“An anonymous donor just paid for academy speaker ribbons for the entire graduating class,” Vance said quietly, sliding the glasses back on.

“Some people invest in the institution.

Others prefer to stay home.”

“Understood, General,” I said.

He nodded once and moved down the line toward the next company commander.

I stood perfectly still while the battalion adjutant read the final roll call names over the PA system.

Cheers broke out from the bleachers every few seconds as families stood up to wave straw hats and white handkerchiefs.

In my breast pocket, my phone vibrated once.