How does Paulsen describe his father in the memoir, Eastern Sun, Winter Moon?

Paulsen describes his father as an aloof, rules oriented, army-officer, who never achieves a close relationship with Gary, and whom refers to Paulsen as "the boy." The bond cementing Father and Mother's marriage is a fragile, liquid one—alcohol. Like his wife, Gary's father copes with the stress of war through an extramarital affair. His father's betrayal and his incommunicativeness with his son during their seven-year separation contribute to the psychological distance between them. Additionally, the warweary man, unlike other soldiers sent home, is ordered directly from the battle in Europe to the occupation in Southeast Asia without furlough or leave.