"I'm not quite sure how a son greets his father after not seeing him for a lifetime, guess I'll say 'Hi Dad'
I finally tracked down your address through the human resources department, I had to use my birth certificate to prove we were related.
I want you to know I followed in your footsteps.
My mom Sandy passed away this year. I went back to the old house just before shipping out and found a box with your silver star. She kept it all this time.
I wish I'd known you still lived in Tennessee. I would have dropped by. We could've had a beer and caught up.
I forgive you for leaving. I hope you're not mad at me for writing.

Thanks for helping bring me into this world. I did my best to be a good man."