June 30, 1944

Lowry's
1439 Wick Ave
Youngstown, Ohio
Hi.
Well we got here at about 11:15 and ate right away. We came to this place and have been here all afternoon. I met a kid from my co. right away on the train. I have no address yet. I got a seat at Connellsville, PA. I sat through from Pitt. This is a big place. I am going out and look around now.
So Long
Love,
''Chas''
-----
The letter explained: This is Chuck's first letter home that is in the collection. Based on the next several letters he writes, we know that he has just arrived at Fort Meade, Maryland, north of Washington, D.C. and south of Baltimore. He has completed basic training at Camp Blanding, Florida and has perhaps just left Youngstown after being home on a short leave. The shortened word 'co.' refers to the company or unit to which Chuck has been assigned. In this case, it may refer to Company A, 29th Battalion, 8th Regiment (his unit at Fort Meade) or it could be the training company that he left at Camp Blanding.

As appeared in the newspaper (unknown paper or date), his address at Camp Blanding was:

Pvt. Charles J. Lowry 35925389
Co B 210 Bat 65 Reg IRTC
Camp Blanding, Fla.