Washington Academy

Disclaimer:

This story will describe the life of Robert David Mathews from his time as a teenager, through prep school, and into military service. If stories involving sex between consenting teenagers, including both straight sex and gay sex, offends you, go back to the Archives and pick a different story for your reading pleasure. There has been minimal research for this story therefore, names, places, dates are mostly fictitious and similarities to real life are coincidental. Some companies and organizations mentioned actually exist, but references to the activities, policies, programs and procedures are fictitious. I was not a SEAL and have limited knowledge of the force. I am writing this story from imagination and a little research, not from personal experience.

My editor, Bill, is a dedicated friend. His improvements in my writing style are greatly appreciated.

Readers, please note! This story describes FICTIONAL missions of the SEAL characters in my story. This author in NO WAY suggests that such missions are actually performed by the US Navy SEALs!!!!

Washington Academy Chapter 34 Life Changes

The Anderson home was pure bedlam from the terrible news about Robbie. Paramedics had been called to take David Mathews to the hospital, and a second set of Paramedics was treating Jennifer after she collapsed.

Marie pushed aside her personal grief over losing Robbie and reverted to her Registered Nurse experience to help treat David. When David was safely in the Trauma Unit at the hospital, she broke down sobbing over the loss of her son and the serious possibility that she might lose her husband too.

David was in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, and the medical staff quickly ran tests to determine the extent of his injuries. Angioplasty was used to open the two arteries that were restricted and stents were installed to keep the passages open. It was five days later when David was released from the hospital and transported home by ambulance. A hospital bed had been installed in the family room so that David could recuperate at home without having to climb any stairs.

Dark clouds of sorrow filled the Anderson and Mathews' homes.

David was devastated by the loss of his son, and blamed himself for leading Robbie into the life of a Navy SEAL. He had no appetite, and was secretly discarding the food that Marie served him. He wandered around in his office, looking at the memorabilia from the life of his son, and he was in a deep depression.

"You have to stop blaming yourself for what happened," Marie said to her husband.

"It's my fault that he's dead," David replied. "I should have stopped him!"

"That's bullshit and you know it!" Marie replied. "No one could have stopped him from joining the Navy! We have to pick up the pieces and move on with our lives! That's what Robbie would want us to do, and we have to honor his memory, but at the same time not live in the past! We have some beautiful grandchildren and Jennifer to think about, and they all need us!"

"Do you remember this picture?" David said while holding the photo of Robbie and Drew in the locker room after winning the first State Championship in football. He had cropped the photo to conceal the lower part of the happy teenagers who were singing into the microphone. He still had the full photo in his desk, but rarely looked at it.

"That was a wonderful day for all of us," Marie admitted. She hoped that reliving the memories of Robbie's athletic successes would help get David out of his depression, and joined her husband in walking around the office.

"This is the football from his first touchdown for the Academy," David said.

"Look at his signature! He could barely write because of his arm injury."

After touching each item, he moved to the next and described the significance to his wife. Marie knew each item, but let her husband describe it in detail before moving on.

"I think you need to rest now," Marie said. "I'll get your medications, and we can talk more later."

At the Anderson home, Jennifer was experiencing the extreme grief in a similar manner as that of David and Marie. She couldn't believe that Robbie was dead, and was taking Valium to cope with the loss. Her pediatrician had warned her to stop breast-feeding the new baby girl while taking the medication, and she felt helpless and worthless.

News of the demise of Robbie Mathews spread to the George Washington Academy, and the faculty and cadets were grieving in their own ways. A formal recognition of the death of a man pictured in the Hall of Heroes was taking place to the beat of snare drums. Cadet First Class Hunter Whitestone had tears flowing down his face when he and Cadet Second Class Eric Stephens carried the black wreath up to the picture of Robbie on the sacred walls. The two cadets placed the wreath around the photograph and then saluted, while two buglers played the sorrowful notes of "Taps". Both cadets broke down sobbing on the shoulders of Guy Stephens and Derrick Harmon, who were shedding their own tears at the loss of their favorite cadet. The wreath would stay in place for 30 days in remembrance of a fallen hero.

David refused to return to work. He secretly wished that the mild heart attack had been a major one so he wouldn't have to grieve for the loss of his son. He refused to talk to anyone who called to express condolences, and withdrew from everyone including his wife.

"Hello," Marie said when she answered the ringing telephone.

"Marie, this is Guy Stephens and I have Derrick Harmon with me," Guy said. "Can we please talk to David?"

"He refuses to talk to anyone, but I'll make him talk to you two," Marie said. She walked into David's office and saw him looking at the photos and trophies of Robbie's life, and pushed the button on the speakerphone.

"Two of your special friends want to talk to you," Marie said.

"I don't want to talk to anyone!" David argued. When he heard the voices of his two SEAL buddies, he broke down crying.

Derrick and Guy expressed their grief and told David about the brief memorial service at the Academy. They shared their experiences with Robbie, and talked for over 30 minutes. David felt better after the call, but was still depressed.

Carol had answered the doorbell and held two letters in her hands along with a cardboard box. She sobbed when she realized that Robbie's last letter had been delivered along with the personal effects from his locker. She recognized the return address on the other letter. It was from Lt. Dan Tobin, Robbie's Commanding Officer and leader of SEAL Team 28. She knew that it would be very traumatic for Jennifer to read the letters and touch Robbie's possessions, but it was necessary for Jennifer to accept the loss of her husband.

Jennifer opened the letter from Dan Tobin, and read how sorry he was for Robbie's death. He praised Robbie's accomplishments on their SEAL team, and said that Robbie had given his life to save the other 7 SEALs. He couldn't tell how or where Robbie had died, but he wrote how Robbie had been devoted to his wife and children, and had never cheated during his entire time on Team 28.

Jennifer then opened the cardboard box, and unpacked the few possessions and uniforms that Robbie had kept in his locker. She held the Michigan State University jersey in her hands, and sobbed when she saw that it was the same jersey that Robbie had presented to her brother, Drew many years ago.

Carol and Tom were with Jennifer, and they all shed tears to see and touch the few items that Robbie had treasured. They looked at the framed photo of Robbie and Drew from the George Washington Academy, and knew it had been taken when Robbie passed Hell Week and became a Cadet Fourth Class. There was a framed picture of Jennifer and Robbie on their wedding day, and another of Jennifer holding the twin sons right after their birth. The color photo of an Arab was confusing to all of the Anderson family. Jennifer turned the photo over and saw the name, Faqir al-Khafari, and showed it to her parents. They all examined the photo, and suddenly Jennifer exclaimed, "IT'S ROBBIE!"

Carol and Tom looked at the photo of a man with dark skin, dark hair, dark beard and dark eyes. They suddenly recognized that it was Robbie in a disguise to look like an Arab. They were all shocked, and wondered if David Mathews knew about the SEALs wearing disguises. Jennifer asked to be alone when she read the letter from Robbie. She knew that each of the SEALs had written a last letter to their family in case they were killed in action, and she dreaded reading what Robbie's last thoughts were. When she was alone, she carefully opened the letter and started reading the short message.

Jenny Kay:

If you're reading this letter, it means that I'm no longer alive to share my life and dreams with you. This really sucks, but I chose this career to repay my country for the freedoms that we enjoy in the United States that other countries can only dream about. I always dreamed of growing old with you and seeing our children and grandchildren enjoy life. I know that you're sad about what happened to me, but I want you to know that I loved you from the first day that we met at the George Washington Academy. My love for you grew stronger each and every day, and I never doubted that your love for me was just as strong.

I need you to get on with your life and continue giving love to our children. I hope that you find someone special to share your life with, and don't want you to think for a minute that I wouldn't want you to be happy with another man. I loved Drew with all of my heart, and never dreamed that I would be joining him in Heaven so soon, but like he said to me several years ago, "Shit Happens". Tell my Mom and Dad that I love them, and tell Poppa Tom and Momma Carol the same. Kiss our babies for me, and tell them that Daddy will always watch over them.

Goodbye my love! I'll always be with you!

Your loving Husband,

Robbie

Jennifer sobbed so loud that her parents rushed into the room to comfort her. They knew that Jennifer was being strong to be able to read the two letters and unpack Robbie's personal effects. They hugged her and shared in her grief.

Carol insisted that Jennifer take some medication and go to bed. She helped Jennifer into bed and handed her the MSU jersey.

Jennifer held the jersey and cried herself to sleep.

David Mathews got up early the next day and showered before eating a light breakfast. Marie was surprised when he said that he was going into the office for a few hours, but hoped that getting involved at work would help David recover from his heart attack and accept Robbie's death.

His co-workers who all expressed their condolences for the loss of his son met David. He was polite with everyone, but wanted to be alone in his office to make some important phone calls. He knew that Admiral Arthur Harrison was stationed near Afghanistan, and wanted to find out exactly how Robbie had died. It took over two hours of threatening and begging different Navy intelligence officers before he was finally able to talk to his special friend.

At first, Arthur didn't want to admit to David that Robbie had been left behind on the mission identified as "Operation Scorpion" but he understood that David deserved to hear the truth. He broke Navy protocol and gave David the details of the mission and how Robbie had provided cover fire so his teammates could survive. He promised to see that Robbie would be recognized with a medal of valor, but knew that it was small consolation for the loss of his son.

After the important phone call ended, David left the office to return home. He wanted to talk to his wife to try and process what he had learned of Robbie's bravery and sacrifice for his teammates and his country.

Unknown to anyone, Robbie had survived the ferocious firefight in Afghanistan, and had limped out of the tiny village when the bombs started exploding around him. His leg wound slowed him down, but he was determined to survive and return to his family in Michigan. He was armed with a Mark 3 knife and his 45-caliber pistol that had only one round of ammunition left. He had saved the last round to take his own life if he was captured, and traveled at night to avoid detection by the Taliban fighters. He had no medical supplies to treat his leg wound, and it developed a serious infection that coursed through his body. He had the radio that he had used to call in the air strike, but the batteries were damaged and the radio was inoperable. He hid the radio and maps under his dishadasha (robe) and used his SEAL training to survive in the desolate country. He ate anything that he could catch or steal; including raw snakes and rats, and drank contaminated water when he could find it.

He had been traveling for over a week when he found a small village that had some strange activity that caught his attention. He was searching for some friendly forces, but immediately recognized that the tiny village was abandoned except for two trucks and 10 men who had to be Taliban militants. He watched the men going in and out of a truck that must have been stolen from the United Nations Forces, and recognized the markings of the American Red Cross on the sides and top of the truck cab. He watched two Arabs who were obviously the leaders going into the truck, and wondered what was inside. It was certainly NOT filled with medical supplies.

When nightfall arrived, Robbie moved closer to the small hut and the strange truck so he could listen to what the men were saying. He caught bits and pieces of their conversations, and finally understood that the truck was a mobile command center with computers and maps of Taliban operations. When he heard two special names, he knew that he had stumbled onto Marwan bin Sulayem, the Taliban Supreme General and his second in command, General Mohammed Barghouti. These two men were the top commanders for the forces that were fighting for control of Afghanistan, and he had to try and capture them.

Robbie retreated to a wooded area and tried to devise a plan for completing Operation Scorpion, but had only his knife to try and neutralize the 10 guards and the two commanders. He pulled off the filthy rags that he had wrapped around his leg wound and saw the puss oozing out of the festering wound. He tore off another piece of his robe and tried to wipe the foul smelling fluids away, and knew that his wound had spread infection throughout his entire body. He covered the wound and went back to watch the activities around the shack and trucks to see if there was any pattern that he could use in his favor.

He planned his attack for the early morning, hoping that the guards and Taliban Generals would be asleep. The two guards posted outside the shack were dozing off when Robbie slit both of their throats with the Mark 3 knife. He waited to see if anyone inside the shack had heard the two guards die, and took an AK 47 and ammunition from one of the dead guards to continue his attack. He slipped inside the shack and quickly saw that the two Taliban leaders were sleeping in the two cots in the shack while the lower ranking guards were sleeping on the floor. He released the safety on the AK 47 and hoped that the weapon was in working order.

The Taliban fighters were quickly eliminated when the AK 47 spit out instant death. Robbie spared the two Generals, and yelled in Arabic for them to surrender. Mohammed tried to reach for a handgun, but Robbie used the butt of the assault rifle to knock him unconscious.

Marwan bin Sulayem cursed at Robbie in Arabic, and threatened that he would torture Robbie and burn him alive for attacking his men.

Robbie saw the maps on the table in the tiny hut, and demanded to know what each Arabic symbol stood for. Marwan refused to talk, and Robbie knew that he had to take action fast or risk capture from any new arrivals to the Taliban Command Center. He took aim at the right leg of Marwan and blew the man's kneecap off.

Marwan screamed in pain, and spit out a litany of curses at Robbie. He refused to tell Robbie the significance of the symbols until Robbie grabbed his right foot and twisted his leg, causing the excruciating pain to increase exponentially. He immediately disclosed the meaning of each symbol, but Robbie couldn't find a pencil to write down the true meanings. He memorized the details and tore pieces of cloth from the dead men to bind Marwan and Mohammed so they couldn't escape. He was surprised to find cell phones on the table, and broke them open to see if he could use the batteries to repair his radio.

Mohammed regained consciousness and began cursing at Robbie when he saw that his commander was wounded.

Robbie lost patience with the two captives, and gagged both of them before going outside to search the truck and look for any other combatants. He was shocked to see that the truck was equipped with a generator, several computers and a satellite antenna, and hoped that the computers contained more information on the locations of the Taliban army.

Robbie grabbed his repaired radio, and prayed that it would work. He saw the dial light up, and sent a simple message to determine if he would be able to reach CENTCOM (Central Command).

PO2 Wayne Wilford was manning the radio frequency when the simple message "CENTCOM, come in!" came through his speakers.

"This is CENTCOM, identify yourself" Wayne replied to the message.

Robbie was excited that the radio was working, and quickly replied, "This is Eagle 7 from Operation Scorpion, Password, Kentucky Fried Chicken!"

Wayne looked at his codebook and quickly realized that the SEAL that everyone had thought was dead was actually alive. The caller had the correct mission name and password, and he immediately replied, "Operation Scorpion acknowledged! What is your position?"

Robbie looked at his crumpled map and replied, "Sector 5298! Repeat, Sector 5298!"

"Sector 5298!" Wayne repeated. "We thought that you were cooked, Eagle 7!"

"I'm active with a broken wing!" Robbie replied.

"Broken wing acknowledged!" Wayne replied. He quickly turned to the other man in the Command Center and said, "Get Lt. Tobin in here fast! Tell him that Eagle 7 is alive!"

"I need a Motel 6 in Sector 5298!" Robbie reported. "I'll put a candle in the window! Authorization Password, Rubber Ducky!"

"Acknowledged!" Wayne replied. He knew that Motel 6 was famous for advertising, "We'll leave the light on for you!" The SEAL was asking for a complete eradication of the site and would have a signal fire lit for the Air Force planes.

Lt. Dan Tobin was asleep when PO3 Wilson Folger rudely shook him. He was angry until he heard the words that he never expected to hear in his entire lifetime!

"Lieutenant, Eagle 7 is transmitting to us right now!" Wilson said. "We need you in CENTCOM RIGHT NOW!"

"ROBBIE!" Dan screamed when he realized that he wasn't dreaming. He had prayed for the recovery of Robbie's body so his family could give him a decent burial, but never dreamed that Robbie was still alive. He jumped out of his bed and quickly dressed before running to the Command Center.

Wayne was still talking to Robbie on the radio when Dan ran in to hear the beautiful sound of Robbie's voice.

"Eagle 7, ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) for the eraser is 20!" Wayne said and then said, "Time to vacate!"

"Give me that microphone!" Dan ordered. "Eagle 7 this is Eagle 1," Dan said.

"Eagle 1, you don't know how great it is for me to hear your nasty voice again!" Robbie said.

"We thought you were cooked!" Dan replied. "Get your ass back home with us!"

"I'm headed towards Checkpoint Baker Charlie One Zero!" Robbie replied. "I'm coming in HOT, and need an escort! Haz Mats for everyone!"

Dan was shocked that Robbie had used the code words for having a serious infection, and knew that any medics would have to wear Hazardous Material clothing before touching his buddy. He acknowledged Robbie's message by saying, "Roger on the Haz Mats!" He turned to the two men in the Command Center and demanded whatever air support was available to help Robbie get to Checkpoint BC 10.

"What's your transport?" Dan asked Robbie.

"Big wheels supplied by Clara Barton!" Robbie replied.

"Roger, Clara Barton!" Dan replied. He understood that Robbie would be in a large truck with the Red Cross insignias. Clara Barton had founded the American Red Cross in 1881, and any Taliban listeners might not understand the history of that vital organization.

"Eagle 1, Operation Scorpion will be completed when I arrive," Robbie said. "I have the COMPLETE package!"

Dan was shocked that Robbie had been successful in completing the failed mission. Hearing that Robbie had the "complete package" could only mean that he was bringing in at least one prisoner along with intelligence information that would be vital for the Coalition Forces in fighting the Taliban.

"I'll be waiting for you at Baker Charlie One Zero!" Dan said to Robbie. "Keep your head down!"

"Have Fidel ready for me!" Robbie said. He was asking Dan to have a Cuban cigar waiting for him, and prayed that he would get a chance to smoke it.

"I'll have a whole box ready for you!" Dan replied. "ETA of Huey, Dewey and Louie is 20! Get your ass out of there!"

Robbie knew that he had to vacate the shack before the air strike began, and also understood that helicopter coverage would take 20 minutes to arrive. He signed off of the radio and loaded his two prisoners into the back of the Red Cross truck. He grabbed the maps from the table, and used an oil lamp to set fire to the shack before climbing into the cab of the large truck. He knew that his leg wound was bleeding again, but hadn't found any medical supplies in the shack or truck to treat his wound. He started the truck and drove away from the burning shack, knowing that the strike planes would locate the exact location for their bombing runs by the fire. He wanted the site obliterated to conceal the fact that the truck and two prisoners had been taken away.

Robbie drove through the mountains and had to blast his way through two bands of Taliban fighters before the helicopters arrived. At the second enemy roadblock, the truck was hit by gunfire, shattering the windshield and side windows. Robbie lost control of the truck when two bullets hit his body, shattering his left arm, tearing into his left side and creating a long gash on the left side of his face. He fought to stay conscious, and had to use only his right arm to steer the truck and shift the gears. He was getting weak from loss of blood, and prayed that his escort would help him get to the American checkpoint.

Dan Tobin listened to the radio reports from the helicopter pilots, and learned that the truck had been hit with machine gun fire and that the driver was injured. He prayed for the safe return of his teammate, and yelled for his helicopter pilot to fly faster to get him to BC 10! The reports from the other helicopter pilots came through, and he learned that Robbie's truck was smoking and had lost speed. He feared that the truck engine would seize up, leaving Robbie at the mercy of the Taliban forces that were firing at the truck.

The four helicopter pilots used their air to surface rockets to clear the road ahead of Robbie, and fired their Gattling guns at any ground troops that they saw. They performed flawlessly, and the Red Cross truck was escorted all the way to BC 10.

Dan arrived at BC 10 and quickly ordered the Marine guards to open the gates to allow the Red Cross truck to enter. Anxiety filled his mind when he saw the smoking truck rumble inside the confines of the compound, and he ran to open the door to see if Robbie was really inside. He was shocked to see the blood flowing down Robbie's face and body, and wanted to help get his buddy out of the truck.

"DON'T TOUCH ME!" Robbie ordered. "I'M INFECTED, AND IF YOU MOVE ME, I'LL PASS OUT! TAKE THESE MAPS! WRITE DOWN WHAT I TELL YOU! I HAVE MARWAN BIN SULAYEM AND MOHAMMED BARGHOUTI IN THE BACK OF THE TRUCK ALONG WITH SOME COMPUTERS! DON'T LET THE FUCKING JARHEADS HAVE THIS SCORE!" Robbie wanted to give Dan all of the important information, and didn't want the Marines manning the checkpoint to take credit for Operation Scorpion!

Dan was wearing latex gloves, so he took the blood soaked maps from Robbie and used a pen to write down the meanings of the symbols. When he had the information written down on the bloody maps, he let the medics get Robbie out of the truck. He saw Robbie lose consciousness when the first medic tried to move him, and prayed that Robbie would survive.

Dan Tobin wanted to go with Robbie, but knew that he had to get the critical map information to the intelligence personnel. He grabbed the maps and ordered the Marines to get the prisoners and computers to INTEL immediately!

He jumped into the helicopter and prayed for Robbie's recovery while he flew back to CENTCOM.

The maps were quickly photographed, and the digital images were being transferred to the Allied Command Center on board the USS Harry S. Truman when Dan tried to reach Admiral Arthur Harrison.

"I'm sorry, but Admiral Harrison is in a Staff Meeting with General Maxwell Carlton," the soldier replied to Lt. Tobin. "He has left strict orders that the Staff Meeting is NOT to be interrupted for ANY reason!"

Dan knew that Arthur Harrison had shared his grief over the loss of Robert Mathews, and had told Dan to call him if he heard any information about Robbie. "I want you to take a note to the Admiral, with the name 'Robbie Mathews' on it!" Dan ordered. "Admiral Harrison asked me to call him, no matter what time of the day, if I had news about a special SEAL! I'll take full responsibility if you get in trouble!"

The sergeant on the phone reluctantly agreed to interrupt the Staff Meeting of the top military officers. Admiral Harrison was listening to General Carlton describing details of Operation Anaconda, when the sergeant handed him the note. He opened the paper and jumped up when he saw the name of the son of his close friend! He defied the orders of General Carlton to "sit down" and ran out of the conference room to take the phone call.

"Harrison here!" he said.

"HE'S ALIVE!" Dan Tobin choked out. "He completed Operation Scorpion, and captured MARWAN BIN SULAYEM AND MOHAMMED BARGHOUTI!!"

"HOLY FUCK!" Arthur Harrison exclaimed. He never expected to recover the body of David Mathews' son, and couldn't believe that the SEAL was alive! He recognized the names of the top military commanders of the Taliban, and knew that their capture would provide vital information.

"We're transmitting digital photos of the maps of all of the Taliban locations of men, munitions, missile sights, and artillery! Robbie captured the maps and forced the shitheads to disclose a ton of information. We have computers and cell phones that will provide more detailed information when everything is translated!" Dan said. "You should have the files of the maps within the next 5 minutes!"

"How is Mathews?" Arthur asked.

"He's busted up bad, and is full of infection!" Dan replied. "The medics have him, but I don't know where they're taking him! He did the IMPOSSIBLE!"

"GET ME THOSE FILES!" Admiral Harrison ordered to the sergeant. "Dan, let me know if you hear anything more about his condition, and THANKS for calling me out of that fucking meeting!"

General Carlton was pissed that Arthur had left the important Staff Meeting, and planned on reaming out his friend when they were alone. He saw Arthur rush into the meeting and waving a computer disc, and wondered what had happened.

"MAXWELL, I HAVE FANTASTIC NEWS!" Arthur said before rushing to the front of the conference room. "A Navy SEAL has completed Operation Scorpion, and I have digital images of maps that will let us wipe out the Taliban strongholds before we commit ground troops to Operation Anaconda! The SEAL captured Marwan bin Sulayem and Mohammed Barghouti!"

Arthur handed the disc to the Army Captain who was displaying the visual aids for the meeting, and joined the Generals in looking at the images of the blood-splattered maps. The room was filled with excitement when the top brass looked at the maps and started talking aloud about the critical information.

General Carlton yelled for everyone to "QUIET DOWN!" before he took control of the meeting. He quickly ordered copies of the maps and assigned the military commanders to organize air strikes against the targets before the Taliban could move their critical resources. He was very excited about the information, hoping that it was genuine. The next two days would prove that the information provided by the Navy SEAL was indeed accurate!

Predator unmanned aircraft were directed to photograph the various sites before and after the air attacks, and all of the generals were thrilled with the results. General Carlton led the meeting, and displayed the images of the sites before, during and after the bombing runs. The mountains of Afghanistan shook from the impacts of the bombs and the resulting explosions of the Taliban munitions. The military commanders forgot about military decorum, and cheered wildly when each image of devastation was displayed on the large screen in the Staff Meeting!

"WE'VE BROKEN THE BACK OF THE TALIBAN!" Maxwell Carlton exclaimed to his key officers. "WE'VE SAVED HUNDREDS AND MAYBE THOUSANDS OF LIVES OF OUR TROOPS WITH THESE PRE-EMPTIVE STRIKES!"

Dan Tobin had returned to his barracks and told his SEAL teammates the fantastic news that Robbie was still alive! He made sure that messages were sent to the hospitals where Casey Miller, Larry Holcomb, and Jefferson Davis were being treated. He tried to find out where Robbie had been taken, but was frustrated by the "red tape" associated with military operations.

Admiral Arthur Harrison pulled rank to find out where Robert Mathews had been taken for treatment. He contacted the doctor in charge of treating the SEAL at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, and was upset at what he heard. Robbie's infection had spread throughout his body, and the medical team was concerned about damage to Robbie's brain and other internal organs. He was packed in ice to reduce his high body temperature, and had arrested before being placed on life support. The infection had been cultured in the laboratory, but normal antibiotics were ineffective. Robbie was quarantined because there was a very serious danger that his infection was contagious.

"What can you do for him?" Arthur asked Dr. Ray Lewiston.

"I've sent for some experts from the CDC (Center for Disease Control)," Dr. Lewiston replied. "His condition is very grave, and without a miracle, we'll lose him!"

"His family thinks that he's dead," Arthur said. "Should we contact them?"

"The guys from CDC brought an experimental drug that's still being tested," Dr. Lewiston said. "Let's see what the experts say before we give the family any form of hope. This infection is completely new to everyone, and nothing has even slowed it down. He may have already lost the battle."

Two days later, Arthur decided to break all of the rules of military protocol. He asked his aide to contact Jennifer Mathews, but the phone wasn't answered at the Anderson home and he refused to leave a message on the answering machine. He decided to call the home of David Mathews.

"Hello," Marie said when she answered the phone.

"May we please speak to Jennifer Mathews?" the aide asked politely.

Marie recognized the formal way that the man was talking, and immediately knew that the caller was from the Navy.

"Jennifer isn't here right now, but she'll be here in about 20 minutes," Marie said. "I'm her mother-in-law, Marie Mathews. Who's calling?"

"One moment please," the aide said.

"Marie, this is Arthur Harrison," Arthur said.

"Arthur! Why are you trying to talk to Jennifer?" Marie asked.

"I'd rather not answer that," Arthur replied. "Is David home? I know that he had a heart attack, and I need to know if he can take a big shock."

Marie was anxious! A Navy Admiral doesn't just call the widow of a sailor to chat, and she wondered if Robbie's body had been recovered.

"Arthur, don't bullshit me! What's going on?" Marie demanded.

"Please put David on the line and I'll tell both of you," Arthur said.

Marie ran into David's office and told him that Arthur Harrison was calling.

When David said that he didn't want to talk to Arthur, Marie went to the speakerphone on David's desk and hit the button to turn it on.

"David's here!" Marie said. She glared at her husband, and was angry that he was trying to refuse to talk to his longtime friend.

"David, please acknowledge!" Arthur said. It was their way of initiating the scrambling devices to prevent eavesdropping or wire-tapping from being effective.

"Acknowledged!" David said after pushing a button on top of the black box on his desk. He didn't want to talk to Arthur because he was still upset that the SEALs in Team 28 had left Robbie behind to die in Afghanistan.

"I know that you're still angry with me, but I have a BIG shock for you," Arthur began. "Robbie's in Critical Condition!"

"HE'S ALIVE?" David screamed. "WHERE IS MY SON! TELL ME!"

Marie was close to passing out from the overflow of emotions from hearing that Robbie had been found and was still alive. She joined her husband in demanding information about Robbie!

When David and Marie had calmed down, Arthur continued by saying, "I should be talking to Robbie's wife, but our friendship is more important than all of the bullshit and military red tape. I don't want to mislead you! Robbie is in VERY BAD shape, and the doctors don't think that he'll survive his injuries. He has a serious infection that may have already damaged his brain and internal organs, and he arrested before being put on life support."

"Where is he?" David asked. "Where ever he is, I'M GOING THERE!"

"He's in total isolation at Landstuhl in Germany," Arthur replied. "Even if you found a way to go there, they won't let you or me see him! I've already told you more than I'm allowed, and I can't give Robbie's wife much of what I've already told you. When will Jennifer be at your home?"

"She's coming here with the babies and her parents, and should be here in less than 20 minutes!" Marie said.

"I'll call back in one hour, and I'll have a three-way call set up so Dr. Lewiston can talk to her," Arthur said. "Jennifer has to make a very important decision about Robbie's treatment! This will be a 'Life or Death' decision, and she needs all the support from you to authorize use of an experimental drug."

"Don't make us wait that long!" David said. "Call us back in 30 minutes, or I'll go crazy!"

"Okay Buddy okay!" Arthur said. "I'll call back in 30 minutes!"

The phone call ended, and Marie and David hugged and shared tears of joy and sorrow to hear about Robbie's condition. They understood what Arthur had said about Robbie being in critical condition, and decided that David should use the same words as Arthur to prepare Jennifer for the shock of her life!

Marie quickly called three of her friends who lived in the neighborhood. She wanted the women to be ready to take care of the babies so David could tell Jennifer about the news from Arthur.

Jennifer had wanted to stay at home, but Carol and Tom had insisted that they all visit David and Carol so they could see their grandchildren. When she got to the front porch, the door flew open and three women quickly grabbed the infants. She wasn't prepared for the strange welcome, and questioned Marie about what was going on.

"Quickly! All of you! Go into David's office!" Marie said. Her three friends would feed the babies and occupy their time while the family met in the large office.

"Robbie's in Critical Condition!" David sobbed. "We just found out!"

"ROBBIE!" Jennifer screamed. "WHERE IS HE? WHERE IS MY HUSBAND? I HAVE TO KNOW, NOW!"

David tried to control his emotions, but Jennifer, Carol and Tom were all asking questions at the same time, and he just started sobbing.

"Please let David talk!" Marie begged. She tried to control her own emotions, but could only hug Jennifer, Carol and Tom and hope that everyone could calm down.

David repeated some of what Arthur had told him, and promised that Arthur would call again in less than 10 minutes.

The phone didn't even complete one full ring when Jennifer pushed the button to answer.

"THIS IS JENNIFER MATHEWS! TELL ME ABOUT ROBBIE!" Jennifer demanded.

"One moment please," the aide began. "Admiral Arthur Harrison will be right with you!"

Jennifer was pacing back and forth, and couldn't wait to hear about her husband. She still hadn't accepted the fact that Robbie was dead, and was impatient for Admiral Harrison to talk to her on the speakerphone.

"Mrs. Mathews, this is Arthur Harrison," he began. "Please have David acknowledge!"

"Please call me Jennifer!" Jenny Kay replied. "Is Robbie really alive? Tell me!"

"I'm sure that David has told you that your husband is in Critical Condition," Arthur replied after David had turned on the scrambler. "Dr. Ray Lewiston is on the line now, and I'll let him tell you about Robbie's condition!"

"My name is Ray Lewiston, and I'm in charge of the treatment of Robert Mathews," Dr. Lewiston began. "Your husband has multiple gunshot wounds and a deep laceration on his face, but the most important medical condition is a viral infection that we can't identify or treat. His condition is VERY GRAVE, and his chances of living are extremely slim! We thought we lost him, but he's on life support right now."

"YOU HAVE TO SAVE HIM!" Jennifer sobbed.

"We've tried every known form of antibiotics, but nothing has worked," Dr. Lewiston replied. "I don't want to give you false hope, but there is a remote possibility that an experimental drug might work."

"YOU CAN'T LET HIM DIE!" Jennifer screamed. "GIVE HIM THE EXPERIMENTAL DRUG! NOW!"

"You need to listen to the possible results," Dr. Lewiston advised. "The drug is RT 532, and was developed in Sweden. It has never been tested on a patient with gunshot wounds and an unknown viral infection. Of the ten patients who were administered RT 532, seven died of complications, two suffered permanent brain damage that resulted in being institutionalized for the rest of their lives, and the other man lost use of his arms, legs and vocal cords. All three survivors are completely sterile."

Jennifer listened to the doctor, and tried to decide what to do.

"What will happen to Robbie if you don't give him this new drug?" Jennifer asked.

"He will most certainly die," Dr. Lewiston replied.

"Give my husband the drug!" Jennifer said emphatically. "I know my husband!

If there's a remote chance that he could live, he would take the drug himself!"

"Are you sure?" Arthur Harrison asked.

"Yes, I'm sure!" Jennifer replied for emphasis. "Give Robbie the RT 532! He's a strong man, and he'll survive!"

"When will you know if the drug is going to be effective?" Marie asked.

"Within 48 hours of the first injection," Dr. Lewiston replied. "I must warn you again that the other tests were never performed on a man with gunshot wounds."

"I accept the responsibility for my decision," Jennifer replied. "When will you let us know?"

"IF Admiral Harrison can make the arrangements, I can give you a status report in 48 hours," Dr. Lewiston replied. "I hope that I can give you some hope at that time."

When the phone call ended, everyone hugged and shared their emotions and prayers for Robbie's treatment. They were still in shock that Robbie was alive, and tried to remain positive that the experimental drug would be effective and not kill Robbie.

Army Captain Ray Lewiston stayed on the line to talk to Navy Admiral Arthur Harrison. He admitted to the Admiral that in the other experiments with RT 532, the effects were dramatic within the first few hours. All seven men who had not survived had died within two hours of the first injections. The drug would be administered under the supervision of the experts from the CDC, but he would be there.

Arthur Harrison prayed for Robbie's recovery, and then returned to his regular duties. Operation Anaconda had been launched, and his presence was needed in the conference room where the generals were getting constant updates.

Jennifer broke down in tears in the arms of her parents. She was overcome with grief at the decision that she had made, and needed to hear that her parents and Robbie's parents agreed with her decision.

"Let's all pray for Robbie!" David said. He wasn't normally a religious person, but he led his family in asking God to spare his son. "Dear God," David began. "Robbie's in Your hands now, and we ask You to spare his life and return him to health. Please guide the doctors in their treatment of our loved one, and bring him home to us and his children. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior who died for our sins that we could all be saved. AMEN!"

Everyone said, "AMEN" and thanked David for his prayer.

No one in the Mathews' home had a restful night. They all prayed in their own way and tossed and turned all night. When the babies woke up in the morning, the adults focused on the children and continued praying for Robbie's recovery.

Dr. Ray Lewiston didn't sleep either. He watched the injections of RT 532 and prayed that his patient would survive. The results were unexpected and dramatic! Robbie's body reacted to the injections and his temperature began dropping immediately.

The experts from the CDC were astounded! They had never witnessed a patient responding so dramatically after the first two injections! The experimental medication was added to an IV drip, and they monitored the positive results for over 12 hours before succumbing to exhaustion. They slept in shifts, so they could document the results for future tests.

It had been 24 hours since Jennifer had authorized the experimental drug when the phone rang in the Mathews' home. No one expected a phone call from the Navy for another 24 hours, but Marie ran to answer the phone.

"May we please speak to Jennifer Mathews?" Admiral Harrison's aide asked.

"JENNY! COME QUICKLY! IT'S THE NAVY CALLING!" Marie screamed.

Jennifer ran into David's office and saw him putting the call on his speakerphone after he turned on the scrambler.

"This is Jennifer Mathews!" She said.

"Please hold for Admiral Arthur Harrison," the aide said.

Jennifer was terrified. She wasn't expecting a call from the Navy for another 24 hours, and feared that Robbie had died!

"Jennifer, we have a MIRACLE!" Arthur Harrison said excitedly. "Dr. Lewiston is on the line with the best news I could possibly imagine!"

Jennifer, Carol, Tom, Marie and David screamed with joy. They had all been afraid that the call would be horrible news, but now they were excited!

"This is Doctor Lewiston, and I have wonderful news for you!" the doctor announced. "Our patient has responded positively to the medication, and his vital signs are improving drastically!"

Everyone cheered and shed tears of joy at the wonderful news. They exchanged hugs and listened to Dr. Lewiston describe the improvements in Robbie's vital signs.

"We're not out of the woods yet!" Dr. Lewiston began, "But his body temperature has dropped and the brain scans are showing drastic improvements! We're trying to remain positive, and hope that we can begin to treat his wounds within 24 hours! He's a VERY strong man, and his physical conditioning will help him fight the infection! Our prayers have been answered!"

The happy family listened to the doctor describe the other vital signs that were improving with each hour, and celebrated with the information about each test result. When the call ended, they hugged and cried tears of relief!

David had recorded the phone call, and played the recording several times so they could all hear the good news again and again. Marie explained the various tests, and how important each test was when a patient was on life support. The family rejoiced and couldn't wait for the next call, hoping for more good news.

It was two days later when the phone rang in the Mathews home. Carol, Tom, Jennifer and the babies had remained at the Mathews' home. Everyone was anxious when the phone rang, and Jennifer ran into David's office to answer the call.

"This is Jennifer Mathews," She said. She didn't want to waste a second of time in the hope that the Admiral was calling with more good news!

"Please hold, Mrs. Mathews," a strange voice said. "There's someone here who wants to talk to you!"

"Jenny Kay are you there?" a weak voice said.

"ROBBIE!" Jennifer screamed. "IS IT REALLY YOU?"

"Hi beautiful, it's me," Robbie said softly. "I'm busted up, but I'm alive."

"OH MY GOD!" Jennifer screamed. "I LOVE YOU!"

David, Marie, Tom and Carol shed tears of joy when they heard Robbie's voice. His voice was weak and raspy, but they knew it was him! They had never expected him to be strong enough to talk on the phone, and thanked God for the miracle that had saved Robbie's life.

"I love you more," Robbie said softly. "I'm really fucked up right now, but I'll get better. The doctors told me that you authorized some special drug for me. Thanks, baby."

"Oh, Robbie! I can't tell you how great it is to hear your voice again!" Jennifer choked out. "I thought you were dead!"

"I wasn't going to let some rag heads smoke me," Robbie replied.

"Robbie, you have a daughter!" Jennifer said excitedly.

"Oh Shit," Robbie began. "I forgot that you were due before I got clipped (shot). Please forgive me for not asking about the baby."

"Oh Robbie, don't apologize for that!" Jennifer replied. "Right now I just want you to concentrate on getting healthy so you can come home to me!"

"What's her name?" Robbie asked. "Is she beautiful like her Mommy?"

"Her name is Abigail Marie Mathews, and she's the most beautiful baby in the world!" Jennifer answered. "We'll call her Abby!"

Robbie talked to his parents and in-laws before asking to talk privately to Jennifer.

When Jennifer was alone, Robbie said, "I need to tell you some things that might affect our future together," he began softly. His voice was weak, but he was trying to be strong for his wife. "Please don't interrupt me until I'm finished. I'm going to live, but I have a terrible gash down the left side of my face and you might not be able to look at me. The doctors said that I might not be a man anymore, and I'll understand if you want me to stay away."

Carol, Tom, David and Marie were outside the door to the office, and could only hear what Jennifer said to Robbie. They were shocked when they heard her yell, "ROBBIE MATHEWS, THAT'S THE WORST THING THAT YOU'VE EVER SAID TO ME! IF I WAS THERE, I'D KILL YOU MYSELF!"

Carol pushed Tom aside and was determined to get to Jennifer and slap her face! She was furious that Jenny would say those hateful words to Robbie, and fought with Tom and David to get inside the office.

"Have you and Tom ever argued?" David said while using his strength to hold Carol back. "I bet you have, and my son must have just said something REALLY stupid to his wife! Let them work it out! It's not our place to get between a man and his wife!"

Carol was furious and struggled to get away from her husband to chew out her daughter. When she heard Jennifer's next words, she relaxed.

"I love you too!" Jennifer said. "You'll always be a man! I don't care if we can't have any more children! A fucking scar won't affect my love for you!"

The parents stayed near the office door and decided to let Robbie and Jennifer talk. They listened to one side of the conversation until Jennifer said, " Robbie what's happening?" They couldn't wait any longer, and rushed into the room, afraid that something was wrong with Robbie. What they heard was the crashing of metal objects and Robbie screaming. The phone line went dead, and everyone was shocked.

"Robbie was arguing with someone who said that he had to end the call!" Jennifer screamed. "The phone went dead! What can we do? I heard him scream!"

David tried to call his contacts in the Navy, but was frustrated when he wasn't able to get anyone to connect him to the military hospital in Germany. He tried to act positive, but he feared that Robbie had relapsed and that his son's life was in danger again.

Four hours later, Admiral Harrison called the Mathews' home. He talked to Jennifer and said that Robbie had become angry with the nurse who was following orders in limiting the time of the phone call. Robbie had been injured in the altercation, and had been sedated. He talked in private to David, and explained that Operation Anaconda was in full swing and that a total ban on phone calls or messages would be in effect for several days and possibly for weeks.

Jennifer tried to remain positive, but the lack of information about Robbie caused her anxiety to escalate. She refused to leave the Mathews' home just in case the Navy would call again with news about Robbie's health.

When Christmas Eve arrived, the Mathews' home was filled with family and friends. Everyone talked about Robbie, and prayed for some good news from the Navy.

Marie was in the kitchen putting the final touches on a salad when the telephone rang.

"Hello" Marie said.

"Marie, this is Karen Carter," the woman said. "You know that delivery men always confuse our addresses, and two Navy officers were just here asking for Jennifer. Is everything okay?"

"OH GOD, NO!" Marie screamed. She knew that the Carters lived at 1730 Hitching Post Court, while she and David lived at 1730 Hitching Post Lane. Hearing that two Navy officers were looking for Jennifer could only mean that there was terrible news about Robbie!

Jennifer heard Marie scream and ran into the kitchen. When she heard about the Navy officers, she broke down in tears and fought to stay conscious.

David and Tom had rushed into the kitchen, and were terrified about the news. David ran for his office with everyone following so he could try and contact the Navy. He was looking for a special telephone number when the phone rang.

"David Mathews here!" David choked out.

"Jennifer Mathews, please" the voice asked.

David knew that Jennifer was in no condition to talk on the phone and said, "Jennifer can't take your call! Is Arthur Harrison calling? LET ME TALK TO ARTHUR, IMMEDIATELY!"

"One moment please," the aide said.

"David, this is Arthur Harrison," Arthur said. "I hear some upset people in the background! What's going on?"

"Arthur, we just found out that two Navy officers are looking for Jennifer," David replied. "That can only mean TERRIBLE news about my son!"

"Jennifer, please calm down!" Arthur said when he realized that things had gone wrong with the surprise for the family of a VERY special SEAL! "I wanted to prepare you for their visit, but we must have calculated the time difference wrong and things happened faster than I expected! They are NOT bringing bad news about Robbie! In fact, the absolute OPPOSITE is true!"

"What do you mean?" Jennifer sobbed.

"I was able to fly to Germany and asked Robbie if there was anything that I could do for him," Arthur admitted. "Those two Navy officers aren't delivering bad news, they're an ESCORT!"

What do you mean?" Jennifer demanded.

"What kind of escort?" David demanded.

"They're escorting a second vehicle, and it's an ambulance!" Arthur said excitedly. "Robbie's inside the ambulance!"

The office was filled with screams of joy! Jennifer ran out of the office and headed for the front door of the Mathews' home.

"David, I need to talk to you in private," Arthur said. "Please acknowledge!"

David lifted the telephone receiver and turned on the scrambling device. "Acknowledged!" he said.

"David, I need to tell you about Robbie's condition," Arthur said. "He has PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and flipped out three times in Germany. The doctors wanted to pump him full of heavy medications and send him to a fucking Mental Ward, but I pulled my rank and used all of my influence to stop them! You and Marie have been around men who have PTSD, and I'm praying that you can get him back to normal. If you can't, we'll have to airlift him to a military hospital. He gave a clinical report of what happened to him in Afghanistan, but I want you to de-brief him and get him to accept what he did to survive! We suspect that he killed some civilians, but he won't talk! Can you do it?"

"I'll do my best!" David promised. "PTSD is a bitch for anyone, and I know that he'll fight me!"

"That's all that I can ask!" Arthur admitted. "He might hurt the people that he loves the most! He's having nightmares, so be prepared!"

"Thanks for bringing my son home to me!" David said.

"Merry Christmas!" Arthur said. "I'll call in a few days to see how things are going."

"This is the best Christmas gift of my entire life!" David admitted. "Thanks, buddy!"

After the phone call ended, David ran to find Marie to tell her about Robbie's condition. He asked her to help explain PTSD to Jennifer, and ran outside the home and into the fresh snow. He saw the two vehicles coming up his driveway, and ran behind Jennifer to the ambulance.

Jennifer almost ripped the door off the ambulance to get inside to see Robbie! She was shocked to see that he was strapped down on a gurney and heard him threatening to kill the medics who were in the ambulance.

"ROBBIE!" She screamed when she hugged and kissed her husband.

"GET THESE FUCKING STRAPS OFF ME OR I'LL KILL ALL OF YOU!" Robbie threatened.

"Why is he strapped down?" Jennifer asked the worried medics.

"JENNIFER!" Marie yelled at her daughter-in-law. "COME HERE! NOW!"

Jennifer didn't want to leave Robbie, and continued kissing him and telling him that she loved him. She saw David getting into the ambulance and saw the serious look on his face.

"Jenny, let me handle this!" David began. "Marie needs to talk to you, NOW!"

"DAD!" Robbie screamed. "TAKE THESE FUCKING STRAPS OFF OF ME!"

"Sir, we're afraid of him!" the medic admitted. "He's determined to walk inside, but we'll all be busted if he gets hurt! We can't let him try to walk on crutches in the snow!"

"Let me handle this!" David said to the medics.

Marie grabbed Jennifer and tried to explain how PTSD was affecting Robbie's behavior. She pulled Jennifer out of the ambulance and said that David would handle everything!

"YOU CALM YOUR JETS, SAILOR!" David demanded of his son. "Either you calm down, or I'll tell them to pump you full of drugs and haul your ass to a military hospital! I'm in charge here!"

"You wouldn't let them take me away!" Robbie argued.

"Do you want to challenge me and find out if I'm bluffing?" David asked with the "SEAL look" in his eyes.

Robbie was furious, but saw that his Dad had a determined look on his face.

"I can use the crutches!" Robbie pleaded. "A SEAL doesn't get carried anywhere if he can walk!"

"Don't you DARE defy me!" David threatened.

Robbie saw that his Dad was angry, and grumbled but finally calmed down. He still wanted to attack the medics, but knew that his Dad could tear him apart if he didn't obey his orders.

"Here's the deal," David said when he saw Robbie calm down. "These men will take you up on the porch on this gurney, and then we'll see if you can stand and get inside the house without falling on your ass! We have six inches of new snow on the ground, but the porch is protected and dry. If we see you stumble, we'll carry you inside!"

"I can make it through the snow!" Robbie argued.

"It's my way or the highway!" David said emphatically. "Give me your word as a SEAL that you won't do anything stupid, or your ass is out of here before you can see your children!"

"You wouldn't do that to me!" Robbie insisted.

"TRY ME!" David said.

Robbie was furious, but recognized the "SEAL look" from his Dad. He took a deep breath and admitted defeat.

"Give me your word!" David insisted.

"You have my word!" Robbie replied.

"That's better!" David said. "Take off the straps! I'll take FULL responsibility for his actions! Let's get him up on the porch and see if he can stand on his own. If he stumbles, we'll carry him inside!"

The medics were still afraid of Robbie, but knew that his Dad was a Navy Captain, and outranked them. They were relieved that Robbie didn't attack them when they took off the restraints, and cooperated with them when he was safely on the covered porch. They helped Robbie sit up and waited for him to fight off the dizziness.

David watched Robbie trying to clear his head and decided to thank the two Navy officers for bringing his son home. "Lieutenant, you don't know how much it means for us to have him home with us!" David said. "You men gave up Christmas Eve with your own families to bring him home, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart!"

"You may not recognize me and Lieutenant Carter, but we had the unfortunate duty of delivering the letter that he was MIAPD!" Lt. John Newson said. "We've delivered way too many letters with horrible news for families, but when we heard that he was coming home, we DEMANDED that we escort him! We'll be with our families tomorrow, and we'll celebrate this night with them!"

"Let's see if he can stand up," David said.

Marie was holding Jennifer back so the sailors could take care of Robbie. All of the guests at the Mathews' home were watching through the open doorway or at the windows, and couldn't believe that Robbie was actually home for Christmas Eve!

When Robbie stood up, he grabbed the crutch with his right hand and balanced on the crutch and his left leg. He nearly fell before he gained his balance, and took three small steps before stopping at the front door. He saw Jennifer waiting for him with tears of joy flowing down her face, but he insisted on performing a ritual of respect for his Dad.

"Captain Mathews, Petty Officer First Class Robert David Mathews is requesting permission to come aboard, SIR!" Robbie said while trying to salute. The crutch fell out of his right arm during the salute, but Lt. John Newson caught it.

David had tears of joy flowing down his face when he snapped to attention, returned Robbie's salute and said, "Permission granted, sailor! Welcome aboard!"

The guests cheered and shared the wonderful sight of Robbie limping into the Mathews' home. For everyone present, this was the best Christmas gift that they could imagine!

The medics had a wheelchair ready and helped Robbie sit down before they were satisfied that he was safe.

Marie offered her hospitality to the Navy men, but they graciously declined and said goodbye to Robbie.

Robbie thanked the men and apologized for his behavior in the ambulance. He couldn't understand why he was always so angry, and knew that he had threatened the men who had brought him home to his family.

"Let's get Robbie into the family room," Marie said. "I think we should all let Robbie and Jennifer have some time alone!"

Tom and David helped Robbie get out of the wheelchair and into the leather recliner. Marie was sad when she saw the jagged scar on the left side of Robbie's face, but knew that every SEAL had scars from their dangerous missions. She adjusted the sling that supported the plaster cast on Robbie's left arm and then moved the lever to raise Robbie's legs. His right leg had a large cast that went from Robbie's foot to the top of his thigh, and he was in obvious pain. She had accepted the medications from the two Navy officers along with the emergency number to be used if Robbie had to be evacuated to a military hospital.

Robbie was exhausted, but he was also thrilled that he was home and sitting with his wife. He was exchanging words of love with Jennifer when Carol came in holding a baby.

"Would you like to see your daughter?" Carol asked.

Robbie's emotions were raw from pain and exhaustion, but he wanted to hold his daughter. He balanced the crying bundle of joy and gazed down at Abby. "MY GOD, SHE'S BEAUTIFUL!" he said. He leaned over and kissed Abby's forehead before Jennifer took the baby from his arms.

"She's hungry!" Jennifer said while opening her blouse to expose her breast.

The tiny baby immediately began nursing, and Robbie was thrilled to watch.

"We can't hold them back!" Marie apologized when the twins ran into the family room.

Robbie was shocked to see how much his twin sons had grown and how they were now walking. The twins ran up, stopped and looked at him.

"Hi boys, I'm your Daddy!" Robbie said. When he saw the twins turn and run away, he sobbed and said, "They saw my scar and are afraid of me!"

Jennifer tried to calm Robbie down and said, "Give them time! They don't recognize you but they will!"

"My God, look at them!" Marie said to Carol.

The twins had returned and were both trying to carry a book into the family room. They both climbed up on Robbie's lap and it was obvious that they wanted him to read them a story!

"They recognized your voice!" Jennifer said happily. "Every night I play those tapes of you reading stories to them before they go to bed! Mom, catch them before they hurt Robbie!"

"Leave them alone!" Robbie demanded. He winced in pain when the twins climbed onto his lap and squirmed around to get comfortable.

Carol and Marie had tried to catch the twins before they ran into the family room, but couldn't. What they saw was the most beautiful sight in the world, with Jennifer nursing Abby and Robbie holding the twins to read them a story!

David snapped a picture with his digital camera and then closed the glass doors to the family room so Robbie and Jennifer could be alone with their children. The guests all snuck a peek into the family room before retreating to the living room to celebrate the homecoming of the Navy hero.

When it was time for the Christmas Eve meal, Robbie was taken into the dining room in his wheelchair. He was at the end of the table with Jennifer at his right and the twins in highchairs at his left. He tried to feed the boys some potatoes, and was frustrated when he dropped the spoon. His anger took over, and he shoved his plate of food off from the table. The crash of the breaking china startled the babies, and they all started crying.

David flew to Robbie's side and grabbed him while Carol, Marie and Tom grabbed the babies and carried them out of the room.

"CALM DOWN OR WE'LL SEDATE YOU!" David threatened. "You just scared the shit out of your children, and I WON'T tolerate that behavior in my house!"

"I'm sorry," Robbie replied. "I don't know why I'm always so angry! Maybe I should leave!"

"This is your home and we want you here!" David said. "Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is hard to overcome, but we're all here to help you recover!

Don't hurt the ones who love you!"

Robbie was crying when he asked everyone to forgive him. He was exhausted, but didn't want to ruin the special meal for his family and friends. When the babies were returned to the supper table, he was able to feed the twins some potatoes before letting Jennifer and Carol take over for him.

Abe and Connie Silverstein had donated their condo on Maui for the honeymoon of Robbie and Jennifer, and took pride in the part they had played in the marriage. It was nearly time for dessert when Abe saw Robbie nodding off.

"I think that we should all leave now so Robbie can get some rest," Abe said to everyone at the table. "Maybe in a week or so we can come back for another fantastic meal of Marie's and then we can open our gifts. The best gift in the world is sitting at the end of this table right now, and this is the best Christmas of my entire life!"

"I'm okay!" Robbie insisted when he woke up and tried to clear his mind.

"Abe's right!" David said. "I hope no one objects, but I'd like to offer a prayer of thanksgiving!"

Everyone bowed their heads when David began his simple prayer. "Dear God, You answered our prayers for the healing of Robbie, and we give thanks to You for bringing him home to us tonight. We ask You to protect him and all of the men and women serving our Country in the military, and thank You for blessing us with Robbie's homecoming on this special evening of celebration.

Please heal Robbie and guide us to do Your will. In Jesus' Name we pray, AMEN!"

Everyone joined in saying "AMEN" and made their preparations to leave the Mathews' home.

Jennifer was determined to sleep with Robbie, but listened to the warnings of David that Robbie might have nightmares and could lash out in his sleep. His concerns never materialized, and Robbie and Jennifer slept together for the first time in many months.

David spent many hours talking to Robbie alone, and finally understood how difficult the time in Afghanistan had been for his son to survive. For the first time since his own SEAL missions had ended, David admitted to another person what he had been forced to do in Viet Nam. He had been forced to kill civilians that included children when they had fired weapons at him. Many SEALs had a special mission when they realized that they had "hit the wall" and could no longer perform without endangering their teammates. Robbie admitted that he had "hit the wall" too, and for the first time admitted that he had run down some civilians that included children with the Red Cross truck. He broke down, and David knew that it was a critical point in getting Robbie headed toward recovery. Robbie held nothing back, and feared that his Dad would hate him for what he did on his SEAL missions. Instead, David understood, and empathized with his son.

It was almost a week later when Marie answered the phone and was surprised to hear that Admiral Harrison wanted to talk to Robbie. She carried the portable phone to the dining room where the entire family was having breakfast, and handed it to Robbie.

"Hello" Robbie said. There was a pause and then he said, "Thank you, Sir! Yes, Sir! I understand. I'll let you know my decision when you call back in two days. Aye, Aye, Sir!"

"What was that all about?" Jennifer asked when the call ended.

"I guess this is a good time to tell you what I want to do when my hitch is up in April," Robbie began. "I want to Ship Over (Re-enlist)!"

Jennifer jumped up and screamed, "HOW THE FUCK CAN YOU SAY THAT TO ME? I NEARLY LOST YOU, AND I WON'T LET YOU GO BACK TO THE NAVY SO YOU CAN DIE! I'LL KILL YOU MYSELF!"

Robbie was pissed and glared at Jennifer! He was furious, and watched Jennifer storm out of the dining room. Marie and Carol had joined Jennifer in screaming at Robbie, and ran out to try and calm Jennifer down.

"I love your daughter, but right now if I had a gun, I'd smoke her!" Robbie said to Tom Anderson.

"DON'T YOU EVER SAY THAT AGAIN!" David ordered. "SHE'S YOUR WIFE!"

"No one let me finish!" Robbie said. "Everyone jumped on my ass, but Jenny Kay climbed right up inside my ass and started chewing!"

"We all thought that you were dead back in November," David said. "None of us want you to go back on SEAL missions again! You told me that you hit the wall! Were you lying to me?"

"I've never lied to you!" Robbie insisted. "Why didn't anyone let me finish?"

"You gave Jenny the 'SEAL look'," David said. "I made the same mistake only ONCE with Marie! You CAN'T do that to your wife!"

The Mathews' home was in turmoil, with the babies crying and Jennifer sobbing while hugging her mother and Marie. The three women were all upset that Robbie would consider re-enlisting in the Navy, and shared their anxieties about Robbie's comments.

"You need to calm down and talk to him without yelling," Marie advised. "He's just getting a grip on his emotions after fighting PTSD, and none of us want him to relapse."

Jennifer finally calmed down and decided to return to the dining room to talk to Robbie. She was determined to get him to change his mind and return to civilian life.

"I'm sorry that I yelled at you," Jennifer said to Robbie.

"I'm sorry that I upset you," Robbie replied. "I didn't mean to glare at you, and I apologize. Please let me say what I have to say, and if my family doesn't agree with what I want to do, I'll resign from the Navy."

Everyone sat down at the table, and looked at Robbie. He was visibly upset, and they all promised to listen before interrupting him.

"I know that I can't go back to active duty with my SEAL buddies," Robbie admitted. "I hit the wall, and would jeopardize the safety of my teammates.

There are other jobs that I can perform for the Navy and my country, and I'm sure that I'll be stationed here in the U.S. for at least four years."

"How can you say that?" Jennifer asked.

"Admiral Harrison made me an offer, and I'd like to accept it," Robbie replied. "I won't be stationed in Michigan, but I hear that Maryland is a nice place to live!"

"Maryland?" David asked. Then he said, "OH MY GOD! ANNAPOLIS?"

"Yup," Robbie said with a grin on his face. "Can you imagine me being a Plebe again?"

The dining room erupted with everyone celebrating what Robbie had been offered! He had been offered a chance to attend the Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, and would be following in the exact footsteps of David Mathews!

Jennifer hugged Robbie and congratulated him on the great news! She was excited about Robbie going to Annapolis where he would get a college degree and become a Navy officer!

10 months later, Robbie was in trouble at the Naval Academy. His commanding officer, Lt. Commander John Adams was calling Admiral Lewis Armstrong to pursue expulsion proceedings.

"I want to open the Personnel Files on a plebe by the name of Robert Mathews," John Adams said. "I'm ready to file formal charges of striking a superior officer and toss him out of the Navy with a Dishonorable Discharge!"

Admiral Armstrong recognized the name of the plebe and couldn't believe that the charges were genuine. "Those files are sealed for a reason," he said. "Tell me why you want to end the career of this plebe."

"I have two officers in Sick Bay right now because of him!" Lt. Commander Adams replied. "He attacked both officers after an altercation in the Martial Arts training, and I want him out of the Navy!"

"Tell me exactly what happened," Admiral Armstrong demanded.

"Lieutenant Henne was showing the plebes how to defend themselves when they were attacked by a man with a knife," Lt. Commander Adams began. "Mathews was selected by Lt. Henne who was holding a demo knife, and told Mathews to defend himself. Mathews attacked and disarmed Henne and held the knife to his throat before Lt. Constantine ended the demonstration. Mathews stood up and threw the knife into the heart of a bayonet dummy."

"I don't hear anything that would warrant a Dishonorable Discharge!" Admiral Armstrong said.

"It was the next day that Mathews attacked both Henne and Constantine!" John Adams said. "Henne has a broken arm and several broken ribs, and Constantine has a broken jaw and a broken leg! I want him OUT!"

Admiral Armstrong suddenly realized what had happened. He continued asking questions and started to smile.

"So you're telling me that a plebe attacked two Martial Arts Experts without provocation and put both of them in the hospital?" Admiral Armstrong said. "Let me tell you what I think happened! Our two trainers were embarrassed in front of the plebes and decided to give Mathews a 'Code Red' to teach him a lesson! They confronted Mathews and came out on the losing end of the battle!"

"Well, they might have decided to teach him a lesson, but he struck two officers and deserves a Dishonorable Discharge!" John Adams insisted. "He has a lot of scars on his body, and everyone thinks that he was in a gang when he was a civilian! Several of his wounds look like gunshot wounds, and he's not what we want at Annapolis!"

"He's exactly what we want for the Naval Academy!" Admiral Armstrong insisted. "I know his background, and if he really wanted to, he could have killed both of your trainers in a matter of seconds! He showed restraint, and that's more than our two trainers did!"

"How can you say that?" John Adams asked.

"I'm not going to open his file for you and I won't let you start expulsion proceedings against him!" Admiral Armstrong said. "In a few months, you'll understand why!"

"But he's a rebel!" John Adams insisted. "What about my two injured officers? Are you just doing this because he's the best defensive back on the football team?"

"You just insulted me, and I won't tolerate insubordination from you or any other officer! Here's what I want you to do," Admiral Armstrong said. "I want you to 'Comp' Mathews out of all Martial Arts training. I want you to ASK him to train your trainers in private! I repeat! You are to ASK him, and not ORDER him to train your trainers! This is a DIRECT ORDER! Do you understand?"

"Aye, Aye, SIR!" Lt. Commander Adams said to his boss. He was upset, but had to follow the orders of his superior officer.

It was May 24, 2003, when a large group of visitors arrived at the Naval Academy for an important event. Plebes Justin Weatherford and Brent Carr were concerned that Robbie hadn't arrived before their unit was expected to march into the stadium for an important event. No one knew what was going to happen, but both plebes had heard that the band had been practicing "Hail to the Chief" and that music was reserved for the President of the United States!

"Mathews is fried!" Justin said to Brent. "We can't cover for him on this one!"

"I thought he would be tossed out of here when he kicked the asses of those two trainers!" Brent replied. "You and I have seen his scars, and everyone is afraid of what he might do!"

"He's been the best friend that we have here!" Justin said. "He must have a reason for not telling us how he got all of those scars, but we've seen him with his family, and he's a fantastic guy!"

Robbie was nervous when he greeted David and Marie before the special recognition that was awaiting his arrival on the stage in the stadium. He hugged Jennifer and his babies before greeting Tom and Carol with hugs and kisses.

"This is your day!" David said to Robbie.

"It's a great day to celebrate, but I don't think you know why I'm so excited!" Robbie said.

"You're going to get a Medal of Valor," David said. "What's more important than that?"

"Tell them!" Robbie said to Jennifer.

"I'M PREGNANT!" Jennifer announced.

"I guess that my plumbing still works!" Robbie said with glee. "I keep poking my thing at her in fun, but she always takes it serious!"

David, Marie, Tom and Carol celebrated the fantastic news! Jennifer and Robbie were going to have another child, and they were thrilled!

When all of the Midshipmen and plebes were seated in the stadium, Admiral Lewis Armstrong walked up to the lectern and began his opening comments to the crowd that included a multitude of television and newspaper reporters. "Before we introduce our special guests, I want to introduce some visitors," Admiral Armstrong began. "Please don't applaud until I have introduced all of the people who have come here today to recognize a VERY special young man! Returning today to the Academy where their Naval careers were launched are Captain David Mathews, Lieutenant Commander Derrick Harmon, Commander Guy Stephens, and Admiral Arthur Harrison! I know that you all recognize the uniforms of other branches of our military, and I want to introduce Army General Vincent Brown, Air Force Lieutenant Tracker Whitestone, and Marine Captain Colin Williams. Everyone associated with the Navy recognizes the Trident of the Navy SEAL's and if you're close enough, you'll recognize that insignia on the uniforms of Captain Mathews, Lieutenant Commander Harmon, and Commander Stephens!"

The audience erupted with cheers and clapping in recognition of the best Special Forces organization in the world!

"You'll see the same Trident on the next seven men that I want to introduce," Admiral Armstrong announced. "I'd like the following SEALs to stand and be recognized for holding the distinction of completing 100% of the missions that they were assigned! Lieutenant Commander Dan Tobin, along with Chief Petty Officer Casey Miller, and Petty Officers First Class, Lawrence Holcomb, Carl Jenkins, Adam Baker, Jefferson Davis, and Lee Walker!"

Again, the stadium was filled with applause from the cadets, plebes and reporters. Admiral Armstrong then introduced the civilians on the stage, before saying, "And now it is my pleasure to announce the arrival of the Commander in Chief of ALL Military Forces of the United States, President George W. Bush!"

Everyone stood at attention when the President of the United States walked up on the stage to the sounds of "Hail to the Chief!"

When the music ended, President George Bush returned the salute and began his opening comments. "I'm pleased to be here today on the campus of the finest military academy in the ENTIRE WORLD!"

The audience cheered and clapped for the President, and wondered why he had come to Annapolis.

"It's my pleasure to introduce the man who brought the ultimate honor to the United States Navy, along with his family!" President Bush said. "I was told that I could call him by his nickname, so please welcome Robbie Mathews, his wife Jennifer, sons Andrew and David, and daughter Abby!"

The crowd cheered. Justin and Brent were shocked to hear Robbie's name and the names of his family. They saw Robbie walk out on the stage and had another shock.

"He's wearing an enlisted uniform!" Justin said.

"Not just an enlisted uniform!" Brent exclaimed, "HE'S A SEAL!"

"For those of you that are too far away to see, Robbie Mathews is technically out of uniform today," President Bush began. "I asked Robbie to wear the uniform that he wore when he distinguished himself and the Navy SEALs! I'll ask Robbie and his family to sit down while I tell everyone why I came to the Naval Academy today!"

The officers and cadets from Annapolis knew that Robert Mathews was a martial arts expert, but never dreamed that he had been in the Navy SEALs.

"For those of you connected to this fine academy, I'll explain why Robbie didn't tell you about his previous service to the Navy," George Bush continued. "At the age of six, Robbie lost his birth parents to a tragic automobile accident, and he was raised by his aunt and uncle, Marie and Navy Captain David Mathews. His martial arts training started when he was only seven years old, and he excelled at the finest military prep school in the nation, the George Washington Academy in Traverse City, Michigan. He was the first and only cadet in the 100 plus years of that Academy to be the Martial Arts Champion for four years! He also excelled in other sports, and earned 4 varsity letters in football, 4 in basketball and 4 in baseball. He was honored with All State and High School All American status as a defensive back for football, and for two consecutive years, he was recognized with All State and High School All American status at the shortstop position for baseball. After boot camp and SEAL training, Robbie became Eagle 7, a member of Eagle Team, the best SEAL team in the world! On September 11th of 2001, terrorists who wanted to tear our country apart attacked our country! The attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the downed plane in Pennsylvania woke up a 'Sleeping Giant' just like the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941. Our country is at WAR, and we have to fight terrorists and the countries that support them, no matter where or when. In November of 2001, Coalition Forces were preparing for Operation Anaconda, the major offensive against the Taliban Forces who controlled Afghanistan and protected terrorist training camps. SEAL Team 28, commonly called Eagle Team was sent behind enemy lines to gather intelligence information before Operation Anaconda would officially begin."

When the President paused, cadets murmured about what they were hearing. They knew that SEAL missions were highly classified, and that Robbie had never divulged his background, even to his close plebe buddies. Now the President of the United States was providing information that no one had ever heard before!

"Team 28 came under intense fire, and four of the eight men, including Robbie Mathews were wounded," President Bush continued. "Robbie risked his life to provide cover fire so that his teammates could escape the area and called in an air strike to obliterate the Taliban militants. The seven SEALs that I just introduced to you owe their lives to the bravery of Robbie Mathews, but my story doesn't end there. The Air Force responded to the air strike request, and the mountains of Afghanistan shook with the impact of the blanket bombing. Search teams went into the area in the days following the air strikes, but found no traces of our hero. The Mathews family was notified in November of 2001 that Robert David Mathews was officially listed as Missing In Action and Presumed Dead!"

Many of the men and women in the audience gasped at hearing what the President was saying. They knew that MIAPD would be a terrible shock for their families, and were amazed that Robbie was still alive.

"Obviously, Robbie Mathews didn't die in the firefight or the bombing actions," George Bush continued. "He was wounded in the right leg, and his wound developed a serious infection, but he didn't give up! Instead, he traveled over 100 miles through enemy territory, surviving on snakes, rats, and contaminated water. He made his way to a tiny village where he found a Taliban Command Center guarded by over 10 militants. Armed with only a knife, he eliminated the 10 guards and captured Marwan bin Sulayem, the Taliban Supreme General and his second in command, General Mohammed Barghouti. Today marks the first time that we have revealed that those two generals were captured by our troops. The maps and computers that this man captured saved hundreds, and maybe thousands of lives of Coalition Forces, and I'm here today to recognize his sacrifice for his country! Robbie, please come up here with me!"

Everyone stood and cheered for Robbie! Now they knew why Robbie had never divulged his background as a Navy SEAL, and they cheered and applauded while he walked up and saluted the President!

"Robbie drove a truck through enemy lines and delivered the prisoners and critical intelligence information to our Allied Forces in Afghanistan, and nearly died of his wounds from the initial fighting and from his flight through enemy lines. Only the use of an experimental drug cured the serious infection that filled his body. It's my duty and honor as the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States to present to Petty Officer First Class, and Naval Academy Plebe, Robert David Mathews the highest honor that can be presented to any person in the military, the MEDAL OF HONOR!" President Bush said. "I'll read the plaque that goes with the medal that I'm placing around Robbie's neck!"

"By his outstanding display of decisive leadership, unlimited courage in the face of enemy fire, and utmost devotion to duty, Petty Officer First Class Robert David Mathews reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the SEALs and the United States Naval Service!"

Everyone was on their feet to cheer for the recognition of Robbie's accomplishments as a Navy SEAL! They watched the President of the United States present the Medal of Honor to Robbie by slipping the ribbon holding the medal around Robbie's neck. They continued cheering until Robbie began to speak.

"I don't have any prepared speech, but I do have a few words to say to everyone here today," Robbie began. "The Medal of Honor isn't AWARDED, it's PRESENTED, and it's not appropriate for the recipient to say THANKS when it's received. The real heroes are the ones who weren't alive to accept this honor! They died giving the ultimate sacrifice, and many of these medals were presented posthumously! There is no greater sacrifice than for a man or woman to lay down their life in the service of our Country! I accept this medal and pledge my life to serving my President, my Country, and the United States Navy in any position that I'm assigned! If and when the time comes that I am faced with certain death, I'll follow the words of former President John Fitzgerald Kennedy who said, 'When the time comes for me to lay down my life for my country, I'll not hesitate, I'll welcome the opportunity!' To all of you here today, and to my beautiful wife Jennifer, my family and friends, I make the same promise! I promise to serve the Navy and the United States of America for the rest of my life!"

The crowd stood and cheered while Robbie saluted the President and then returned to hug his wife and family. An important part of his life had been recognized, and he was ready for the future as a Navy officer.

Later that month, a special ceremony was being performed at the George Washington Academy in Northern Michigan. Chancellor Guy Stephens and Athletic Director Derrick Harmon watched Jonathan Collins, Chairman of The Tribunal march to the step of the snare drums to the Hall of Heroes in Washington Hall. He carefully placed a new photograph of Robert David Mathews above the one that was taken when the cadet had graduated. The new photograph clearly showed the long, jagged scar down the left side of Robbie's face. The man pictured was very handsome, with the scar giving him a rugged appearance.

When the staccato beat of the drums ended, Cadet First Class Jonathan Collins read the inscription under the new picture to everyone in attendance. "Robert David 'Robbie' Mathews, Class of 1996, Medal of Honor, May 24, 2003."

With this, the story of the George Washington Academy Ends..............

Authors Note: This has been a long saga for me to write, and I couldn't have completed this story without the expert help of my editor, Bill. He corrected my mistakes and made suggestions to keep me on track. I had this story in my mind for over a year before I started pounding out the first few chapters. I had over 20 chapters ready before the first chapter was posted on the Nifty Archives. I enjoy reading stories on the Nifty Archives, but get frustrated when I have to wait weeks for the next chapter to be posted. I tried to post at least one chapter each week, but didn't always accomplish my goal. I received hundreds of emails when I posted the chapters, and most of them were very positive. The death of Andrew Anderson was a shock to my editor and readers, but I felt it was necessary to show that life is full of tragedies, and the ones that don't kill us, make us stronger! Some of you might be upset with me that the last few chapters were devoid of gay sexual descriptions. This was always a story about a bi-sexual male who struggled with his sexual identity during his teenaged years and ended up in a heterosexual relationship, and I wanted my readers to have a happy ending.

You have no idea how difficult it is to write a long story like this one. I researched the Navy SEALs and their training, Arab dress, military weapons, Navy enlisted and officer ratings, Medal of Honor recipients, and even some song lyrics to complete this saga.

I've written other stories that are posted on the Nifty Archives, but they were before Bill added his magic to my writings. If you are interested, look for the following stories. Some of them were posted a long time ago!

Gay/Adult Youth Land of Charta Adam and Even More Brad Martin Christopher Robin

Gay/College CJ

Thanks to everyone for writing to me to encourage me to post my story. Look for new stories in the future, but it might be a long time before I can devote the time and energy to post again.

Jacob_latson@hotmail.com