Transcription of letter from Grafton W Stull to Darwin Stull. Transcription done by Darwin Stull. Mary Nell referred to in this letter is a sister-in-law to Grafton (sister of Carolyn)
504 B Beard Ave APO San Francisco 96553
24 Jan 1966
Dear Darwin,
We were glad to hear from you today and also pleased that you had decided to give the Air Force a go.
You have an advantage over quite of few of the new fellows. You have had experience in looking after yourself and in group living such as you had over here.
The first few weeks will be tough enough but you can do as well as anyone else. It’s just getting used to the routine and to being real busy for a while. I hope you have made arrangements for your things. You could sort out the clothes you want to take with you when you finish basic training, then box up the rest – with some moth proofing – and work Mary Nell into hauling them to the Cowans. Mary Nell might keep your “take along things” and your suitcase. It is always a problem to keep the total stuff down to what you will need. I still have trouble when I pack for a one week trip.
You “spoke” about the OTS program. You can apply for AECP (airman education and commissioning program) with two years of college. If you are accepted, you would finish a year of service, then go to college to get a degree before entering OTS. You would receive the pay and allowances of a staff sergeant while in school. It’s a good program.
Anyway, I know you’ll do well and make a fine airman in whatever field you go into. Keep a smile and do your best and you will enjoy it a lot.
I don’t know whether you have heard from Graf recently or not, so I may be giving you bad news twice. Melvin passed away on 15 January and was buried last Tuesday in Marshalltown. We saw him in October. He wasn’t feeling too well then and had a little swelling in his throat. Later he started having severe pains in his side. It was the advanced stages of fast growing cancer. They tried radiation but it was too late to save him. He would have been 48 the 11th of February.
Your grandma Stull is in a hospital in Marshalltown but is better and is able to be up part of the time. She evidently caught cold and got pretty sick.
We are doing fine over here and really enjoying the nice weather. We have some tomato plants starting to bloom so we are filling the salt shakers and just waiting!
Haven’t heard from Burlie and Pop lately, but can’t say for sure who owes who a letter. I’ll write to them tonight just to make sure.
I’m sure anxious to know where you will be stationed and am looking forward to seeing you in your “blue suit.” It would sure be nice to wind up on the same base one day.
I shouldn’t keep giving you advice, but the service provides a good insurance policy program. A $10,000 policy costs you only $2 per month plus makes you eligible for the same amount when you get out without having to pass a physical. It’s a good way to start your program. You can also add the $10,000 NSLI (National Service Life Ins) and make your lifetime program pretty good. I’ll help you on your premiums if it is more than the pay will stand. You might run short the first few months anyway, so keep your bank account open and we will help you keep a little reserve in it.
Better let this close for now.
You have our best wishes and our congratulations on your new venture.
All our best.
Love, Dad & Carolyn
Keep us up-to-date on your address and everything, please