Arrived in Oakland Calif. at 1800hrs. on New Years eve 1968. After the paper work and the first really hot shower in almost a year had a steak dinner in the mess hall. It was actually pretty good. Finally got out of there around 2100hrs.

Me and three other guys shared a cab to SF airport. I remember being amazed by all the street light. Something which Viet Nam didn't have. Got to the airport just in time to miss the last flight out that night. Went to the bar and drank Jack and cokes until the place closed.

Slept in a chair that night. Caught the first flight out in the morning. Finally got to Chicago around 1300hrs. When I left Nam its was about 90 some degrees in the shade. Hit home less then 48hours later the wind chill was -30 degrees and there was 19 inches of snow on the ground. Didn't feel the cold one bit. Stayed up for two days on the greatest high I have ever had. Had a great time until Feb. 10th. That was the day I left to return to Nam.