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Show June, 1944 THE CENTERVILLE NEWSETTE SERVICE NEWS and NOTES FROM THE MAIL BAG From Andrew Torry, bearing a San Francisco Fleet P. 0., we received this welcome letter: Hope that this letter does not come as too big a surprise to you. The enclosed money order is to show my appreciation for a splendid undertaking. The people of Centerville have done a lot for her boys and girls in the service. Speaking for myself, and I am sure the others feel the same, the town paper has given me more enjoyment than any other single thing I have received. Especially as it gives news and views that are impossible to include in any one letter from home. Combined with letters from those we love at home, it leaves nothing to be asked in the way of news. To the town Board and the Bishopric I wish to express my thanks for their Christmas letters. Also to Mrs. Joseph Bettridge and to Frank Sheldon Mrs. Bettridge for her card and Frank Sheldon for his very welcome letter. There have been several others that I have already answered. To these I wish to again extend my thanks. Keep up the good work, folks. I thank you, one and all, and hope that I may do so personally before the year is over. Excerpts from a letter written to his parents by Ens. Spencer PI. Hatch: Today I flew four hours in our new planes, and I surely like them. I feel just as much at home upside down, in a vertical dive or in a cloud as I do at the breakfast table. Id almost rather fly than eat. I can't explain it but it's a wonderful feeling, especially since I know that I will be flying and fighting for a real cause soon. dont think that ever told and you that Jim Evans myself were two members, in fact the only I I two members, of a Do it or die club' that we agreed upon together. Now that Jims been captured it looks as if its up to me to carry on where he left off. I only pray that I might in some way avenge the great loss of Jim, one of my very best friends. He meant something to me Mother, believe me, and I never realized it until now. I now realize why wars are fought and am ready any time Uncle Sam calls me to do my part in action. It will be several months yet, but I only wish it were sooner. Im no more afraid of death than I am of flying upside down, or through a cloud on instruments. Maybe I dont talk much, not even in letters, but I think plenty, and I just pray to God that I might have a hand in bringing this war to an end as soon as possible. I have tried several times to write Jims mother, but never could find the words to express myself. Id surely appreciate it, mother, if you would talk to Jims mother, and let her know just how we fellows feel who used to chum with Jim. I know that her anxiety is all that she can bear. Much love to all my dear ones, Spence We were happy to receive a letter from Pvt. Joseph Benjamin Smith, better known as Ben. He is now stationed at Camp Beale, California. A son of Mrs. Laura Smith, Ben was born here and lived in Centerville until about eight years ago. Dear Townsfolk: Although I am not much of a letter writer, I do want to voice my appreciation of the Newsette. I have enjoyed every issue so far and even though some of the names are unfamiliar, I do remember most of them and am always glad to hear of their activities. I particularly enjoy .the sport section as I used to be much interested in our team myself. Say: Why not interview some real old timers like Arch Duncan and Luther Dalrymple ? I'll bet they could give us some good fish stories. -- Wishing you continued success in this undertaking and hoping I may receive future copies, I am, a home town boy. Pvt. J. Ben Smith recently, after a short stay in the army, was Pvt. On furlough Melvin Hancock, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Hancock. Mel, who says army life isnt bad, enlisted in November, 1943, and went to Camp Roberts, Calif., after Christmas. He was in the 90th Inf. Tng. Bn., specializing in heavy weapons; the machine gun and the mortar. He has three marksmanship medals. Page Three Another fellow home during the last month was Pvt. Domnick Di-vin- o, grandson of Tony Pulli. Domnick said, speaking of Texas, This was never like home, instead of, Home was never like this. He went into the infantry July 15, 1943, to Camp Wolters, Tex., for Basic; and was later at Camp Van Dorn, Miss., in the ordnance; Camp Polk, La., and Camp Barke-leTexas. y, An instructor in 5 Mitchells is the job of 2nd Lt. Kenneth A. Nessen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Nessen. He was on leave in JanuB-2- ary. Kenny joined the Air Corps, March, 1943, and went to Santa Ana Army Air Base for primary. He had had previous experience with planes as he was employed at the Douglas factory. After Santa Ana he went to Hemet Field, Calif.; Tuscon, Ariz.; and to La Junta, Colo., where was graduated an inJanuary structor at Mathers Field, Calif. he 7, 1944. He is now Seminary Graduation Eight of our young Centerville boys and girls were graduated at the 23rd annual John R. Barnes Seminary commencement exercises at Bountiful tabernacle, Sunday, May 7. Elder Richard L. Evans delivered the address to the graduates and President Tingey presented the diplomas. Graduating were: Joyce Wilson, Floyd Roy F. Hatch, Lila Ella Evans, Carma Dorothy Barber. Elgin Rigby, D. Pickering, Folsom, Mary Darley, and Mothers Day Mother lies at the foundation of happiness in the home and of the prosperity of the nation. Joseph F. Smith. This was the theme of the beautiful Mothers Day program given by the Sunday School on May 14. Short talks were given by Howard Hatch, Bessie W. Clayton, Cleveland Cook, Earl Tingey, Harvey Mann, LaVern Harker, and Ruth Smith, and Roger Walton gave a poem. Music was presented by the smaller classes and a male quartet. Mrs. Annie Burgin was honored as the oldest mother in Centerville, and lovely little books were presented to all the mothers as tokens. . |