Cpl Roman F. Klick 36620923
Co "A", 353rd Engr Regt
A.P.O. #502, c/o Postmaster
San Francisco, California
August 8, 1943
Dear Aunty Clara,
To continue the discussion of the conversion of my present insurance policy to a 20-payment life. This is the opportunity for which we have been looking. But first we will have to see how these Army insurance rates compare with the rates in civilian life. I imagine that the saving is enormous because all expenses incidental to the running of the Veteran's Administration (the agency which handles the insurance) is borne not by the policy holders but by the government. As long as I remain in the Army I can only pay the premium month by month but upon return into civilian life the premium may be paid in any manner convenient for the veteran. This means that if the cash is available the policy may be paid up in advance at a 3% discount and should I die before the 20 years are up, the face value of the policy ($10,000) will be paid plus a rebate on all premiums paid beyond the date of death.
I have two choices as to the time to begin this new policy if we together decide it will be beneficial to do so. One is that I could start it immediately after the one year period of the 5-year level premium policy is finished. The second is that I wait until the duration of the war is completed and we begin our six month period. We could easily stand the strain $21 smackers a month for six months whereas it might wear the pocket book rather thin having that much put into insurance for every month of the duration.
One thing which I am not sure of yet is whether the premium on a 20-payment life remains at the same level throughout or whether it changes from year to year. I will inquire about this matter and probably get it answered but if I don't I would like you to ask my Dad and have an answer rushed off to me. If you think it wise to take my Dad into confidence concerning this matter, then do so. But, on the other hand, if you think he shouldn't know too much about it, just get the necessary information I ask for without arousing his suspicions.
I have spent a good deal of time thinking this over because I believe it is something which is worth serious thought and would appreciate it very much if you would likewise look over the various angles of the question and answer me with firm proposal as to what you would think best.
I personally think that more soldiers should be informed of this fact that these other type of policies exist. Quite a few, I think, would take advantage of it.
So much for finances. It is quarter to eleven right now and I will have to make it snappy if I want to finish this letter before the lights go out at eleven o'clock. I dreamed a dream last night in which all my boyfriends finally left the United States and began serving overseas and by golly, if I didn't dream that every last one of them came to this island. So far one or two of my dreams have come true so we will see what the future will hold in store for them in that regard. But it was the funniest thing to have Bobby Boyer, George P and Tommy Mashos all appear at once in the same dream. Come to think of it, although George and Tommy have heard of each other they have never met. And here I forgot to introduce them in that fantasy.
Speaking of things like that happening, I have already told you about several fellows finding friends on this island and it has also appeared in the Bulldozer as you probably noticed. In any event, John T. Edie today talked over the phone with his cousin whom his relatives had told him about as being here also. This sure is a small world.
I almost forgot to let you know that Jack Molyneaux finally received word concerning his Air Corps examination and it was unsatisfactory. I guess the new test concerning the mechanical end of things just wasn't in Jack's line. He didn't care one way or the other so he has taken it philosophically.
So-long,
/s/ Roman
Roman