“When you put on this uniform, no one asks who paid for your private school or whose name is on your credit card,” I said into the microphone.

Derek turned his face toward the stadium grass, unable to look up at the giant video screens on either side of the stage.

“The military doesn’t accept family reputations as currency,” I said, pausing as a gust of wind rustled the legal pad.

“True leadership isn’t given by favor or birthright.

It’s forged through service and sacrifice.”

My mother smoothed the lapel of her cream blazer with trembling fingers, her eyes fixed on my uniform ribbons.

She was seeing the rank on my shoulder for the very first time.