Try as he might, Radar couldn't get Colonel Potter out of his mind. The Colonel had always been a man that Radar admired, but after witnessing the most selfless
act imaginable, Radar had even more respect for his friend.
He'd watched in awe as Colonel Potter gave his beloved horse Sophie to Mr. Pak, simply because the man wanted her. Radar knew that it was one of the hardest
decisions that the Colonel had ever made and he made sure that Colonel knew that it was the best thing that Radar had ever seen anyone do. Radar knew how
much the Colonel loved Rosie and from that moment on, he realized what a brave and selfless man Colonel Potter was.
In the end, Rosie was returned by his daughter after Mr. Pak sadly passed away. Deep down, Radar knew that the Colonel was relieved at having Rosie back, but
he also knew that Colonel Potter would have been okay with letting Sophie go for good.
The next morning Radar woke before the sun and headed to his post. He made phone call after phone call, which wasn't easy at that hour. But he persevered
until he succeeded with his plan. Late that afternoon, a large truck carrying bales of hay and bags of oats pulled up to the tents of the 4077. A grey haired man
climbed out of the driver's seat and waved a clipboard in the air.
"I gotta delivery here for a Corporal Walter Eugene Radar O'Reily!"
The sound of the man's booming voice echoed throughout the MASH unit, bringing the likes of Hawkeye, Hunnicutt, Pierce, Margaret, Father Mulchaey, Charles
and Klinger rushing to see what the commotion was all about.
"Which one of youse is-."
"I am!" Radar said, rushing toward the man, waving his arms for attention. "I'm Radar! I-I mean, I'm-."
"Sign here, please."
Radar took the clipboard and scribbled his name.
"Who's gonna help me unload all of this stuff?" the man barked.
"Not me." Margaret said.
"Me either. I've got work to do." Hawkeye added.
The others voiced their reasons and started to leave, but Radar was so disappointed he couldn't take it anymore.
"Hey, wait a minute! Look, I'm sorry that we disturbed you but this stuff isn't for me and it would be nice to have some help!"
"What is all of that stuff?" BJ asked.
"Well, I can't really say at the moment, but it's a surprise."
Everyone groaned and began to turn away.
"WAIT!" Radar shouted. "It's a surprise for someone very special to me and… well; he's probably very special to you. He's done more for the 4077 than anyone
and he deserves this!"
"But what the heck is it?" Margaret demanded.
"I can't say just yet, but-."
"What in tarnation is all of this?" the Colonel shouted, bringing them all to attention.
Radar turned and saluted his friend.
"At ease, everyone!" Colonel Potter ordered. "Radar, what's the meaning of this?" His booming voice made those who had begun to depart change their minds
and turn around, most likely out of curiosity.
"Radar, I want an explanation and I want it now! What in the Sam Hill is going on here?"
"Clearly something that isn't army regulation!"
"Listen Charles, if I wanted an explanation from you I would have asked for it! I asked Radar!"
Charles scoffed. "Very well, then. I'm going back to my tent and turn on Vivaldi's Four Seasons as loudly as possible!"
"Oh no you don't!" Hawkeye warned. "If you do, I'll-."
"Watch me!"
Hawkeye started to leave but stopped when he saw the look in Radar's eye. BJ, Klinger, Father Mulchaey and Margaret stayed as well.
"Out with it!" the Colonel shouted.
"Oh… well, it was supposed to be a surprise." Radar explained.
"A surprise? What kind of a surprise?"
"For you, sir."
"Me?"
"Yes sir. Take a look."
Colonel Potter approached the bags that had already been unloaded on the ground and glanced at the driver. "May I?"
"By all means. But hurry. I've got other deliveries to make!"
The Colonel carefully untied one of the bags and pulled it open. His expression changed and he looked at Radar. "I don't understand."
"They're oats… and some hay."
"I can see that, but –."
"They're for Sophie. I figured you loved her enough to give her up and that was the best thing I'd ever seen anyone do, so-."
The Colonel smiled. "Thank you Radar. This means so much to me. And to Sophie."
Margaret had tears in her eyes. "Bravo, Radar! Bravo!" She began to applaud and went to hug Radar as the others followed suit.
"Well, gee… I didn't expect this kind of response!"
"You deserve it, Radar. I can't thank you enough for this."
"You're certainly welcome, Colonel."
"Why don't you come with me to take these oats and hay to her?"
"Really?"
"Yeah, just help me-."
"We'll all help!" BJ said.
Radar smiled. "Really? You all would do that for me?"
"What are friends for?"
"Gee, thanks, Hawkeye. And all of you."
"Come on then. Let's go see Sophie!"
They all cheered and picked up the bags of oats and bales of hay, marching toward the stables, with Colonel Potter leading the way.
Radar had never been prouder to be a part of the 4077.
THE END