TRANSCRIBED FROM THE MENA WEEKLY STAR NOVEMBER 1, 1917 P. 4
To The Mena Star:
I take pleasure in writing back home from the Great Lakes Naval Training Station, where I am in training.
I enlisted in the U. S. Navy on June 15, to serve my country at the front, and have been here since August 29. I have gained 20 pounds in weight and have gained in strength, but do not know how much. I like the navy. Have been in Canada since coming here and have had a good time, but the reason I enlisted was a desire to help my country. I also have bought Liberty Bonds and am doing all I can in every way for my country, and would like to see everybody doing the same. The navy is like a school. The work is not hard and the food is good and you have many liberties. Regards to my friends in Arkansas.
L. Heath,
Co. C. 1st. Reg.,
Great Lakes, Ill.
October 21, 1917.
NOTES: Lester Ernest Heath was born on March 25, 1886. He lived in Polk County when he enlisted for WWI. He died on January 29, 1966 and is buried in the Condon Grove Cemetery in Milburn, Oklahoma.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT
To The Mena Star:
I take pleasure in writing back home from the Great Lakes Naval Training Station, where I am in training.
I enlisted in the U. S. Navy on June 15, to serve my country at the front, and have been here since August 29. I have gained 20 pounds in weight and have gained in strength, but do not know how much. I like the navy. Have been in Canada since coming here and have had a good time, but the reason I enlisted was a desire to help my country. I also have bought Liberty Bonds and am doing all I can in every way for my country, and would like to see everybody doing the same. The navy is like a school. The work is not hard and the food is good and you have many liberties. Regards to my friends in Arkansas.
L. Heath,
Co. C. 1st. Reg.,
Great Lakes, Ill.
October 21, 1917.
NOTES: Lester Ernest Heath was born on March 25, 1886. He lived in Polk County when he enlisted for WWI. He died on January 29, 1966 and is buried in the Condon Grove Cemetery in Milburn, Oklahoma.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT