Iowa Old Press
Sioux Center News, Thursday, January 20, 1944
NEWS OF OUR MEN and WOMEN IN UNIFORM
~Pfc. Henry Neal De Groot, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry DeGroot now living in Rock Valley, arrived home Saturday from Camp Atterbury, Indiana, on furlough. Henry says this is his “alert” furlough, as he expects to be sent overseas in the near future. He has been in the service (Infantry) for 15 months and was transferred to Camp Atterbury from Camp Bowie, Texas. Henry expressed his sincere thanks to everyone who sent cards, letters, and remembrances for Christmas and says he very much enjoyed them all, but can’t possibly answer each one individually.
~Gary Verrips writes that he is now in Italy where the entire base has been moved from Africa. He fins Italy quite refreshing after having spent more than a year in Africa. He got all his Christmas packages and thanks all who sent him cards, letters and packages and says he will write each one personally when he gets time.
~Marvin Mouw, S 2/c is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Bill B. Mouw, of Sioux Center. Marvin entered the Navy in August and has seen quite a bit of action since that time. He is an electrians mate. Marvin has had one furlough in October 1943. The last letter received from him was written on New Years Day. He wrote that he was again on sea duty.
IN INDIA
Pfc. Henry M. Blankespoor entered the service September 1942, and went overseas last July. At the present time he is in India and has had Malaria twice. Henry is married and has a son, Morris Gene. He has had one furlough. Henry is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Maas Blankespoor.
Hospital Corpsman
Edward John Reinders H.A. 2/c, son of Mr. and Mrs. Gerrit J. Reinders of Orange City entered the Navy in March. He is stationed at Farragut, Idaho, as a Hospital Corpsman. Edward John attended Northwestern Junior College before entering the Navy.
His address is:
Edward John Reinders H.A. 2/c
Dispensary 32c
Camp Bennion,
Farragut, Idaho
Yankee Christmas Spirit
Elmer Heusinkveld, son of John Heusinkveld, writes from Italy that he has never yet met anyone he knew since he left the States over a year ago. He said they invented their own system for celebrating Christmas, by having one of the officers dressed up as Santa Claus and rigging up some Italian Shrubbery to look like a Christmas tree. Newsmen from United States took pictures and said they would appear in American papers, but didn’t name their papers so we don’t know whether they will appear in any in this part of the country or not.