Airplane Stationery — Somewhere on the Eastern U.S.
Letter #4

Dear Sweetheart—

When the war is over — it seems to me that we should endeavor to arrange it that we are "independent." Like so many others in the Service I just don't want to work for anyone — anyone but my wife & our children. The only deflection I would countenance is teaching, but then I must feel free.

For more reasons than one we have to be independent. I don't know whether we can — & by that I refer to the economic — to be assured of enough food etc. And I am led to believe that we shall have to have land.

One of the fellows was discussing beef cattle. That was his work. Certainly we couldn't go into such a field or even farming (probably harder) but shall have to make money, get the land, & get someone to work it — for us — say on a percentage basis.

With that in mind, & after all I can learn anything & the gov't has these experts & everything telling you how to do things, it might be a good idea if you can find out look up just how much we can get from the gov't on a loan. I think you too are entitled to up to 2000 guarantee as I am. Anyway we can start on our home & have something there in the way of land which can be developed. The more money we have, the less we have to borrow the sooner we own the land. Gee dear, if we could save 2 or 3 thousand dollars, we can then do something. But of course the dilemma is — what to do. I have no experience in land "work" so to speak. We'd be throwing money away if we sunk it into something we know nothing about. And to have someone work it for us — on you can't think? We could lease the land so it would bring an income — cover all taxes & more. That sounds like the only thing we could do.

During the period of our adjustment, reserving a portion of it for our own work & gain the necessary experience.

Another thing would be to look into the aspect of having Monty & Thrice come in on it — they too could each borrow 4,000 apiece that's with the Gov't Guaranteeing $2,000 of each loan. That's a $16,000 loan among the four of us. We really ought to be able to get set into some kind of work — of course we wouldn't invest all of it — say 8-10 thousand dollars & keep the rest for reserve. But we must know what we want to do & there must be provision for our own home. And if it were to be a ranch or farm why we might live in town & go out each day if we want.

There is so much that could be done if we had any experience at all. We must take advantage of what the gov't offers, but we must not waste it. Now there's a terrific problem. First whether you are entitled to a $2000 guarantee under the G.I. Bill of Rights as I am for a 4,000 loan.

Then — how to invest the money?

You'll give this matter some thought, won't you dear. I love you so much & its all for us. Let me know your thoughts on the matter.

Your devoted husband,
Dolph.

Lt. Adolph J. Bennett
Inf. Co. A — 3rd Platoon
A.P.O. 15777 c/o P.M.
New York, N.Y.