Cpl. Alfred Shargel?32059245
Battery B. 244th Coast Arty
U S Army
APO 860 c/o Postmaster, N.Y., N.Y.


November 4, 1942


My Dear Miss Thompson,


I wish to express my gratitude for your prompt reply to my card and for all the information you have me concerning my former classmates.
It was very interesting to learn that many of my former classmates, and my predecessors and successors were in the Armed Forces, representing N.STC all over the world. From your letter, I gather we are rather scattered with very few in the same locality. It would be nice to make contact with some of them and re-establish acquaintences.
My Sister informs me that John Cairns has the same address as I. Perhaps, by some lucky stroke we might be able to get to-gether.
I wrote to Pannullo before I changed my station, and as yet have not heard from him. He must be having the time of his life with all those Negro troops under him.
Because of a very strict censorship, it is impossible to divulge my location or write anything about the local color. It would add very much to my letters and correspondence but such items are taboo. Therefore my writings are usually restricted to
gI
h or
gME
h. It seems rather egostical and at times I feel that way, but, on the other hand, most people are very understanding and under the present circumstances make the fullest of allowances.
Knocking around, the way I am and have, for almost two years, has added something intangible that will be most useful later on. I plan on going back to teaching but feel that it would be most wise and would show a lot of foresight, if the College Administrators would start planning on
gPost-War
h courses for those men who have gotten a bit stale on their subject matter, techniques, etc. At present I am saving and planning for refresher courses and am sure that most of the other boys are thinking along the same lines. It must be in our blood. Could you drop a subtle hint? I am sure that my suggestion would be accepted in the proper spirit, and who knows, I may become the instigator of something very much worthwhile.
My Sister has also informed me that I will, in the future, receive a bulletin or brief of college and allied activities. That will be most welcome and shall be read from front to back. May I take credit for this? I think I was the one who suggested it.
I do hope that everyone and everything at NSTC is just fine. Please remember me to everyone and thanks again for all the information.

Sincerely,
Al Shargel
Al Shargel