June 17, 1968

USS Mahan DL-G-11

1^st Div. Main Post Office

San Francisco, Calif. 96601

Dear Dad,

            I’m sorry to hear that you’re in the hospital and I hope you’ll forgive me for not at least sending you a card on Father’s Day.  I truly feel bad about that.  There’s so much that you and Mom have done for me and so little that I’ve done in return.  I haven’t even made much of myself.

            It seems that I’m always neglecting those who mean the most to me.

            I don’t feel any difference now that I’m legally a man, just a few more privledges and responsibilities.

            I would much rather have been home with you.  Yesterday was really depressing.  I just drank beer all day.  In one bar and then another, all by myself.  Only one place checked my I.D. and he gave me a free drink.

            I ran into the first class who is trying to get me into his division (Fire Control Technician, missiles).  He said it would probably be 3-6 months before I could get in.  Meanwhile I can study up on electronics, one course which I received today.

            I hope you’re feeling much better today.

                                                                                    Love,

                                                                                                Michael