One evening a number of us were setting around the little pot-bellied stove trying to get warm. This area was the gathering place because the only light was over the stove. General conversation was underway when one of the guys pulled out a magazine to share. The front cover featured a beautiful young girl that had won a beauty contest. The magazine was passed around and when it came to me I took a good look and said, "I'll bet $5.00 that I can get a personalized photo from this girl". No way they said and the bet was on. The next day I wrote a v-mail explaining the bet and mailed it to the editor of the publication asking him to send it on to the young lady. Two weeks passed and no reply. Three weeks passed and still no reply. By this time the guys were razzing me pretty good saying "when do you plan to pay off the bet etc". Following the completion of a mission a few days later I returned to the hut and found mail on my bunk. There was an 8x10 envelope containing a photo, the same one that appeared on the magazine cover, signed "Love__________". A PS appeared under her signature that read " I hope you won the bet". I got the last laugh in collecting the $45.00. I posted the photo near my bunk for all to enjoy.
