In late 1969, Chuck rushes home from college when his father falls ill and passes away. Bitterness over his loss is compounded by the frustration of being unable to afford a return to school. Rashly enlisting in the Army, Chuck decides to train as a scout dog handler, and in Vietnam, Chuck's deep resentment is erased by time spent with his devoted dog, Zeke, and happy-go-lucky roommate, Jonesy. As he faces life-and-death situations almost...