Chapter Five

Author's note: Remember this is fiction. I do not know the ends and outs of the military, however, personnel of the military should be rewarded for doing what is right. (Morally and ethically)

As he waited on the tarmac for the Callahan family, Colonel Burch looked over at his attache, who had Captain Callahan's new gold oak leaves nestled in their new case. He had fought practically all night for Captain Callahan to receive his promotion. From the Commandment of the Army to President Trump himself. Burch was bound and determined to give Callahan his gold oak leaves before he left for Illinois. This way when he did arrive at the Naval Base, Callahan would be able to direct where each of the medical supplies went with whom. Colonel Burch knew that Callahan would be out in the field with his men, even with the oak leaves, and that is what the Colonel wanted.

The Commandment of the Army didn't award it because Thomas Charlie "T.C" Callahan ignored orders. Callhan had gone back into a war zone to get a fellow team member and thankfully brought him back alive and home to his family. At the time the team member had a wife and a little girl at home. Luckily, T.C. wasn't stripped of his rank, he was however shipped home. His file emphasized that T.C was grieving from losing his brother.

Burch shook his head. He would've at least made T.C. go for counseling. He knew of a counselor that dealt with PTS patients a little differently than the regular, sit and discuss your feelings, which could have made things worse, which it did. With his gambling and drinking. Burch was more determined than ever because he felt like the military had let Callahan down.

Burch went above the Commandments head, to his boss, the President of the United States, and asked if he would read Callahan's file and what he thought. It didn't take long for the President to sign off on the oak leaves and fax the paperwork to Burch.

Burch watched as the Callahan family was escorted to the awaiting flight. He stood by the Lockhead L-100 that would transport the medical supplies along with the Callahan family, but first Burch wanted to give Captain Callahan his promotion.

As he watched each member of the Callahan family exit the vehicle, Burch had to smile at the desert fatigues that Callahan wore, although if he looked at the entire family, they were all dressed like their father. Burch noticed the children were approximately 7 and 5. The kids were going to love the headphones on board. It will also keep the ambient noise down for their little ears.

"Right on time Captain"

"Yes, sir. My wife Jordan and our two kiddos C.T. and Charlie."

Burch nodded to them all, then to T.C. he said, "Captain, you are out of uniform."

"Sir" T.C. was confused. He had everything he needed why would he be out of uniform unless….then it dawned when he saw the Colonel reach for case that bore pins for promotions. He looked at Colonel Burch and gulped.

Charlie watched everything with wide eyes, "Momma, why does that man say that daddy is out of uniform?"

Jordan squated down by both of her children as she watched her husband be promoted, "That when a individual in the military receives a promotion in rank." Pointing her head to T.C. "Your daddy just received a promotion." Looking at Charlie and held her hand out, "How about we go give daddy a kiss for a job well done."

Charlie shook her head yes with excitement. C.T. on the other hand that it was completely gross. He didn't understand, C.T. still thought kissing was just wrong.

As T.C. stood at attention while Colonel Burch asked him to raise his right hand to sight the oath that promoted him to Major. He waited until he shook the Colonel's hand that he saw Jordan and Charlie headed toward him, while his son hung back and just watched.

Jordan looked down at Charlie, "Ready to give daddy a kiss?"

Charlie nodded her head vigorously.

"Okay. Momma is going to pick you up and then I want you to give daddy a kiss on the check."

Jordan picked up Charlie and stood next to T.C. while he was still at attention. Charlie leaned over in her mother's arms and gave her daddy a kiss for a job well done.

Colonel gave the okay for all of them to load up. So they all grabbed their gear and headed for the plane. T.C. stopped before climbing into the plane and shook the Colonel's hand.

Burch watched as the family boarded the plane. He knew he may never see them again but it well worth handing Callahan his promotion.

Once his children and Jordan were settled, T.C. headed toward the front of the plane to speak to Lieutenant Stevens. "Do you send anything to the hospital via your phone?"

Stevens gave MAJOR Callahan a cheeky grin and then T.C's phone started to ring, so Stevens went back to flying the plane.