This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Thompson Classification: Military Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/xYB.2ACE/1658 Message Board Post: Letters From the Servicemen....Dear Folks: I guess this is quite a surprise to you all huh? We left Camp Bowie last Friday at 5:00 o'clock and got here at Fort Ord Monday evening about 7:00 o'clock. Talk about some real scenery, they really have it out here. We rode through the desert for about two days and nights. All you could see was sand and mountains that were snow capped. We crossed the Rocky Mountains about midnight Saturday. Pine trees a couple of hundred feet high. Snow everywhere. Sure was pretty. Sure have a nice camp here. Double roomed barracks with shower and everything in one building. The ocean is about 500 yards from the camp. The closest towns are Monterey, Hollywood and Salinas. Think I'll go to Hollywood some weekend and see what the movie stars look like. Had a swell trip on the train. Had all sleeper cars. Our beds were made for us in our seats. That's quite a treat for us Army guys you know. Love, Monroe Thompson Source: "Recollections" From The Monitor Compiled by Joanne Coble - 50 Years Ago This Week . . . Marietta Monitor, Love County, April 30, 1993, page 12 [through the courtesy of Ray (deceased) and Mrs. Elreeta Weathers].