A/N: Some of the words in this chapter are from the actual episode. Kudos and all rights to Rick Dunkle and Danny Ramm.
Chapter 7
They got in Dave's rental and he drove away from the hotel. Zach looked at Dave. "Know where you're going?"
"Yup, it's a pretty easy drive. You're off duty wingman for the moment." They all rode in silence for the twenty minute trip, when Dave pulled the vehicle into a parking lot that was part of the Los Angles VA Center.
Harry looked at Dave. "Rossi, this is waste of time. I tried the VA way back when…."
Dave cut him off. "Number one, it's a different VA now. They're dealing with a whole new set of veterans, working their butts off to help and most importantly, hiring better people. Number two, that's not what this is about."
A man approached them wearing a suit as well. Zach, the profiler's son thought to himself whatever is going on has to be big. "Agent Rossi?" Dave nodded. "I'm Jake Moreland; pleasure to finally meet you," he said, warmly extending his hand.
Dave smiled as he shook his hand. "Pleasure to finally meet you in person as well; and thank you for all your help."
Moreland smiled. "You got the ball rolling. I just ran with it."
Dave made the introductions. "Jake, this is my nephew Zach Hotchner." They shook hands and exchanged pleasantries. "And this is Sergeant Harrison Scott."
Moreland shook Scott's hand as well. "Pleasure to meet you Sergeant Scott," he said with large smile. Moreland looked at his watch, and nodded towards a building. "Follow me please."
He led them into the building and to an open area with a podium and chairs. People were milling around, many in uniform. "Zach, if you will excuse us, there are some people I would like Agent Rossi and Sergeant Scott to meet."
Zach shrugged his big shoulders. "Sure; I'll make myself at home," he smiled. Moreland smiled back at him and took the two of them. They approached an older woman, standing with a Marine Sergeant in his Dress Blues. As Moreland made the introductions, he noticed Harry shaking his head, with Dave putting a hand on his shoulder. When Harry looked back at Dave, Zach could see tears in his eyes. Zach shook his head and silently moved to the doorway, pulled out his cell and texted his dad.
Beginning to catch onto what's happening dad. Will call you later. Need to talk with you.
Back in Virginia, Hotch pulled his cell out and read the message. Smiling, he showed it to Beth. She read it and rubbed Aaron's back. "He will need to talk to you," she smiled. Hotch just nodded his head.
Zach walked back into the room and Moreland motioned for him to sit down in the front row on the end chair. Dave sat down next to him, with Harry to his right and the two other people they had just met joining them.
Moreland moved to the podium and got everyone's attention to take their seats. The room got eerily quiet. "Today, we are gathered to rectify a situation. As we all know, the Vietnam War became a highly unpopular war with the American public. And the veterans of that war suffered for it and did not get the recognition they deserved. The Gulf War changed that and all of our veterans started getting their due."
"However, in those trying times of Vietnam, especially the final years, things happened. We are gathered here to today to make things right. Six months ago, I got a phone call from Agent David Rossi of the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit, and a veteran himself of those late years in Vietnam. He told me about a fellow Marine and a situation that happened. 'Can you help', he asked. I could," Moreland smiled.
He recounted the story of how Harrison Scott had wrongly got awarded a medal that should have gone to someone else. "We are gathered here today to make that right. It is my honor and privilege to introduce the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Michael P. Bennett." Those in attendance applauded.
Sergeant Major Bennett approached the microphone. "Would the family of PFC Anthony Hernandez, Sergeant Harrison Scott, and Sergeant David Rossi please join me?" The four of them rose from their chairs and moved to the Sergeant's right as he gestured.
Sergeant Major Bennett read the commendation that PFC Hernandez so rightly deserved. Zach noticed Dave getting a tear in his eye. Scott's were welling up. He slowly shook his head. It was all coming together. Uncle Dave knew this was happening this weekend and his problem with his college paper. That's why Uncle Dave brought me along. And seeing Dave's reaction, why he needed his family. Zach was honored beyond words.
Sergeant Major Bennett finished the commendation. "It is with great honor that I posthumously present to the family of PFC Anthony Hernandez the Silver Star for his gallantry and bravery in action above and beyond the call of duty. He sacrificed his life to save two fellow Marines." Bennett moved to the woman and presented her with the medal, opening the special case to show her the medal.
Zach felt his own tear in his eye as Bennett gave Hernandez's mother the medal he so richly deserved. Mrs. Hernandez wiped a tear away as she accepted the medal, honoring her son. He noticed Dave rubbing Scott's shoulder. Once the medal was presented, the audience, led by Zach, rose, applauding their appreciation as well.
Looking at the two of them, Dave said to PFC Hernandez's grandson, now a proud Marine as well, "Your grandfather was a hero."
Scott, with his gravelly voice added, "He saved both our lives." Sergeant Hernandez hugged his grandmother and shook both their hands. Zach smiled at Dave, nodding his head.
Once the ceremony was concluded, Zach getting to meet the family of PFC Hernandez as well, he, Dave and Harry headed towards the door. After they had left, Zach pulled Dave into a huge hug, while they were standing in the entry way of the building.
"Thanks Uncle Dave," he said, pulling out of the hug. He shook his head. "I don't know what else to say."
Dave smiled. "I'm glad you were here with me. This is very special to me and like I said, I wanted some family around. Thanks Zach for being here for me." He pulled Zach into a large hug himself.
After they finally separated, Zach stuck his hand out to Scott. "Sergeant, a wrong got corrected. Please run with it." Harry pulled Zach into a hug as well.
Once outside, Harry stopped and stuck out his hand. "To say 'thank you' Dave sounds so shallow."
Dave shook his head. "Then, will you listen to me?" Scott looked at him. Moreland walked up. "Harry, this place is called 'New Directions'. It's dedicated to helping veterans like you."
"Sergeant Scott, I'd love to give you a tour of our facilities," Moreland smiled. "Because we could use someone like you around here."
Scott looked at Dave. "What would it hurt?" Dave reasoned. Scott nodded his head in agreement.
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A/N: The Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps is the highest ranking non-commissioned person in the Marines. In other words, he's the highest ranking person that is not an officer. And for the record, he has an office at the US Pentagon as well.