Reflection from John Harnish

The following is an excerpt from an account of Camp 64 by John L. Harnish, Jr.:

"I found that the morale at camp was very high. There were many and various types of work opportunities. During the first week we received a questionnaire to complete which listed work types. I remember my work preferences as drafting, surveying and carpentry. Luckily for me, a job for a surveying assistant was open at the Bureau of Reclamation. I was the first from camp assigned to work with a government surveyor.

My boss, Tommy Thompson, was a very rough-talking guy. He let me know at the beginning his feelings toward a 'yellow belly' like me. I was extremely uncomfortable at first. I took everything Tommy lashed out at me with kindness and answered his questions on my belief in objection to war and fighting. My high school education and training in drafting and math helped me perform the work. It was not long before we began working together efficiently. I am sure I helped make Tommy's job easier."

--Taken from Our CPS Stories. Elkhart, IN: Prairie Street Mennonite Church, 1996. p26-30.