TRANSCRIBED FROM THE POCAHONTAS STAR HERALD AUGUST 23, 1918 P. 4
East St. Louis, Aug. 10.
Dear Mr. Blankenship:
If you will allow me space in your paper I will try to give the men and boys a few words of encouragement, as several of the boys back home have written me and seem to be interested in the service of our country and if you will allow me space I will try to give the boys a little encouragement, and help them get in a branch of service that they will be proud of. Of course we ought to be proud to be in any branch of service, that is for the protection of our country, and we all ought to be glad to grasp the opportunity of having the pleasure of volunteering our service for our country.
Is there a doubt to your mind regarding the Navy? Have you who are really qualified for the navy, a doubt in your mind as to what the navy really is, and if so have you ever taken the trouble to find out?
Men are needed in the navy now, and needed badly. Will you not, therefore, heed the call of your country and try to enlist in the service?
The navy is a branch of service in which men are not drafted. Everyone there is a volunteer, and being volunteers they are men who became interested in this branch of service because they were attracted by the clean, wholesome life of the Jackiee, the splendid training he receives, the general atmosphere of good fellowship, and the excellent moral and religious principles found there.
Here a man is taught, above all, to reverence first his God, and second, his flag—his country, and what is nobler or higher than these two things?
Life in the navy, as has been said, is clean and wholesome. Large comfortable barracks, and good healthful food is provided for every man. The Y. M. C. A. has done much to make the life of the Jackie more pleasant by providing entertainment for them, also other recreations, too numerous to mention, football, basket ball, base ball teams, and other forms of sport are organized, which goes to prove that the navy is not all work and no play. The form of recreation not only is a pleasure to the boys, but it is also a benefit, helping to make them stronger, better men, and better fitted for the life of a sailor. The training which they receive is excellent, and not too strenuous for them to stand.
There are also many different divisions in the navy in which a man may enlist. Anyone can enlist in any trade if he has the necessary qualifications. There are over 55 trades open in the navy today. There is a place for mechanics, boiler makers, the copper smiths, yeomen, carpenters, and many other professions. Do not stand back because you think your profession may be ruined, for there is a chance that there you will receive better training in your special line of work than you would elsewhere. Of course, this is not always the case, every man is given a fair deal when he enlists in the navy.
Your country needs you. Calls are coming in continually for more men in the navy. You--who are undecided—who cannot make up your mind as to what branch of the service you wish to enlist in, will you not come and give us a chance to convince you of the many advantages of joining the navy? You will find us ready to serve you at any time, apply at any post office, or some navy recruiting station.
Qualifications, well physically qualified, and quick witted young men, and the reward good training, good advancement, and the opportunity to make adventures in all parts of the world.
Will be glad to help my home boys out any way I can, and any one wishing to write me, a letter will be very highly appreciated, as I am still in the recruiting office.
Ostis Vandergriff,
U. S. Navy Recruiting Officer
Coll & St Louis, Ave.,
East St. Louis, Ill
NOTES: Vernie Ostis Vandergriff was born at Elevenpoint, Arkansas in Randolph County on February 5, 1896 and died on December 1, 1965 in Pasco, Florida.
TRANSCRIBED BY LINDA MATTHEWS
East St. Louis, Aug. 10.
Dear Mr. Blankenship:
If you will allow me space in your paper I will try to give the men and boys a few words of encouragement, as several of the boys back home have written me and seem to be interested in the service of our country and if you will allow me space I will try to give the boys a little encouragement, and help them get in a branch of service that they will be proud of. Of course we ought to be proud to be in any branch of service, that is for the protection of our country, and we all ought to be glad to grasp the opportunity of having the pleasure of volunteering our service for our country.
Is there a doubt to your mind regarding the Navy? Have you who are really qualified for the navy, a doubt in your mind as to what the navy really is, and if so have you ever taken the trouble to find out?
Men are needed in the navy now, and needed badly. Will you not, therefore, heed the call of your country and try to enlist in the service?
The navy is a branch of service in which men are not drafted. Everyone there is a volunteer, and being volunteers they are men who became interested in this branch of service because they were attracted by the clean, wholesome life of the Jackiee, the splendid training he receives, the general atmosphere of good fellowship, and the excellent moral and religious principles found there.
Here a man is taught, above all, to reverence first his God, and second, his flag—his country, and what is nobler or higher than these two things?
Life in the navy, as has been said, is clean and wholesome. Large comfortable barracks, and good healthful food is provided for every man. The Y. M. C. A. has done much to make the life of the Jackie more pleasant by providing entertainment for them, also other recreations, too numerous to mention, football, basket ball, base ball teams, and other forms of sport are organized, which goes to prove that the navy is not all work and no play. The form of recreation not only is a pleasure to the boys, but it is also a benefit, helping to make them stronger, better men, and better fitted for the life of a sailor. The training which they receive is excellent, and not too strenuous for them to stand.
There are also many different divisions in the navy in which a man may enlist. Anyone can enlist in any trade if he has the necessary qualifications. There are over 55 trades open in the navy today. There is a place for mechanics, boiler makers, the copper smiths, yeomen, carpenters, and many other professions. Do not stand back because you think your profession may be ruined, for there is a chance that there you will receive better training in your special line of work than you would elsewhere. Of course, this is not always the case, every man is given a fair deal when he enlists in the navy.
Your country needs you. Calls are coming in continually for more men in the navy. You--who are undecided—who cannot make up your mind as to what branch of the service you wish to enlist in, will you not come and give us a chance to convince you of the many advantages of joining the navy? You will find us ready to serve you at any time, apply at any post office, or some navy recruiting station.
Qualifications, well physically qualified, and quick witted young men, and the reward good training, good advancement, and the opportunity to make adventures in all parts of the world.
Will be glad to help my home boys out any way I can, and any one wishing to write me, a letter will be very highly appreciated, as I am still in the recruiting office.
Ostis Vandergriff,
U. S. Navy Recruiting Officer
Coll & St Louis, Ave.,
East St. Louis, Ill
NOTES: Vernie Ostis Vandergriff was born at Elevenpoint, Arkansas in Randolph County on February 5, 1896 and died on December 1, 1965 in Pasco, Florida.
TRANSCRIBED BY LINDA MATTHEWS