I slid my thumb under the gummed flap and broke the tape seal.

Inside were four pages of cream bond paper bearing the emblem of the Department of the Air Force.

The top sheet was a certified command summary of my operational record, including fifteen years of continuous service, eight deployment tours, and my current appointment as Major General overseeing air mobility operations at Scott Air Force Base.

Attached to the summary was a brief cover letter from Captain Simmons confirming that the public affairs seal had been rushed through under official command authority.

“She wanted to be sure it arrived before the ceremony,” David said.