“I’m Sergeant Jefferson. How can help change your life today?”
I look back to the still smiling Sergeant Jefferson, who is holding out his hand for me to shake. I grab his hand and look him in the eye.
“I’m Fin Malone, and I would like to join Delta Force.”
His smile fades for a second, and then he throws his head back and laughs so loudly, I’m pretty sure the walls reverberate.
“Yeah, you and every other eighteen-year-old boy who walks through, the doors. Listen son, the Army has a lot of MOS’s to choose from. Why would you want to pick the most dangerous, and quite frankly the least attainable job in the military?”
“Sir, I was born to do this.”
He crosses his arms and looks me up and down, from the wet hair dripping in my eyes, to the soggy shoes dripping on the carpet.
“Fin, I’m going to be straight with you. Due to enlistment shortages, there is a program that would allow you to enlist as a CAG baby. But, son, trust me you don’t want to do that. Less than one percent of recruits actually make it into Delta Force…like way less than one percent. If you don’t make it, you don’t get to choose where they stick you. You will either end up in supply or as a cook. God help you if they make you a cook.”
“I understand your concern, but there is no other job that I am interested in. I know I can do this. I am not afraid of getting hit, I’m not afraid of going hungry, I’m strong and I’m reasonably intelligent.”
I raise my hand and point at the poster.
“There is nothing they have, that I don’t have.”
Sergeant Jefferson gives me one last look and sighs deeply.
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you. You know recruiters always get a bad rap for screwing people over. When you’re in training, bloody and bruised, freezing your nuggets off, and hoping to find some grubs to eat don’t blame me!”
“Agreed, I take full responsibility for this decision.”
He shrugs and turns to walk to his desk.
“Okay, let’s start the paperwork. Have you already graduated, or do you need to take the early exit exam?”
“I need to take the exit exam.”
“Just so you know, you will need to score at or above the ninetieth percentile on the exit exam. On your ASVAB you are going to have to get a general technical score of at least one hundred and ten, and a combat score of at least one hundred. What kind of student are you, kid?”
“I’m a decent student. I have already taken the ASVAB, and my scores are, on pare. I just need to complete the exit exam.”
“We can set you up to take that along with your physical and background screening at the MEPS in Shreveport. We have a group going up in two weeks. Can you be ready by then?”
My heart races as I start to panic. I did not leave things well with my dad. I cannot go back home.
“Honestly, sir, I was hoping to leave before then… like today.”
He eyes bug out slightly and gives me a look that assures me he thinks I’m crazy.
“Today, don’t you have people you need to say goodbye to, or a bag to pack?”
“I’ve already said my goodbyes. As far as a bag, I have everything I need on me. Besides, I thought the army was going to provide me with a whole new wardrobe.” I grin at him, and see he is not amused. “Look, I can’t stay here for two more weeks.”
He must see the desperation in me. I can see it in his face, the moment he decides to go above and beyond to help me.
“Let me call my wife and let her know I won’t be home for dinner. If we hurry with the paperwork, I can drive you to Shreveport tonight. There is a group staying at a hotel near the base that is starting their processing tomorrow.”
“Thank you, Sergeant, I really appreciate it. “
“Yeah, yeah, just remember good old Sergeant Jefferson, if you become a hot shot General one day.”
We both chuckle at the unlikelihood of his statement.
“Will do Sergeant.”
We pull into the Pine Tree Inn just after nine pm. It’s clear by the run-down appearance, it has seen better days. However, I am so relieved to be out of Elizabeth and away from my dad that it feels like paradise.
“I’m going to check you in and see if there is an open bunk with one of the other males. While, I do that why don’t you, go grab yourself some dinner.” He points across the parking lot to a pizza hut and taco bell on the corner. “It will be your last chance for fast food for a few months so enjoy it while you can. Get it to go. You can eat in your room. I’ll meet you in the lobby in fifteen minutes”
I nod, and head toward the restaurant. After a couple of steps, I remember Sergeant Jefferson gave up his family dinner to get me here. I turn back around and call out to him.
“Hey, sergeant, can I get you something to eat?”
He gives me a surprised look, then smiles. “No kid, thanks anyway, I’ll grab something when I’m done here.”
I decide on pizza hut, and I am glad to see there is no line. Within ten minutes I have my large supreme pizza, a bottle of Pepsi, and a bottle of water. As I head back to meet Sergeant Jefferson, I think about what he said about there being no junk food. For the first time I can remember, I am actually grateful for something my dad did. Due to
