ALPHA ZULU 69 MEMOIRES

 

Chapter 051 – A New Beginning

 

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This story is an original work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. This is a free electronic story. No part of this electronic story may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the author. If you are not of legal age in your location to view and read adult material, please close out of this story and delete any material you have downloaded or copied to your computer

 

PRIMARY CHARACTERS:

 

 

*Adam Mann: Four Star General, U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69

Aiden McIntyre-Worthington: Son of Liam McIntyre and Adopted son of Luke Worthington

Alex Meat-Goodman: Adopted Son of Doug Meat and Steven Goodman

Alexander Malinois: Master Sergeant, U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69 War Dog

Andrew & Jeremy Allen: Adopted sons of Mason Allen and Jason Vance

*Anthony Caruso: Four Star General, U.S. Army (Base Commander of Fort Connor)

Ariel "Ari" Rebel: Captain, Israel Defense Force (Mossad Kidon)

Beauty Malinois: Master Sergeant, U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69 War Dog

Billy Bob Vance: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69 War Dog Handler

Bob Jones: One Star Brigadier General, U.S. Army (Base Commander Fort Connor)

Connor Best-Mann: Adopted son of Randy Best and Adam Mann

Danny Henry: One Star Brigadier General, U.S. Army (Base Commander Fort Connor)

Dillion Dwight: Colonel, U.S. Army – Medical Director of Fort Connor

*Doug Meat: Six Star General of the Armies U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69

Frazer Sullivan: One Star Brigadier General, U.S. Army (Human Resources for Fort Connor Alpha Zulu 69)

*Gloria Worthington: aka "Mama Bear" Board Chair of Worthington Industries (a major multi-national defense contractor)

Hank Henry-Jones: Adopted Son of Bob Jones & Danny Henry

Hayao Kinugasa, Captain: U.S. Army (Aide to General Meat and General Goodman)

Jacob, David & Uri Leib: Wards of Luke & John Worthington (Israeli Nationals)

Jamie Bob Vance: Love of Aiden McIntyre

Jamison Miller: One Star Brigadier General, U.S. Army (Human Resources for Worthington Executive Security)

Jason Allman: Four Star General, U.S. Army – Base Commander of Fort Connor

Jason Bob Vance: (Brother of Billy Bob Vance and partner of Mason Allen)

John Worthington: COO R&D of Worthington Industries

Juaquin "Jay" de Vázquez: Son of Manual de Vázquez

*Liam McIntyre: CFO Worthington Industries & Partner of Luke Worthington

Logan Worthington: Biological Son of Luke Worthington

Luke Worthington: CEO of Worthington Industries

*Magnus Savage: Colonel, U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69 Medical Trauma Surgon

Manuel de Vázquez: Physicist/Engineer - Worthington Industries

*Mason Allen: Six Star General of the Armies, U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69

Matt Longdick: Four Star General, U.S. Army – Base Commander of Fort Connor

Maximillian (Max) Malinois: Master Sergeant, U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69 War Dog

Noah Meat-Goodman: Adopted Son of Doug Meat and Steven Goodman

*Randy Adam "RA" Worthington: Adopted son of Connor Best-Mann & John Worthington

*Randy Best: Four Star General, U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69

*Robert Allen Gregory, Four Star General, U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69

*Robert Manning, Captain: U.S. Army (Aide to General Meat and General Goodman)

*Robert Masters: Major General, U.S. Army Alpha Zulu Security

Rod LittleFeather: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69 War Dog Handler

Steven Douglas Worthington: (aka S.D.) (Adopted sons of Robert Allen Gregory and R.A. Worthington)

*Steven Goodman: Six Star General of the Armies, U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69

Taylor and Tyler Worthington: (aka T&T) (Adopted sons of Logan Worthington and Alex Meat-Goodman)

Yuuto Meat-Goodman Kinugasa: Adopted Son of Noah Meat-Goodman and Hayao Kinugasa

 

"Angus" (Name Classified): (Son of a domestic terrorist in protective custody at Fort Connor)

 

*=Gone but not forgotten

 

 

It was a long multi-day pageantry of a warrior's funeral. General of the Armies Mason Allen was truly given a heroes funeral by a grateful national and every country of the world who knew how close we came to World War III and the end of civilization as we know it. Mason had truly given his life to help the world and his fellow man. Mason was truly the First Citizen of the World. Now it was up to us the living to carry on his legacy and continue the dedicated work of his life.

 

Matt and I had never felt more insecure than we do at this moment. Mason's shoes were impossible to fill and yet we knew within the next year POTUS would ask Congress to promote us to the rank of a six star General of the Armies. We weren't worried about the big bullseye on our backs we were terrified of not living up to the standards of Mason Allen.

 

As we walked into the Penthouse at the Washington Marriott Luke, John and most of the Worthington family was gathered to support us and assure us we wouldn't have to walk this path alone. I quietly asked Luke to start work with his political contacts on Capitol Hill and the Pentagon to have Jamison Miller, Frazier Sullivan, Robert Jones and Danny Henry promoted to Brigadier (1 star) General in the next six months. I had every intention of reorganizing the administration of Fort Connor and those four men would be instrumental in make our continuation successful. Luke understood completely and didn't foresee any problem in making it happen. Now I just had to convince Bob and Danny to rescind their retirement and remain on active duty.

 

In this somber post funeral atmosphere S.D. comes busting through the penthouse doors asking the four of us (Luke, John, Matt and me) to meet with him urgently. Rarely had I ever seen S.D. this upset and motivated. As Luke poured him a double scotch (neat) he started to calm down so he could explain to us a horror story we weren't prepared to hear. An Army Captain unselfishly threw himself upon a grenade in the Middle-East saving the lives of his men. The same day his wife was notified of his death, her physicians informed her she had breast cancer that had spread throughout her body and had less than three months to live. The father of this young man is being nominated for the Medal of Honor and there is no way in hell I'm going to put him in an institution. With no living relatives she was in terror thinking her young son would end up a ward of the state. When one of her friends told her about Alpha Zulu and the Worthington 24/7 help line for our soldiers she was immediately put in contact with me. I missed the funeral today because I knew Mason would want me to help this "lost puppy" and do everything within my power to give him a home and a future.

 

Jason and Matt... you have 8-12 months before POTUS will have six stars on your shoulders and probably a six month honeymoon before he has you traveling the globe for him. This young man needs a family and more importantly he needs a father in his life and stability. You two are at a point in your lives if you don't start your family now you are going to miss so much from life. The Alpha Zulu program has been front page news for the last two weeks and the mother is impressed at what it has accomplished. With the media speculation of you two replacing Mason your curriculum vitae is public knowledge. When I broached the possibility of you two adopting her son you could see the relief in her eyes as the tears streamed down her face. I am asking you two to fly out with me first thing tomorrow morning, meet her and her son and if you can refuse her then you aren't the same two men I grew up loving and respecting. (Damn, is S.D. hitting below the belt!)

 

I turned to Luke and asked for a refill on our Scotch (and make it a double) and give Matt and me some time to let what S.D. has just shared with us register. Matt and I adjourned to Luke's study and I could see his heart in tears for this young man. We both had been raised in orphanages as deserted children and there was no way we would like this happen to a young man when his father had made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. I turned to Matt and asked: "Do you have any doubt what Mason would have done"? "NONE"! He'd be on that plane in the morning and pledge his soul to the mother to be the best possible father for her son that was earthly possible.

 

As Matt and I wiped the tears from our eyes we returned to S.D., asked Luke for a refill on our Scotch and S.D. to make certain we got a start before sunrise in the morning. We had much to accomplish and little time to make it happen. S.D.'s next act was to get his adoption attorneys out of bed and told them he wanted the paperwork giving Matt and I legal custody of the child delivered to the Penthouse yet tonight. (I quickly saw Luke and Logan aren't the only Worthingtons who can go into CEO mode!) As we notified OPS we wouldn't be returning to Fort Connor for a few days I asked our command team to assemble at 1900 hours for a video conference. There wasn't a dry eye among them and we knew they also would do everything within their power to help this young man.

 

It was a long and quiet plane ride from Washington to Chicago. S.D. had a limo pick us up and we tried to be unobtrusive as we walked into the hospital and met with the dying mother. She burst into tears as we entered her room. She had prayed all night that S.D. could make this miracle happen. She could die in peace knowing her son would have a family after she was gone. We sat and chatted with her for hours assuring her our intentions were honorable and our only interest was to give her son the best future possible. We had a great teacher in our lives and Mason Allen left us a legacy which we have made a sacred oath to uphold. We would be proud to have your son as a member of our family.

 

Sight unseen we signed "on the dotted lines" with the mother and as soon as the hospital administration had it notarized we were instantly parents of a young man who is now is our son. Before we left the hospital to meet our son we were notified of the mothers passing. She died at peace knowing her son would have loving parents and a secure future. Now we had to meet a young man, tell him his mother had just died and that he was now our son. Definitely, not something the Army had ever prepared us for.

 

We now had the worse task that can befall an officer, making a death notification. Our new Son (Dale Gordon) was staying with friend so he could be close to his mother. The last time two military officers walked up to their front door were to tell him and his mother their father was dead. Now two military officers were to tell him his mother was now dead. Not a good scorecard for the military. Dale opened the door and immediately burst into tears. He grasp onto my waist with his hands as he cried uncontrollably. "I have no one, my parents are dead and I have no one!!!" Matt and I held him in our arms and calmly told him he had us for the rest of his life. We would never desert him.

 

We asked the family he was staying with to gather his personal belongings and I turned to S.D. and simply asked to have all of his family's personal effects transported to Fort Connor and the balance of their belongings put into storage for the moment till we can decide what to do. S.D. had made reservations at the Chicago Marriott for us and his father's body to arrive in time to have a joint funeral with his mother. (Not something any child should have to experience in their young life.)

 

Finally Dale had cried himself out and I could finally introduce myself and Matt. He suddenly looked surprised and told us we had been on TV a lot these past few days. Everyone was saying we were going to be the replacement for General Mason Allen. We assured him that had not yet been decided. Let's get you settled in, some food in your stomach and then we will talk.

 

S.D. was in full CEO mode and had the complete cooperation of the Pentagon. The military coordinated the funeral for his mother and father and all we had to do is prepare him for what would be the most traumatic day in his life. The manager of the Marriott met us at the Executive Entrance as we exited our Limousine and extended his condolence we had to meet under such circumstances. As he escorted us to the Penthouse Dale was in awe of the surroundings. When the manager asked if there was anything else he could do for us I politely asked: "We need a suit for our new son so he can be properly dressed for his parents funeral". We were simply told to consider it done and he would arrange to have a local tailor meet with us first thing in the morning. We thanked him profusely for his assistance.

 

I brought up OPS on my wrist com and requested a small security detail be transported to Chicago to assist us. Once the media realized we were in town it was going to be a feeding frenzy and I wanted to protect Dale as much as possible. Dale was now officially protected by the Alpha Zulu program.

 

As we finally settled down in our lounge I asked Dale what he had eaten today. He was exhausted from all his crying but managed to tell us nothing since lunch. "What would you like for dinner?" (Duh... dumb question but then we are new parents.) "Hamburger, French fries and a soft drink." Matt and I decided to eat a light dinner of a seafood salad and a pot of black coffee. Room service was fast and efficient. The knock at the door came quickly and to my surprise when I opened it I was looking at S.D. "I forgot to reserve a room for myself. I sure hope this Penthouse has three bedrooms or I'm sleeping on the floor." "Welcome to our humble abode, mi casa es su casa!" We ordered an extra salad for S.D. and then suggested to Dale he take a long hot shower and get some sleep. The next few days were going to be long and taxing.

 

Before Matt and I crashed for the night I had one last major task to perform. I brought up Danny Henry and Bob Jones on our video com and pleaded my heart to them to stay on as our deputies. I've already asked Luke to get the Pentagon to approve you for a Star on your shoulder. That is how much we want you and need you. I'm not begging but I would consider it a personal favor. They looked at each other and simply said they hadn't started packing yet and it sounds like we will inherit some pretty fancy digs. Another tragedy adverted!

 

Matt and I kissed Dale goodnight which embarrassed him greatly and headed off to bed. We sent our shirts off with the concierge to have them cleaned and pressed so we could look respectable. (S.D. got us so motivated we didn't even grab our "go bag".) I can see the need for us each having an Aide-de-camp in our future. Before Matt and I finally crashed for the night I fired off an Email to our HR dream team asking for a list of suitable candidates for two "Aide-de-camp" positions, an Adjutant, a Chief of Staff and an additional trauma physician... we needed them onboard YESTERDAY!

 

Finally, after sharing a long hot shower with the man I still love with every fiber of my being... we snuggled under the luxury sheets of the Marriott and the terror of our day finally hit us. WE WERE PARENTS! Nothing which the Army or Fort Connor had ever prepared us for. Before the fear and terror of that realization took full effect a scream of terror and cries of anguish erupted in our suite. The realization of losing both of his parents had finally become a reality to Dale. We rushed to his bed and held him in our arms. We cried with him and all too well knew the feeling of being all alone.

 

S.D. finally stuck his head in the bedroom and commented: "Guys, are you trying to terrify the poor kid more than he already is, put on some clothes"! In our rush to help Dale we never gave a thought to the fact we were naked in bed. S.D. threw us two of the Marriott plush robes and we covered our bodies so we didn't traumatize Dale more than he already had been today.

 

We spent most of the night holding him in our arms as we cuddled him in his bed. It would take time for Dale to bond with us but we were committed to him and would never waiver from that commitment.

 

Our Alpha Zulu security team arrived the next morning and with the insight of a competent Chief of Staff our "Go Bags"... At least we had clean clothes for a couple of days. As soon as we had ordered breakfast from room service the Marriott manager called our suite and advised us our tailor would arrive at 0900 hours to assist us. True to his word at 0900 hours a knock at the door announced the arrival of our tailor and in a short period of time he had all the measurements he needed and would return late this afternoon for a final fitting as he understood the need for this to be done in an expedited manner.

 

We let our son return to bed and sleep off the exhaustion which still plagued him from the events of yesterday. The full realization of what had happened and his future wouldn't be felt until he accepted the events of his parent's funeral. We could only be strong and help him through this most traumatic moment in his young life.

 

As we were picking up Dales clothes we noticed the size of his underwear and called down to the concierge and had them pick up a dozen youth size medium briefs and black socks. We knew the inevitable of shopping for our new son but we had so many irons in the fire at the moment. We had to prioritize. (Something we would be doing for the next 20+ years!)

 

We relaxed around the Penthouse most of the day and video conferenced with Fort Connor and appraised them of our schedule and tentative return to the base. We informed OPS to advise 1st Sergeant Rod that we would be needing 1st Sergeant Alexander on "puppy duty" for a few weeks. Both for Dale and for us. Matt and I were sure praying for a fast learning curve!

 

Finally our stressed out, sleep deprived son emerged from his bedroom and we suggested a long hot shower and to clean up before we ordered brunch. Brunch was everything you could desire, fruit, cereal, scrambled eggs, ham, bacon, yogurt, orange juice and the necessity of life strong black coffee. At least the aroma had S.D. emerging from his bedroom to face another day.

 

We spent most of the afternoon getting to know our young son and for him to know his new fathers. It would take some time for him to trust us and as we all know trust is hard to earn and easy to lose. Hopefully, with 200+ big brothers helping him he would quickly learn he had a family for life. The tailor arrived ahead of schedule with two suits, shirts, shoes, ties for his final fitting. It was quickly done and would be delivered yet late tonight. If we had any problems or concerns let him know first thing in the morning and the tailor would expedite our needs.

 

Dale panicked when we opened the door and our armed security team walked in. Matt and I calmly tried to explain the Pentagon required them to protect us and as our son protect you also. You'll understand more as you learn more about Fort Connor. Dale's clothing arrived early in the evening so S.D., Matt and I decided to take him to dinner in the restaurant. When our security team exited the elevator the lobby was packed with reporters wanting to know why we were in Chicago and why Dale's mother asked Alpha Zulu to take care of her son. I LOST IT!

 

"This young man in the last week lost both his father and his mother and all you are concerned about is a story and ratings. Have some respect! You dishonor your profession and you disgust me."

 

Before the night was over OPS advised me I had a call from the Secretary of Defense... My comments had been carried on all the major news channels and every major breaking news in the country. Oh, well, I guess I'll be retiring as a PFC. SecDef wanted me to know POTUS approved of my comment to the press and would have probably used even more emphatic terms if it had been him. Mason had prepared you well! Many thanks and keep up the good work. (I guess that bullet didn't have my name on it.)

 

Tomorrow would be the most challenging day in the life of our son. The funeral of his mother and father. We would stand with him and assure him he would never be alone. His father was a hero and we are so thankful his mother asked us to raise such a wonderful child. If the funeral wasn't traumatic enough it was a media zoo. (The price that Matt and I now pay being the head of the Alpha Zulu program.) We sheltered Dale and asked Security to keep the press at bay. Finally allowed to say good-by to his parents Matt and I assisted Dale back into our limo and security whisked us away for our final night at the Marriott. Tomorrow Dale would face Fort Connor and we hoped it wouldn't be a major trauma in his young life.

 

The next morning as our security broke through the reporters so we could make it to our limousine, the Chicago Police gave us an escort to the airport so we could board Alpha Zulu One and return to our normal life and our future as a family. Dale was impressed with our "private jet" and if he only knew what awaited us the next year he might not have been so willing to become a member of our family. We introduced him to our pilots and they welcomed him aboard and assured him of a safe flight. I was beginning to see a glimpse of our future as two Air Force fighter jets escorted us from Chicago to Fort Connor.

 

Finally, as our flight neared Fort Connor I could see the stress of the past few days lessen in this beautiful young man. Matt and I warned him about our arrival at Fort Connor. Fort Connor is a secure military base and we will be met by an armed security detail. They are here to protect you so don't be terrified of them. Also, all three of us will need to be seen by the medical staff which is routine any time we return to base. As our dependent, our doctors will need to evaluate you and make sure all your medical records are up-to-date. A perk of us being in the Army. And, you will have 200+ brothers who will love you and one big war dog who is a glutton for doggie treats, a real puppy at heart (finally, something made him smile).

 

Our credentials were verified and we were whisked off to medical. Colonel Dwight was totally out of character as he greeted our new young arrival. He commented it isn't often anyone can upstage our Generals but you sure were fantastic with the media. He drew the standard off base blood tests on Matt and me and more vials of blood than I dreamed possible from Dale. I asked Colonel Dwight if we could defer Dale's physical till after breakfast in the morning as we wanted to get him settled in and show him Fort Connor. Colonel Dwight understood and said we could complete his intake after our morning staff meeting.

 

The sergeants had been busy moving our belongings into General Mason's quarters and General Jones and Henry into our old quarters. Dale was in awe of our quarters and I told him he had three bedrooms to choose from, to take his pick. The first bedroom had his black BDUs and beret on it and we told him it was a gift from his 200 brothers. He was starting to believe his had a new family in his life.

 

As it was time for lunch we asked if he needed help getting into his BDUs and before we could get the words out of our mouths our newest imp was changed and his beret positioned sharply on his head. He definitely was an "Army brat" and we started to feel this adjustment would be easier than anticipated.

 

As the three of us were the last to enter the dining hall all the men present stood and applauded the newest member of our Alpha Zulu family. As the First Sergeant took Dale around and introduced him to each of the four squads as they each invited Dale to join them for their meal. He thanked them for their offer but he wanted to get to know his new family. (Did I hear him say family? Miracles do happen!) We finally made it through the dinner line and he commented on how great the food was. I chided him to remember that when he was working off those calories doing PT. I smiled at him and told him even Alexander does PT.)

 

As our resident doctors and chaplain joined us for lunch I introduced Dale and they warmly greeted him. We spent the balance of the afternoon touring the base and explaining what areas were off limits and why they were a hazard to him. We emphasized the two cardinal rules of Fort Connor: 1) R-E-S-P-E-C-T for all and 2) Never touch a gun or anything that goes boom. Break one of these rules and you'll be sleeping on your stomach for a week. (He didn't require a more detailed explanation, he understood!)

 

Dale was impressed with our recreational facilities and somewhat embarrassed with the men skinny dipping at the pool. We told Dale it was his choice, no one would think any less of him if he chose to wear a swim suit or swim ala natural. We respect the individuality of each of us.

 

Coming from a military family Dale understood the meaning of respect and the chain of command. We figured we had 8-12 months before the "circus comes to town" and Dale ends up getting asked how it feels to be the son of the highest ranking officers in the United States Military. We emphasized to Dale we knew how spouses and kids have a tendency to pull rank due to the military rank of their parent. This doesn't happen at Fort Connor. We are all equal. We each have our individual responsibilities but the opinion of a private carries as much weight as a colonel. Another part of the RESPECT we show each other. We all are a team to protect the children who live at Fort Connor.

 

As we returned from our evening meal Dale asked us a simple question: "Why does the marble slab in front of our quarters have a six star emblem on it"? We answered him truthfully this is where our good friend General Mason Allen lived and POTUS has already informed us after a discrete period of mourning for our good friend he will nominated both Matt and I for six stars also. I hope you will be proud of us and hold the bible for us when we take our oath. (Surprise, the kid can actually SMILE!) Time for a hot shower and a good night of sleep. Tomorrow he has to face Doc and a new challenge in his life.

 

As Dale walked with Matt and me to our office we asked him to be comfortable as we had a short staff meeting and then we'd be off to medical for his physical intake with Doc. Our meeting was quick and I brought the staff up-to-date on the proposed administrative changes being implemented. Right now for the moment we make this base run smoothly regardless of who has to do what. As the meeting concluded Doc asked to give him 15 minutes then bring Dale up to medical for his intake.

 

Dale like most of us wasn't overly in love with Doctors. Although, I have to admit I was seeing a new side of Doc Dwight that made him almost seem human. He was a totally different person when it came to working with children. He asked Dale if he wanted his fathers to stay or leave, the choice was his. He politely asked if we could stay. His physical exam was uneventful and Doc commented he was in excellent physical condition for a young man his age. He did have a couple of shots to update and he would try to make them as painless as possible. The bad news arrived when he was told the last shot would be in his butt. Unashamed, he dropped his BDUs, bent over the table and took the shot better than most of our men. Dale was now chipped and we could breathe easier.

 

We were fortunate it was summer break and other than being tested so curriculum could be adapted for him he had time to get to know Fort Connor and his 200+ big brothers. Dale adjusted fast the first week and finally we had to address the "elephant in the room". Matt and I told him we knew he loved and missed his mother and father. That is something we really have no expertise to help you as both of us were orphans and never knew either of our parents. Would you allow us to have the chaplain talk with you and help you. It would mean much to us and nothing is expect of you other than to be yourself. Dale was quickly starting to believe we really did love him and care about him. He would soon need the love and support of every man of Fort Connor as he would be required to remember the traumatic loss of his parents.

 

0500 hours and OPS advises I have a video conference request from SecDef. Would I like it in my quarters or office. I quickly slipped into my BDUs and headed off to my office. He apologized for the early hour but he wanted to chat with me before my busy day started. Dale's father had been nominated for the Medal of Honor and it was being fast tracked by his commanding general. POTUS hoped that Dale would want to accept it upon behalf of his father at the White House ceremony. I don't need an answer until the award has been approved but I figured I'd give your team ample time to prepare him to make such an important choice. I thanked SecDef and please let me know as soon as you know something definitive.

 

I brought up the 1st Sergeant on my com and asked him to invite Dale to meet the men after our morning staff meeting. I needed to meet with the chaplain and it needed to be private. He understood and graciously agreed to help me in any way possible. The chaplain understood the potential for Dale reliving the trauma of the loss of his parents and he'd start working toward Dale understanding what a great honor it was and how his father would want him to accept it on his behalf. Of course, nothing specific until SecDef advises it has been approved. This will be a media circus and the White House press and national media will be like vultures. That is what we'll need to prepare him to understand.

 

1st. Sergeant Alexander was becoming a regular part of our family and 1st. Sergeant Rod had become a master at convincing children that Alexander needed to practice working with children so he could protect them. Dale loved working and exercising with Alexander even as much as he enjoyed the daily PT with the men of Alpha Zulu. They men of Alpha Zulu and Dale were slowly bonding as a family and a family that would provide Dale with the strength when the time came to accept the nation's highest honor on behalf of his father. We knew we had reached that goal when Dale decided by himself to forgo his swim trunks and skinny dip carefree with his brothers of Alpha Zulu. We knew we had reached a major goal of trust with this young man we all loved and cherished.

 

The moment of decision arrived all too soon when SecDef video conferenced and confirmed that Dale's father had been awarded the Medal of Honor. POTUS would make the presentation at the White House at the end of the month and we needed an answer in the next few days if Dale would accept it upon behalf of his father. Procrastination was not an option, we now had to tell Dale what we hoped we had prepared him to hear.

 

I asked the Chaplain and Matt to join me in our quarters and broke the news to them. We all decided there was no easy way to tell Dale and we only hoped we had prepared him to make such an important decision in his life. I had OPS ask Dale to join me in our quarters and he knew something was up when he saw his fathers and the Chaplain sitting there waiting for him. His first comment was one of terror: "You are getting rid of me"? "NEVER"!!! Have a seat and but we do need to chat. I need to ask you a question. Do you know what the Medal of Honor is? YES It has been awarded to your father and the floodgates opened. Matt and I held our son and let him have a good cry. The trauma of losing his parents flooded his mind and hopefully our strong arms wrapped around him assured him we would always be there for him. As he started to control himself, we told him he now had to make one of the most important decisions of his life. The President of the United States is inviting you to the White House to accept the award on behalf of your father. It is your choice but we have to let him know in the next few days. Either way, your father will be presented the award but I know I'd want my son to accept it on my behalf. (The floodgates opened again and it wasn't till he was past the point of exhaustion he collapsed into our arms.) Matt and I carried him to bed, tucked him in and kissed him as two loving parents. We thanked the Chaplain and at least now he knew what he had to work with and hopefully between the three of us we could help Dale make the right decision for his life.

 

Matt and I announced at our morning staff meeting that Dale's father had been awarded the Medal of Honor and Dale hadn't decided if he would accept POTUS's offer of accepting it upon his father's behalf at the White House. We knew Dale has started to become a friend to many of our soldiers so if he asks you anything about it just be honest with him. It has to be his decision but POTUS wants an answer in the next few days.

 

Dale brought up the subject at his next session with the Chaplain and it helped to greatly relieve his anxiety level. When he asked a few of his new friend what they would do if it was their father they assured him they would want to accept it upon their behalf. Finally, that evening as we were saying goodnight to our son he asked a simple question. If he accepted the award on behalf of his father would we be there with him. If he wanted us no power on earth would stop us. We knew he had made the correct decision and one that would truly help him to heal.

 

I sent a secure Email to both SecDef and POTUS telling them Dale would be proud to accept the award on behalf of his father but was asking for us to be with him to give him the strength to get through the ceremony. POTUS immediately responded and said he was happy that Dale had so quickly developed a bond of trust with the two of you and he welcomed our participation in honoring this brave soldier.

 

Matt, the Chaplain and I tried to prepare Dale for the media frenzy that would happen after the presentation. We reminded him of what happened when we were in Chicago and this would be ten times worse. Dale only looked at us and asked: "Don't ever desert me and I'll get through this with you beside me". I was so proud of our son and so were the men of Alpha Zulu.

 

As the day fast approached Luke and John made it well known the three of us were expected at the Penthouse till the time POTUS required us to be at the White House. Dale was impressed when we deplaned at Andrews and the "Beast" awaited to take us to the penthouse. I introduced Dale to all the Worthingtons and even Logan and Alex joined us for the festivities. All too soon I had to tell Dale that POTUS is the one man in Washington that we couldn't keep waiting. Security was tight as the motorcade progressed from the Marriott to the White House. The President greeted Dale warmly and said it was an honor to meet the son of such a brave American soldier. (I made certain to have a few extra dry handkerchiefs in my pockets.) Dale was brave and strong even if his eyes did tear on occasion. He stood proud as the President read the citation and presented Dale with his father's medal. Every General, Officer and serviceman present snapped to attention and saluted out of respect. Dale now knew the high regard his father held in the United States Army. He was proud to be his son and glad he had decided to accept the award on behalf of his father.

 

After the media frenzy of all the pictures the President asked to have a few private moments with Dale. He told Dale what two fantastic men he had as fathers and before he knew it he would be back at the White House to celebrate a great honor bestowed upon them. "Let's just keep it our secret for the moment."

 

We asked Dale where he wanted to place his father's award. He could have it prominently displayed in our main area or he could keep in personal and in his bedroom. The choice was his. We were so proud when he elected to share it with all who would be guests in our home. It was displayed proudly in a place of prominence in our home. We were as proud of Dale as he was of his father.

 

While all this was transpiring over the past few months Matt and I still had major staff positons to fill. I took the easy way out and delegated to our two resident doctors the responsibility for selecting the third doctors for their medical "practice". My only stipulations were: 1) he is gay 2) he is open minded 3) sexually active soldiers don't bother him. Then go with your gut feeling and make him the same offer I made you. Hopefully, at six months he'll want to stay with our family at Fort Connor.

 

Our Aide-de-camps, Adjutant and Chief of Staff were more personal choices. Matt and I reviewed the files our HR dream team forward us to review and selected the individuals we wanted to personally interview. I made certain Bob and Danny participated in the selection process as they would be running Fort Connor when POTUS started sending us on "meet and greets" around the world. After a brutal week of interviews we narrowed down the selection to two for each opening. Then they had the wonderful experience of going through the most exhaustive and invasive physical examination of their life. With all the promotion that the Army had using Alpha Zulu as its "new Army of the 21st century" any position was considered a career maker for an officer or enlisted man wanting to make the Army a career. (If they only knew within the year they would be working for the two new six star Generals of the Armies.)

 

It was only a few months later that our morning staff meeting was interrupted by OPS stating POTUS on a video conference for you and he wants to address your senior staff as well. As a secure connection was brought up POTUS asked that Dale join us. My new deputies were in on this plot as Dale was granted access to our conference room. "Matt and Jason... I am inviting you and Dale to join me at the White House on Tuesday night. I will be addressing the national and sharing that I am nominating both of you for the post of Ambassador at Large of the United States and Six Star General of the Armies. I hope you will join me for the announcement and for a small celebration afterwards. Thank you very much and I'll see you three on Tuesday. Many Thanks!

 

Dale wrapped his arms around our necks hugging and kissing his fathers in wild abandonment. We could hear the roar of approval abound around Fort Connor as the infamous "grapevine" announced the revelation of POTUS. I turned to my staff and thanked those conspirators who had participated in this plot. You are now all excused and I imagine the mess staff already has a celebration planned for after the evening meal.

 

We had one very stuff and ill "sick (stuffed) puppy" named Dale as he crawled into bed that night. Matt and I made certain to have a barf bag handy "just in case". He held each of us as we kissed him good night and told us he was so proud to be our son, as proud as he was the day he accepted his father's Medal of Honor. Now it was our turn to have the tears streaming down our cheeks.

 

Tonight was a tender night of romance and sex between two loving and caring adults. With all that had happened in our lives these last months we seemed to neglect each other and we assured ourselves we were as much in love as we were the day we made our commitment before God.

 

The sex was tender and romantic and if it hadn't been for our exhausted bodies would have gone on for hours. (I can never get enough of the man I love!) We have been blessed with a career we never dreamed possible and a wonderful son who was and is truly a gift from God.

 

No more than the thought of our eyes closing our brains heard the sound of "INCOMMING" as our wonderful son was airborne fortunately landing between his two fathers who really didn't want to be explaining to POTUS why we are on the disabled duty list when we are at the White House next week.

 

Yes, we may miss morning assembly but there are times when ones family takes priority and today is definitely one of those days.

 

 

 

TO BE CONTINUED...

 

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