"Be chilly, Doc."

Note-as i moved a couple of weeks ago i found this handwritten note my dad had scribbled on a yellowed sheet of army stationery. thought i'd share.

"Birds on station. better get ready Doc, they'll be here in about oh five mikes."
Going home.Yeah. I made it. Knew they couldn't get me.
People calling, "Be cool, doc."
"Take it easy, man."
I sling my ruck and shoot them the old peace sign. Got to get to the LZ. Don't want to miss my bird. At the LZ Mike and Bill are waiting for me.
Bill asks, "How's it feel? You know, going home and all."
"Kind of strange. Like I really want to go but I hate leaving everyone behind. I don't know. It's just not right man."
I hear the bird coming. Smoke out. Purple. Good enough. Come on man get me out of this place.Running to the bird.I'm so excited I can't climb on. Mike gives me a boost.
He smiles and yells, "Be chilly, Doc, see you back in the world."
On impulse I give him my boonie hat. He squeezes my arm and smiles again.
"Take care, man, take care."
He backs off;as the bird lifts I can still see him smiling. Mike. God be with you man. Airborne. No more rain and leeches. Flying over mountains I think of how beautiful this country is from up in the air. It's just when you get up close it starts to get bad. That's the only way to see Viet-Nam. From a thousand miles up. Flying over rice paddies. Getting close to Camp Evans. Maybe I should do something symbolic. Throw something out, a little of me left in Viet-Nam. I can't think of anything to throw out. Guess I already left behind everything I'm going to.
What the hell, I'm going home. For me it's all over anyhow.

i miss him all the time.