Chapter 2
Fort Benning Military Housing, Georgia

Rob, you’re home early. What’s the occasion? Hi Ellie, I have a potential assignment change I’d like to discuss with you, but first, how was your day? A bit hectic, Rob. Working from home is great, but between the hot issues that needed quick resolution and Evie getting restless to go outside and play, I had a busy day. So, what is this new assignment? The State Department is assembling a 1-year mission in South America to combat fentanyl production, comprising two Ranger Teams, and they want me to lead one of the teams. Won’t it be really dangerous, Rob? I don’t think it will be any different from some of the other deployments I have been on, just a bit longer, since the plan is a year. Although I don’t believe I will be 1 year straight in South America, I would think the teams would come back stateside for debriefs and short breaks. What’s the upside, and will you be back here at Fort Benning?

I understand that the teams will work out of MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. And I get to choose any assignment upon completing the year-long deployment. Does that mean we could move to Tampa and be near the Gulf of Mexico? I believe so, since they typically move us to our next duty station, and since I would get my assignment of choice, I like the options available to me at MacDill with SOCOM. Plus, it would give me more time with you and Evie. Well, Rob, as with all the other assignments you’ve had, I will always support your career decisions, since I trust you explicitly to make the right decision. And besides, being near the Gulf would mean we can spend more time at the beach.

By the way, are you hungry, Rob? No, I had lunch with Major Kanai Tanaka, you remember my former commander? Yes, of course, he has a wonderful wife, Su-Jin, I believe. Correct, well, he’s resigning his commission tomorrow to work with his brother. Wow, that seems sudden. I don’t know how long he has been considering the move to civilian life, but I just heard about it on the way to lunch today. It sounds like a great opportunity, as he will buy into half of the business, and Su-Jin is also working there. Additionally, he will apply some of the same skills he developed in the Army to civilian settings. Gosh, that sounds like a great opportunity for him and Su-Jin. Yes, it is.

So, where is Evie? She should be just finishing up her nap. Hmmm, it won’t be long before she doesn’t take naps, and looks like she may be starting First Grade in Tampa. Oh, Rob, I think this new assignment will be great for all of us. I think so too. When she wakes up, let’s go to the park, then dinner out? Great idea, Rob. Nothing fancy. How about Country Barbecue? Sounds great, Evie loves barbecue.