A/N Sorry for being a day late, had a crazy weekend, enjoy the story.

Chapter 10: Time Jump III

Berlin Brigade HQ October 20th 1987 0800h

"Major Matt Evans reporting for duty Colonel"

Colonel Compton said "it's been a while Major, glad your back. I personally requested you to be my replacement as the commander for first battalion, the XO was too green and has no combat experience, and we need that experience if the soviets decided to come and play. You will also be promoted to Lt. Colonel effective immediately. Your new insignia is on the desk of your office down the hall. Your first job is to familiarize yourself with the battalion and making sure everything is combat ready, I'll help you as much as I can."

The newly promoted Lt. Colonel said, "thank you sir. Sir I wish to inform you that I intend on retiring when my term is up, in a little over two years."

Colonel Compton nodded and said "understood, in that case your other job will be to get Major Henderson ready to take command. If you can get the battalion combat ready in two months I'll write you a 7 day pass for Christmas. Any other questions? No? Very well dismissed"

Home December 25th 0800h

"Dad!" shouted Harry in surprise and joy. He had no idea his father would be coming home, this was what he really wanted for Christmas. Jane rushed forward and grabbed Matt in a hug and kissed him passionately. Christmas was spent catching up and just enjoying each other's company. At 8 pm Jane whispered something in Matt's ear.

"Time for bed Harry," Matt ignored his complaints and out of the corner of his eye he saw Jane going towards there bed room swaying her hips. Matt entered got Harry in bed and rushed into his room where his wife gave him a special Christmas gift. He didn't get much sleep that night.

Berlin Brigade HQ November 14th 1989

"You wanted to see me Colonel Compton?," Matt asked.

"Yes come in and have a seat, there are some things happening that you need to be aware of. We will be relieved as the primary infantry regiment of the Berlin brigade on January 1st, now as I am sure you're wondering what that has to do with you, well I am going to be promoted to Brigadier General by new year's, unfortunately that leaves the Regiment without a CO. I could just have the XO run things, all he has to do is make sure everyone gets on the right airplane but I want to offer you command of the regiment at the rank of full colonel. If you accept you will assume command on January 1st and be relieved of command on the 5th. I am doing this out of respect and because you are a fine officer. Will you stay in for the extra five days?"

Matt didn't really have to think about it, it was a good opportunity and a fine way to end his career. "I accept Sir"

Fort Hood Parade Ground, January 5th 1990

"Regiment prepare for inspection!" called out the regimental Sergeant Major as Colonel Evans and Colonel Davenport walked along the lines of troops. When the inspection was complete Matt went to a raised platform to address the troops.

"Gentlemen, it has been an honor serving as your commanding Officer, for the last five days." That got a laugh from the crowd before the Sergeant Major silenced them with a Glare. Matt chuckled too and continued "The time I have spent as a part of this Regiment and the brigade, from a platoon leader in '77 to company commander in '81 and now as a battalion and regimental commander have been some of the most fulfilling of my life. I have never served with a better group of men, thus it is a heavy heart that I announce my retirement effective immediately and turn over command to Colonel Davenport."

As Matt began to walk off the platform the Sargent Major of 1st Battalion ordered in a voice only senior NCO's can muster "Battalion Attention!" Almost 1000 men came to attention and saluted there departing commander. Matt returned the salute and walked off to the Jeep that would take him to the airfield where he would catch a flight home.

Home January 6th 1990, 1945h

Matt walked in the front door of his home to find Jane, Rob, Harry, Sara and Frank waiting for him. "Welcome home!" they shouted. Matt smiled, he hadn't seen any of them in over a year. He couldn't believe how big Harry and Sara had gotten, both were now 9 years old, Sara was 4'7" and Harry 4'11". Jane, Harry and Sara hugged Matt and Rob and Francis shook his hand.

"It's good to be back, I am never going away again."

"Good!" both Harry and Jane shouted.

Matt looked at Frank but before he could ask Frank said "yes the job is there for you, the new semester starts on Monday."

Matt smiled and said "thank you sir."

"I said call me 'Frank,' Colonel, that's an order," everyone laughed.