Date: Sat, 14 Jun 2008 08:12:56 -0700 (PDT)
From: Bill Garrison <wegarrison749@yahoo.com>
Subject: Part 4, Araxos By The Sea

Araxos By The Sea/My Remote Assignment
PART IV

I don't remember much about the interval between visiting with Sam and the
next event that took place with Dennis.  We were nice to each other but we
didn't share time together like he had in the past.  Of course Jack sensed
that something was wrong and eventually I explained to him what had
happened and I did it trying to prepare myself for the fact that I might
lose his friendship.  He seemed to understand and he didn't abandon me as I
feared he would.  Jack continued to be the same old friend to both Dennis
and me as he always had been.  I don't know if he let Dennis know I told
him about it or not, but I don't think it would make any difference at all.

In May everyone began to get worried about Dennis because he seemed so
depressed.  Well, being depressed so soon to the end of a tour is sometimes
expected.  You become very close and become like a family, and then you
know it's coming to an end and you are torn with feelings about not wanting
to leave your buddies, and yet, wanting to get on with your life.  Maybe
counting the days prevents getting close to the people around you and makes
it easier when it comes time to leave.  I don't care what anyone says, the
experience of a remote will definitely change a person.  It does something
to you and you never forget the experience, be it good, or bad.

Dennis became very withdrawn and seemed to drink more than usual.  My job
had changed from being a clerk when I was promoted to a shift supervisor.
This meant that when we began our Midnight Shift I had to drive my crew
about six miles from our base to the flight line, preside over guard mount
(instructions for the night) and then drive the other shift back to base.
When I got back to the base with the other shift, I got out of my vehicle
to make a quick security check of the area.  Jack found me and said that he
was concerned about Dennis. He said that Dennis had been drinking and was
very distraught.  He got out of Jacks sight when Jack went to the bathroom
and Dennis could not be found.  Jack had been looking for him everywhere
and the only place he hadn't gone was about a half of a mile off base at
the beach.

I rechecked all of the places that Jack had gone but couldn't find Dennis
or anyone who knew where he was.  I checked his trailer one more time
before I headed for the beach.  When I got to the beach he was standing on
the top of the highest cliff around.  I could see someone on the cliff from
a good distance, so I turned the truck lights out and got as close as I
could before I got out and climbed up the cliff from beneath him.

I knew better than to get too close to him so I kept my distance and gently
started talking with him.  I don't remember exactly everything I said, but
I remember that I let him know that there were many of us who were very
concerned about him and it didn't matter what was bothering him he needed
to understand that he needed to let me take him back to base.

Tears rolled down his face like a fountain but he never sobbed, he never
made a sound.  He had a cigarette in one hand and a beer bottle in the
other as he looked blankly out to the sea.  I don't remember how long we
talked, but it seems like it was maybe ten or fifteen minutes before he
turned around and came toward me.

I simply said, "Are you ready to go back now?"  We got in the truck and I
drove back to base, saw that he made it to his trailer and into bed before
I got back on the road and headed out to my crew.

(THE END OF PART VI)

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