. (Sister was Steve's mother, the keeper of the scrapbooks.)

Well, Mother, it's time to go to work.

Love to all,

Jake Jr.

thinking about sending out x-mas cards and ordering pictures, etc. I can't really say that I know too many men today that would even think about these things. Maybe he's an exception for his time, too. Pictures and cards are the last thing on my husband's mind ever. I literally have to dress them and get my husband and son to the photographer, order enough prints, and send them to all of his appropriate family members. Maybe I should let him read these letters and he'd stop telling me its a "woman's" job to be all organized and do all the work (I do notice "Mom" has a bit of the busy work running around for him, but he is off flying planes).