Scout "Retires"

New Hanover County native Dave "Mike" Watters left home in 1967 to join the U.S. Army, serving two tours of duty in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot and receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross. One day (according to his wife Susan), Watters was invited to talk about his experiences for a Veterans Day program at a local kindergarten. The eventual result was "Scout: A Little Helicopter Story," which Watters wrote, illustrated and self-published ($20).  Like Thomas the Tank Engine, Scout likes to be useful, even though he's smaller than the other helicopters -- Cargo, Huey and Cobra -- at the base. One day, however, he's called in to rescue a wounded GI from a tiny forest clearing where none of the bigger copters can fit. The very same day, he joins in a water rescue. The story, Watters said, is based on actual missions accomplished in November 1968, while serving in Vietnam. "Scout" includes pictures that youngsters can color. While the story is a familiar one about being accepted by one's group, Watters hopes it will eventually help children understand courage and sacrifice. Hardcover