A month had gone by since then, and Hogan was feeling all better, on his feet, and taking charge of his duty as Senior POW officer and Colonel of the operation, again.
It was his first day back on the job, and Newkirk, Carter, LeBeau, and Kinchloe had stayed up all night long finishing up the barracks for a 'welcome back' party for Hogan. Kinchloe was in Hogan's quarters seeing how much longer, until he came out, as Newkirk, Carter, and LeBeau stood out in the main area making sure everything was set right for last minute calls. A banner hung from the ceiling that said 'Welcome Back, Colonel' on it. There were colorful streamers dangling, and Hogan's favorite breakfast sat at the table: scrambled eggs, bacon, coffee, and powdered sugar doughnuts Newkirk had bribed Klink into going into town to buy them. He would have asked Schultz, but he worried there would be none, when he got back to camp.
"Everything in order, here?" Newkirk asked.
"Oui, Pierre; everything is all set and ready to go." LeBeau said.
"Newkirk, you sure Colonel will like this?" Carter asked, slightly anxious.
"Sure hope so, Andrew." Newkirk answered, worried a little himself. He was hoping this would all go over well and that their commanding officer would be touched by what his men were trying to do for him.
Kinchloe ran out of Hogan's quarters to his friends.
"Colonel's coming out in thirty seconds." Kinchloe reported.
"Everybody, hide," Newkirk cried.
All the men in the barracks got down on the floor or hid behind something, as Newkirk grabbed the lights and turned them off.
Hogan came out and was puzzled by it being dark in the barracks. He was in his brown pants, white button up shirt, his bomber jacket, and his crush hat on. He felt good being able to get back to work, again, but for the moment, his mind was elsewhere.
"Huh, that's weird; I thought I heard voices." Hogan spoke, puzzled.
Hogan walked over to the light switch and flicked on. He was greeted by all his men, Kinchloe, LeBeau, Carter, and Newkirk standing in the front, standing and smiling at him. They all cheered simultaneously.
"Surprise," All the men cheered.
Hogan, shocked, smiled and looked around at all the decorations and food. Kinchloe, LeBeau, Carter, and Newkirk all gathered around their commanding officer.
"What's all this?" Hogan asked, smiling, still amazed with the sight.
"Just a little welcome back party, mon Colonel." LeBeau cooed.
"Sure hope you like it, boy, I mean, sir!" Carter quickly fixed.
Hogan smiled then turned to Kinchloe.
"And I suppose you're the mastermind behind all of this?" Hogan aske, sure of himself.
"No, Colonel; I'm not." Kinchloe answered, honestly.
Hogan looked at him, an eyebrow raised, now growing suspicious.
"Then who planned all this?" The American officer asked, curious.
Kinchloe, Carter, and LeBeau all pointed their fingers to the Englishman, who was lighting a cigarette. He looked up and stared at everyone pointing at him.
"What's everybody looking at me for? I can't do something nice for the Gov'nor?" Newkirk cried.
Hogan smiled and walked over to Newkirk. He gently patted his shoulder, then he gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze.
"We all wanted to make your first day back on duty something worth remembering." Carter answered.
"Well, thank you...all of you. You certainly have made it one of my more pleasurable mornings in record." Hogan spoke, smiling. He then turned to face Newkirk. "And you, Newkirk; I'm amazed of how well you handled command, while I was sick in bed. You proved yourself a lot in the past month. I'll have to contact London and see if they can't give you a promotion."
Newkirk blushed.
"Aw, well, Colonel...I wouldn't say I was that good." Newkirk answered, bashful.
"Colonel, I have all your favorite foods here on the table for you!" LeBeau spoke, showing Hogan the variety of food displayed out for him.
"Good; I'm so hungry, I could eat an elephant." Hogan answered, smiling.
The five men sat down at the table and a nice breakfast and talked with Hogan, who once again, held the position of commanding officer and Senior POW officer.