Grabbing a strong steaming hot cup of coffee before our bodies awakened at 0500 hours they were in shock from the surge of caffeine shooting through every fiber of our being. Grabbing a "cup to go" we headed to the airfield and off to Washington to face our reality.

 

Mama Bear met us when we landed and even with us landing early she met us with her armored limousine. Luke and John were being picked up by Aaron and his Secret Service detail and we all would meet at the Oval Office shortly before 0800 hours.

 

As a renewed supply of hot black caffeine surged through our body, POTUS was the first to speak demanding: "Is someone going to say something or are we just going to sit here and look at each other"?

 

Shawn and I smiled at POTUS and commented now that he had broached the subject: Shawn and I are retiring from the Army! The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. POTUS was the first to speak as he hit his intercom and advised his chief of staff to clear his schedule for the morning.

 

Looking at Shawn and me POTUS only commented one word: "WHY"! I informed the group we were grateful for all the Army, the Worthingtons and Alpha Zulu have done for both us Generals and our family but we have served our country since our teenage years and we wish to retire having enough of a life left to spoil our grandkids.

 

"We aren't leaving tomorrow!" The reason Shawn and I requested this meeting is to formulate a flawless transition for our replacement. We have at least 8 years left before our youngest will be graduating from college, so we have plenty of time to select our replacements and have them mirror us not having to learn how to operate Alpha Zulu "on the run".

 

If Shawn and I were to be eliminated from Alpha Zulu today... you would find a letter in my desk addressed to you simply stating the two best men in the Army to replace us would be Brigadier General Mendez and 1^st Sergeant Rod Landry. I really doubt if we will find two more suitable individuals in the United States Army. But we need due diligence and make an effort to find men as capable. If we take Ricardo off of his imp protection detail and assign him as an aide to either of us, he will be asking far too many questions. And Rod really likes the isolation of being in OPS and working the controls behind the scene. Ricardo would be my first choice to replace Shawn and Rod would be my first choice to replace me.

 

That being said, we need to work out a plan to initially evaluate individuals for our replacements. Hopefully, doing it under the guise of alleviating us from the bureaucratic paperwork of the Army... once we have them onboard, we can gradually refine their "job description". If there was ever a job description for a six-star General, no one ever offered to share it with us.

 

As POTUS collapsed into his office desk chair, he couldn't fault us for our decision to go to inactive status... just so:

 

1) you remain a Presidential Ambassador at Large.

 

2) you guest lecture at the War College, West Point and the other military academies when invited.

 

3) you always consider yourself part of Mama Bear's extended family.

 

Failure to abide by these terms of your going to inactive status will result in the immediate return to Active Duty and assigned to the Garbage Detail at Fort Connor. (We all knew POTUS wasn't open to further negotiation and gracefully accepted his terms.)

 

As Aaron, Luke, John and Mama Bear invited us to join her for the afternoon in the Penthouse... we would be having our own "Council of War"! (I only hoped Shawn and I would survive it.)

 

As Mama Bear broke out the Scotch early, we all sat in the Great Room pondering the results of our morning discussion with POTUS. Mama Bear spoke freely commenting if we Generals started interviewing individuals then every grapevine in Washington would be wanting to know what is going on. If Luke, John and I do the preliminary interviews and reduce the candidates to 10-15 qualified individuals... then we can all meet and make the determination on who to recommend to POTUS.

 

As Luke and John needed to return to their Worthington Offices, they deposited us at Andrews for a quick flight to Fort Connor in time to make retreat and not be an "absentee father" to our dedicated men. These were more than just special forces soldiers who have dedicated their lives to protect our precious imps... these men are friends and Shawn or I would take a bullet for any one of them.

 

Retreat had barely ended when our coms announced an incoming Emergency call from SecDef. Where did we want to take it? "Put it through to my secure office... I'll be there in 30 seconds". A quick sprint later, I was talking with the Secretary of Defense and I could tell from the tone of his voice this wasn't good news.

 

SecDef was appraising me of the determinations made today. Homeland security had reported on increased enemy chatter and the CIA commented Alpha Zulu was mentioned far too many times. Put your base on high alert and I'll have a Navy Battle Group headed your way for backup as well as the 101^st Airborne on standby and can be in the air within minutes of you requesting assistance. A dedicated satellite will be overhead within the hour and the Air Force will be flying high cover continuously until we figure out what is happening.

 

As I disconnected from SecDef I asked OPS to put me on system wide voice so I could make an announcement to the men of Alpha Zulu and also our imps.

 

Addressing our Alpha Zulu soldiers... After a discussion with SecDef the potential for a hostile incursion of Fort Connor appears to be highly indicated by Homeland Security. We will be going to tactical alert within the hour and the Command Master Sergeant will be setting up a rotation, so this is fair and equitable to everyone. In the event of an incursion, it will be "All hands on deck" and I know every man will do his duty.

 

I am reassuring our imps their bunker is as secure and perhaps even more secure than the White House Bunker. The minute any hostile action occurs... we will have a Naval Battle Group, the 101^st Airborne Army Rangers and Air Force fighter jets assisting us in protecting our imps. Fort Connor was designed to provide the utmost in protection for you special imps.

 

As OPS announced: "Sorry, to interrupt you sir... we have a mass of blips over 10 miles wide and 2 miles deep on a direct intercept course to Fort Connor."

 

"Bring the base to full alert, advise the pentagon we are requesting immediate assistance and arm every means of defense we have on this base. Load our drones to the max and let's start blowing hostiles out of the air as far away from Fort Connor as possible. Get everything we have that flies in the air. As soon as the Pentagon has an AWAC overhead, coordinate defense with the Air Force and Naval Jets responding. Just don't blow any of the troop transports of the 101^st out of the air by accident."

 

Even being locked in the imps bunker I could hear the sound of our combat shotguns battling against enemy drones. Omoikane's tweaking of our defense systems helped us to down far more drones than ever before but it was still a running battle as individuals soldiers battled against lone drones.

 

Our Predator Drones started launching missiles and destroying enemy transport planes but there were far more transports than our drones had missiles. Even with the launching of our land-based missile defense system... their anti-missile technology prevented our missile guidance system from locking on and destroying transports.

 

The first wave of transports sent over 500 hostiles parachuting onto Fort Connor. It quickly turned into a hand-to-hand battle and the men of Alpha Zulu defended their honor, their home and their imps. The second wave of aircrafts sent over 1,000 additional hostiles into Fort Connor. Even the mess staff grabbed side arms and defended THEIR IMPS!

 

By the time the 101^st Rangers arrived, Fort Connor looked like a scene from Omaha Beach on D-Day during WWII. Bodies littered the ground everywhere and the first additional request made was to have as many of the seriously injured transported to the Naval Battle Group which had facilities for the large number of casualties that had occurred.

 

As POTUS wore out the Carpet in the Oval Office going to his Situation Room every 15 minutes wanting an update... he wasn't impressed that so little information was available. POTUS was getting ready to "jump ship" and take the first jet to Fort Connor. The only thing preventing him was his Secret Service and for the first time we all appreciated the security they provided for POTUS... they would protect him even from himself.

 

As the smoke began to settle at Fort Connor (literally)... all we could see is dead, dying and injured bodies of both hostiles and our Alpha Zulu brothers. I needed Shawn at my side and his tactical skills to address any additional incursions into Fort Connor. OPS announced General Walsh was not showing on the map of Fort Connor. I went into immediate panic mode. I knew Doc would be swamped with the injured and really if Shawn was dead there wasn't much anyone can do. The not knowing was even worse than if Doc would tell me my partner was dead.

 

Finally, the 101^st Airborne Rangers had secured Alpha Zulu and its medical team was assisting Doc who for the first time in anyone memory wasn't being territorial. I could only imagine how difficult it was for our Chaplains to pray over the bodies of the men who just hours before would have killed them if given the chance. They are indeed better men that I will ever be.

 

It was 0300 hours when the Phone in the Worthington Penthouse rang and the White House operator informed Gloria of a call from POTUS. "Gloria, would you, Luke and John join me in the White House as soon as possible. Thank you." Asking the Secret Service to bring the Vice-President to the White House immediately under heavy guard... that includes Bhanubhakta.

 

The Worthingtons were in shock at the news of losing half of the compliment of Fort Connor in this incursion. Aaron, General Berrill is fine and we are still waiting on the status of General Walsh. In a week or two we will have the majority of facts but there are things that need to be done immediately.

 

#1 Do we rebuilt Fort Connor or decommission it and build a larger facility that can be defended by newer and greater technology.

 

#2 Do we increase the number of soldiers assigned to Alpha Zulu.

 

And this is totally my feelings...

 

#3 Do we start transitioning Brigadier General Mendez and 1^st Sergeant Landry and prepare them for taking over from our current Six Star Generals.

 

Whoever is behind this incursion has just declared WAR upon the United States of America. However long it takes, whatever the cost... we will destroy them. I will be meeting with select members of Congress this afternoon and making a telecast to the people of the United States during prime time this evening.

 

Let's meet back in the Oval Office on Monday morning and brainstorm on the three items I have given to you. I know you'll have to share this information within people of the "Worthington World", but I ask you to do so discretely as the security and lives of brave soldiers will depend upon our action (or lack thereof).

 

As soon as the sunrise news started breaking the story about an armed incursion of a top secret army base resulting in hundreds of dead and wounded soldiers... the White House Sharks wanted information and the Press Secretary could only comment the President will be addressing the nation in Prime Time tonight.

 

As the heads of the intelligent agencies gathered at the White House POTUS made it clear he wanted answers and he wanted them YESTERDAY. WE ARE AT WAR... We just need to know with whom.

 

The majority of the afternoon POTUS spent with the leaders of Congress. Both parties acknowledged their total support of whatever was best for our country. Party politics can never stand in the way of protecting American soldiers.

 

By the time of the evening news, POTUS had conferenced with the head of all the major media and requested their media group to refrain from contacting any family member which you think their son may have suffered death or an injury in the assault upon America. The Army has in place a procedure to help the next of kin through the death of their loved one. For once let us not put ratings above what is in the best interest of the families of these brave soldiers.

 

POTUS accomplished his goal, and the evening news broadcast and papers only disclosed a major attack on a U.S. Military Base with a large number of wounded and dead American Soldiers. The President will address Congress and the Nation in Prime Time tonight.

 

Precisely at 2000 hours, the major networks cut to a live feed from Congress: As the Sergeant at Arms announced: Madame Speaker, Mr. Vice-President, the Justices and Chief Justice of the United States and honorable members of Congress... The President of the United States.

 

POTUS made his way to the rostrum and it was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

 

"Tonight, is not a night any President of the United States wants to experience. I have to inform our country we have lost over 200 brave soldiers of the United States Army Alpha Zulu Special Operations from a mass attack of hostile insurgents who penetrated our defenses and overwhelmed our military. Yes, we lost over 200 brave soldiers, but the scene also resulted in the death of 1,000+ hostile insurgents. WE ARE AT WAR... We just don't currently know who attacked us. When we determine the responsible party or parties, there is no place on earth that will protect them from the retribution of the United States Military.

 

As more detailed information becomes available, I will be meeting with both "aisles" of Congress to share our recommendations as how to proceed from this horrific event. At the moment, Army teams are still notifying families of the deaths of Alpha Zulu soldiers. Alpha Zulu fulfilled the program for which it was designed... to protect the children of our brain trust from being used as a pawn to pressure their families into divulging military technology secrets and committing treason. Yes, we lost a lot of brave soldiers but not one of the over 500 imps on base were ever in danger.

 

The Citizens of this great nation have my personal assurance Alpha Zulu will rise from the ashes of this attack like the legendary Phoenix of Greek lore. It now is the primary goal of this administration to determine the individual or individuals responsible and to remove them from the face of the earth. No one who preys on innocent children is entitled to be a member of society.

 

Over the next few days to weeks gossip will abound and I ask that you only believe what is released through the White House Press Office. All the details will be totally transparent, and I guarantee you there will be no coverups. We will only release information that we have confirmed and know to be accurate. So, I ask the members of the 5^th estate to be honorable and professional in their reporting. I will make myself available to the White House Press Corps at least once a day or more if necessary.

 

But, tonight... it is my constitutional duty as both President of the United States and Commander in Chief of our military to ask Congress to declare a state of war exists between the United States and the currently unknown perpetrators of this horrific attack.

 

In closing, I would ask the citizens of this great nation... both Republican and Democrat to pray for the families of our brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in protecting the future members of our technological brain trust. And, if you can find it in your hearts to say a prayer for me to do what is right and just, I would be most appreciative.

 

Goodnight my fellow Americans and may God bless the United States of America.

 

As Mama Bear finished listening to POTUS address the nation... she was in immediate contact with Luke, John, and Tokugawa asking them and their partners to move into the Penthouse till we can complete our initial brainstorming and address the issues requested by POTUS. Please assure Omoikane that he needs to stay at the helm of Worthington R&D as we address the assignment given to us by POTUS. Advise your teams you will be unavailable until late afternoon on Monday. As we have to discuss in depth the future for Junior's father, the chance of a leak is just too great to include Omoikane in our planning.

 

When Tokugawa entered the Penthouse, he went immediately to Mama Bear and requested her permission to be transported to Fort Connor as he needed to retrieve electronic data so he could provide a more comprehensive evaluation and recommendations. Mama Bear also wanted to know why our Connor AI failed at protecting our men in uniform. Mama Bear informed Tokugawa she would arrange transportation, but security will be tighter than you could ever imagine.

 

As OPS advised the Command Master Sergeant Worthington five was requesting permission to land... the Command Master Sergeant was hesitant as he couldn't assure the base was secured. Tokugawa knowing the risks walked down the plane ramp, had his ID verified by security and then was taken by six men of Worthington Executive Security armed with military shotguns to deal with the risk of a drone that might still exist... armed UZI's on a shoulder sling, two Glock sidearms, an Ankle holster holding a 9mm Barretta and enough ammo to fight another incursion.

 

Advising the Command Master Sergeant, he needed to be taken to the OPS center... Tokugawa was immediately transported with his security detail. Asking his security detail to remain outside and assure he wouldn't be interrupted... Tokugawa completed the auto backup of any remaining data, removed the drives and with his security detail headed back to the airfield and onto Worthington five and back to Washington.

 

Returning to the Penthouse, Tokugawa informed Mama Bear it was time to read in Omoikane on the Connor AI Program. It should take me less than an hour and then I can help you better understand the details of what happened at Fort Connor.

 

Returning to the Worthington R&D facility, Omoikane was busy working on the backlog of projects his fathers had developed with all the emergencies of late. Asking Omoikane to join him in his office... Tokugawa was now going to "read in" his son on the most classified project in the Worthington Defense Programs.

 

As Omoikane sat speechless listening to his father... he was in shock when his father asked him to go through the data that had been retrieved from Fort Connor and brief his fathers on the findings. In particular, why did the Connor AI program fail to protect the soldiers of Fort Connor?

 

It was surprising a few hours later Omoikane was on his com to his father Tokugawa requesting a video conference with his fathers and Mama Bear. Adjourning to Mama Bears home office, the large view screen started to visualize our little imp of a genius.

 

Omoikane spoke freely and in language Mama Bear could understand... the Connor AI didn't fail... it was never designed for this size of an incursion. Previous incursions that had been eliminated by the Connor AI were less than 100 people. In addition to the 1,000+ bodies of insurgents left on and around Fort Connor... the Connor AI vaporized over 1,200+ bodies. He didn't fail, his processors just overheated from the demands placed upon them and burned out. Your team can advise POTUS of the true size of this incursion as you consider your future options. Now, if you adults can remember being newlyweds... I need a few hours of stress management from Junior before I return and burn the midnight oil so I can provide you with additional data.

 

Mama Bear returned to her "focus group" and shared the information provided by Omoikane. She recommended that her group meet with Rod and Ricardo to immediately begin transitioning into their new roles with Alpha Zulu.

 

As Omoikane started providing detail data supported by the Fort Connor computer logs... it became apparent Fort Connor was never designed for such a large incursion. It was obvious Fort Connor needed a larger contingency of Special Ops soldiers assigned... and that led to the final problem: AVAILABLE PHYSICAL SPACE.

 

Tokugawa was knowledgeable of the considerations of enlarging the footprint of Fort Connor during the last major upgrade. It wasn't a matter of doing it... it was eliminated due to the cost of doing it. At the time we estimated the cost at over $500,000,000.00 USD. To build a new Fort Connor we can estimate the cost at over $7,000,000,000 USD and expect cost overruns. It then becomes a decision of POTUS and Congress how much money they want to spend.

 

It quickly became a mute issue as the knock on the Penthouse door was POTUS requesting admittance. From the look on his face, Gloria knew this wasn't good news. As POTUS sat next to Aaron, his Vice-President, his Ambassador at Large, his friend... it was tearing him apart that he had to tell Aaron that both of his fathers had been killed in action.

 

The room was silent in shock. POTUS advised the details aren't currently available but I wanted you to know before I gave the information to the Sharks. That means we have to implement the Generals recommendation and get Rod and Ricardo onboard with their new responsibilities.

 

Rod wasn't happy when the Command Master Sergeant informed him he was wanted at the White House and transportation would be arriving within the hour. Enough time for you to put on your dress uniform. As Ricardo was already in Washington, OPS advised him to secure his detail and then report to the White House.

 

As Rod entered the White House, the Secret Service verified his identity and then escorted him to the Oval Office waiting area. Seeing Ricardo waiting pensively he could only wonder what was happening. As Aaron exited the Oval Office, he asked Rod and Ricardo to join him back in the office with POTUS.

 

As POTUS offered both Rod and Ricardo whatever drink they wanted and suggested that Strong Black Coffee might not be strong enough for what we have to share with you. As all present enjoyed their Scotch neat... we relaxed as friend prepared to be as open and candid as we could for POTUS and Aaron.

 

As Aaron tried to control his emotions POTUS had the sad duty to inform Rod and Ricardo of the deaths of Generals Berill and Walsh. A few weeks ago, the Generals sat where you are sitting and advised me of their desire to go to inactive status when their youngest son graduates from college.

 

They also informed Gloria, Aaron and me that if immediate replacements were needed you two men were the best available to replace them. I never had a reason to question the judgement of our Generals and have no intention of doing so now.

 

When we finish this meeting, Aaron and I have to face the White House Sharks and share the deaths of our Six Star Generals. I want to announce to the media and to the world your promotion and replacement of Generals Walsh and Berrill.

 

Rod looked at Ricardo and knew there was only one answer. Turning to Aaron they asked his feelings about taking the positions his fathers held. Aaron was in tears as he informed Rod and Ricardo his fathers would be happy knowing Alpha Zulu would rise from the ashes of defeat and have leadership to meet future challenges.

 

Before you two accept you need to know a few of the recent decision made by the Worthington Focus Group... We will enlarge and rebuilt Fort Connor to Battalion strength. This will be a major project and expedited on a "no bid" basis. You'll have 1,000 soldiers as soon as we can construct additional housing and our HR Dream Team works their magic. I imagine they will retire after they pull this rabbit out of their hat.

 

Rod, you'll need to work closely with the Worthington Brain Trust in developing the footprint of the new Fort Connor. Ricardo, you are going to think you are a firefighter with all the small fires you'll have to extinguish and egos to stroke.

 

SecDef has every available Sea Bee available packing up and heading to Fort Connor. They'll be waiting for a final design from Tokugawa and his team to being construction. Now Aaron and I have to face the Sharks. I suggest you make a fast exit and join Mama Bear in the Penthouse so you can be prepared to face the Senate Armed Services Committee for your confirmation.

 

Giving Aaron a three-way hug and then saluting our Commander in Chief we made a quick exit only to find Gloria waiting with her Armored Limousine.

 

As POTUS and Aaron were announced to the White House Press Corps... The room was in shock as POTUS announced the deaths of Generals Walsh and Berrill. Preliminary reports indicated they died protecting their men. Knowing the two men I would expect no less from them. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available and can be verified.

 

Prior to leaving the Oval Office to meet with you honorable members of the 5^th Estate... I followed up on a recommendation of Generals Walsh and Berrill made a few weeks ago if there ever was an immediate need of replacements for them.

 

I will be shortly recommending to Congress Brigadier General Ricardo Mendez and 1^st Sergeant Rod Landry be promoted to Six Star Generals of the Armies of the United States and Ambassadors at Large for the President.

 

Additional information will be made available as it can be confirmed. Thank you. (POTUS and Aaron made a quick exist "stage left" and left their poor Press Secretary to the feeding frenzy of the White House Sharks.)

 

It was no shock when Ricardo's wrist com went off with OPS announcing a call from Junior. Dad, Six Stars... NO SHIT! It is all over ever TV channel. I am so proud of you and I know grandma and grandpa will be also. I informed my son I only hoped Congress was as impressed as he was.

 

Rod and I had barely settled into the Penthouse when SecDef announced we would be facing the Senate Oversite Committee 0930 hours tomorrow. We don't have time to prep you so just be yourselves, honest and upfront with them. And remember over 100,000,000 Americans and countless numbers of people around the world will be listening to every word you say. (Was he really trying to scare us into refusing POTUS?)

 

To the surprise of Rod and Ricardo, our Friendly Tailor had their fittings on file and worked through the night to present them with their new Alpha Zulu Officers Uniforms for them as they faced Congress that morning. Both men were in shock when Aaron approached them prior to their facing Congress.

 

Aaron asked if they would do him the honor of wearing his Dad's six stars on their shoulder. The two men were in tears at the honor being given them by this young man who had just lost both of his fathers.

 

Aaron escorted them into the Congressional Hearing Room and sat behind them showing his support. As confirmation hearings go, this one was uneventful. No one wanting money for special projects within their district or favors to be collected in the future. By the end of the first day the Chairman gaveled the questions and on a unanimous vote our two new Generals were submitted to the full Senate and then confirmed as Generals of the Armies of the United States and Ambassadors at Large for POTUS.

 

The White House was in high gear and the Chief of Staff for POTUS announced for the Generals to be at the White House for a 2000 hour commissioning ceremony. It was no surprise that Junior and Aaron held the bible as the Chief Justice of the United States administered each commission oath.

 

I Ricardo Mendez, General of the Armies of the United States do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.

 

I Rod Landry, General of the Armies of the United States do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.

 

As Rod and Ricardo shook the hand of the Chief Justice, POTUS took the opportunity to place his Presidential Breast Badge on the uniforms of each of our new Generals.

 

As the Worthington Brain Trust met initially with our new Generals and Aaron, they needed to know what budget they were working with. Our little nerds almost fainted when Aaron told them $7,000,000,000.00 to $10,000,000,000.00 USD.

 

Great, then we'll start the Sea Bees on a 10,000-foot runway. It will take three teams months working around the clock to complete that phase of development. We will also install hardened hangers and a new elevated Air Traffic Control center.

 

Once we get the evaluation of the existing structures, we can finish our design concept for improvements and enlargement of Fort Connor. Omoikane was all smiles when the recommendation of turning the "Mini Mansion" into the residence of our six-star Generals was approved... after all it was his suggestion. When Mama Bear approved it became a DONE DEAL!

 

The design favored both by the Army, the Generals, the Worthingtons, and POTUS was adapting the multi-sided design of Fort Jefferson. That would allow a missile battery and Mini-Gun on each of the points providing overlapping coverage which would make it difficult for an incursion to ever make it into Fort Connor proper. Two heavily defended entrances would exist to the inner realm of Fort Connor. One at the Airfield and One at the boat landing for supply barges.

 

Additional square footage needed would be reclaimed from the sea and would hold the additional housing for the Alpha Zulu soldiers. A proper enclosed exercise area and shooting range were also added. The aides for the new Generals would inherit their current billet and the office area was redesigned so the aides were directly available to each Generals. The Command Master Sergeant now had a designated office within the headquarters building far too close to the generals quipped the Command Master Sergeant when he saw the plans.

 

It took over 1,000 barges of fill to reclaim enough footage to construct the new Fort Connor. Within the year (and a no bid budget) Fort Connor rose from the ashes of disaster to a new state of the art facility defended by top special ops soldiers volunteering (requesting) to be assigned. In actuality, when the news became readily available there were opening to be posted to Fort Connor our HR Dream team overnight had a data base of over 50,000 soldiers. It made picking the right person for the right job so much easier. Our HR Dream Team loved their job and had no intention of retiring.

 

The day arrived to dedicate the new Fort Connor. OPS announced to us Generals Air Force one was requesting permission to do a fly over. GRANTED! Expecting a small Executive Jet, the entire base was in shock as the new Air Force Boeing 747-8 Presidential Air Force One flew over at tree top level. Requesting permission to land I now realized the necessity for enlarging our air strip.

 

As POTUS, SecDef, the Joint Chiefs and powerful members of Congress deplaned, had their security clearance verified and entered Fort Connor. Aaron, BG, Gloria, Luke and John had arrived on Worthington Actual earlier that day and definitely enjoyed the meal served in our new state of the art Mess.

 

POTUS quietly cornered me and ask to be discretely taken to Medical. A simple request that was easily provided. As Doc met us as we entered Medical, he snapped to attention out of Respect of his friend and former commanding General of Alpha Zulu.

 

POTUS spoke freely and loud enough for the complete medical staff to hear every word:

 

"Doc you can be a real pain in my ass at times and unfortunately the majority of times you are correct. No one could have done what you did in this emergency. On behalf of the Congress of the United States and the families of the men you serve..."

 

The pause was deafening as POTUS handed Doc a small box. Even Doc smiled when he saw the five stars of a General of the Army. His staff praised their leader and thanked POTUS for acknowledging all Doc had done. No man deserved greater recognition.

 

POTUS was just getting started and was smiling as he commented time to get this belated Change of Command over. As the men gathered in their new and improved Mess which also contained an elevated stage and speaker area. OPS was able to video tape any presentation and broadcast it live to multiple huge projection screens in the Mess area and to the smart phones of the men required to be on duty.

 

I introduced POTUS and then turned the stage over to him. POTUS was enjoying the suspense far too much. He informed the men of Alpha Zulu there was recognition long overdue. Asking our Command Master Sergeant to join him on stage... POTUS commented this recognition has been long overdue. It is my pleasure to introduce to the men of Alpha Zulu the newest Command Sergeant Major (E-9) in the United States Army. The men erupted in praise and I had no intention of issuing the command AS YOU WERE!

 

As our new Command Sergeant Major left the stage POTUS returned to the microphone for some additional recognition.

 

"Additionally, every member of Alpha Zulu (both living and dead) may now wear the "V" device on both their Alpha Zulu service ribbon and on the Bronze Star each of you will receive for defending our precious imps and the future of the United States Military." Many of the soldiers of Alpha Zulu are in process to be presented with a Silver Star for Gallantry and Valor in performance of defending our imps against hostile forces.

 

The men rose in respect for the honor given to them by the President and our new Command Sergeant Major was in no hurry to issue the command AS YOU WERE either.

 

And for one last surprise, excluding our new Command Sergeant Major and our Six Star Generals... every member of Alpha Zulu who participated in the defense of our imps will advance one grade in rank. The men of Alpha Zulu sat in shock at the gift given to them by POTUS. POTUS closed his remarks with the candid comment of this being all the money Congress would allow him to spend today. Every man in the room rose to his feet and gave a spontaneous salute thanking POTUS for his acknowledgement of the value of Alpha Zulu and Fort Connor.

 

Escorting our guests back to Air Force One I thanked POTUS on behalf of the men of Alpha Zulu. I assured our Commander in Chief that his being here today and doing this in person means even more than the awards you presented.

 

As the day finally drew to a close, Rod and I sat in our luxurious billet and only wondered what challenges would come with these new jobs. Rod only smiled, took my hand and as we walked to our new bedroom, he commented... "You have a mighty big challenge to face tonight"!