by Donna Faye
They snickered.
“The first word in SERE is survival – the instructors might be willing to do a short course on local edible plants or something. Let me see what I can find out. Just don’t tell anyone anything yet…I’d hate to break their hearts if they can’t or won’t help. Those guys train our elite forces. Their courses are hardcore, so I have no idea how they’ll respond.”
“Oh, thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You’re a lifesaver,” Lucy pulled Stella into a hug.
It was ridiculous to be this happy to have finally found a friend there.
Stella promised to let Lucy know what happened when she asked the SERE men for help. She had a really great time with the group and would come through for the boys one way or another. If SERE wasn’t available, she’d ask around base, there might even be a scouting group there that could partner up. They’d figure it out eventually.
She also made plans with Lucy to meet for drinks later that week. Things were definitely looking up.
Chapter 15: “Challenge Coin”
– A coin bearing an organization’s insignia, carried by the unit members, traditionally given to prove membership and enhance morale. Widely collected by service members, they’re normally presented by commanders for recognition of special achievement.
Stella knew she had to act fast with SERE because they were always busy, and notoriously shied away from PA attention. After she obtained permission from Sgt. Compton to ask the instructors for help, she sent an e-mail to the SERE NCOIC.
To: [email protected]
From: tobias,[email protected]
Re: Request for support
Dear Sir,
During a recent base tour, I met an exceptional scout troupe lacking in male leadership. Their unofficial leader is an older stepsister of one of the ten twelve-year-old boys who lamented being is clueless about outdoor activities. She asked for help with this, but I have limited knowledge of such things, and lack the resources to help the boys.
They could really use a decent man or men to help mentor them. It is my hope you or one of your SERE instructors might be willing to volunteer to help these young men get positive exposure to the outdoors. Their schedule is somewhat flexible though a Saturday would work best since the school year will begin in a few weeks. Is there some way you might help them with a crash course in outdoor education? Their den leader is too busy, while his stand-in is terrified of insects and dirt.
And she’s their best hope.
Very Respectfully,
Airman First Class Stella Tobias,
Community Relations, Public Affairs
The next morning when Stella logged into her e-mail, she found a note about the scouting request.
To: tobias,[email protected]
From: mccreary,[email protected]
Re: Re: Request for support
Airman Tobias,
My NCOIC forwarded your e-mail to me. I actually cringed when I read your request. We can’t have America’s future leaders impeded by such trivial enemies as insects and common soil. I daresay I couldn’t sleep at night if I declined their desperate cry for help.
I am free the first and third weekends of August. Either would work for me, so talk to your contact and work it out. We could do some classroom time talking about local flora and fauna, as well as basic outdoor safety and first aid. Then, perhaps, we might caravan out to Colville National Forest for a real adventure in camping. How does that sound?
Let me know what works best, which weekend fits everyone’s schedule and general logistics like the number of campers.
Master Sgt. Gabe McCreary,
SERE instructor
Stella read the e-mail, and felt hope blossom in her chest. When she saw his line about the future leaders being impeded by trivial enemies, she giggled, hopeful her questions wouldn’t scare him off...
To: mccreary,[email protected]
From: tobias,[email protected]
Re: Thank you!
Master Sgt. McCreary,
First, thank you so much for helping. I just have a few (million) questions. I hope my craziness won’t make you regret volunteering.
Is this a one-time thing, or will you be taking a more active role? I am hoping to clarify this before I notify their point of contact, Lucy Wright.
I searched driving directions for Colville, and it seems a bit far for an overnight trip. Since time is limited, is there somewhere closer for their first time out?
Also, what sort of supplies do the boys need? Will they need paper and pencil for classroom time? What about camping gear – tents and sleeping bags? How would she feed them? I have no clue what they’ll need or what supplies they possess. Help!
*Slaps self across face and snaps out of hysterics*
Please advise me on this. Thank you again, Sir.
Sincerely,
A1C Stella Tobias
A clueless girl who grew up in the suburbs and never went camping.
To: tobias,[email protected]
From: mccreary,[email protected]
Re: Curious airman
Dear Clueless Suburbanite,
Sorry, I couldn’t resist, though if you continue to call me, Sir, I will begin to question your intellect. I work for a living, and you wound me by calling me that. Please call me Gabe or my nickname, Mick. Take your pick – just don’t call me late for dinner.
I hope you didn’t slap yourself too hard. I’d hate for you to end up in traction or with whiplash. A simple splash of water might have done the trick with better results and much less violence. Are you always so aggressive? We might need you over here to help with trainees. Though, I’m sure telling them you work for public affairs would scare them enough.
You may be onto something with the distance to Colville. I asked around here, and am told Lake Roosevelt has some decent camping with fun stuff to do and see. Also it’s much closer. I leave that to you. I suggest you look them up online and make reservations. Let me know either way so I can plan accordingly.
As to your multiple questions regarding supplies, a simple tent would be ideal. The only military resources we’ll be using are a classroom or conference room for the initial training. Actually, I’d prefer a conference room. Is the one by you in headquarters available? That would be better. Classrooms in our neck of the woods allegedly contain information of a sensitive nature, so it would be better to meet elsewhere.
My boss is all in too. It’ll be helpful to have another adult on hand – you know, for killing bugs and keeping bratty kids in line. FYI, he is Senior Master Sgt. Paul Rufus, aka Rufio.
Campers will need a sleeping bag or bed roll, though sleeping bags work better. They should also have pocketknives, a hat of some sort to keep ticks at bay, and bug spray as well as sunblock.
We can be as intense about food as you’d like. If we fish for dinner, they’ll likely need gear and fishing licenses. Somehow I can’t picture their illustrious leader baiting a hook, so that might be better left for another day when there is more time available. Another option is to carry in what you need. I, myself, like a nice juicy steak and baked potato, with S’mores chaser by the campfire.
We’ll make a camper out of you yet – you are joining us...right? You got me into this mess. You better be joining in the fun. Besides, you haven’t lived ‘til you’ve slept outside.
You asked is this a one-time thing. I can’t say for certain, let’s play it by ear.
Does that help? And don’t worry – your questions won’t scare me off. It’s better if you ask before we’re out in the woods.
Gabe
Stella read and re-read the e-mails from her new friend at SERE. Why wasn’t there be a universal font designated for sarcasm or joking? So much context was lost in simply reading words, making his intent unclear.
His replies were professional, yet it seemed like he was teasing or maybe even flirting with her. That idea caused her stomach to flip-fl
op in the most peculiar way. Was it interest? She shook her head. Nah.
Admittedly, his replies were funny and smart. There was also the bonus that he didn’t talk down to her, despite her rank being significantly lower than his. Hope for this trip suddenly swelled, and not just for the scouts.
She’d enjoyed BEAST Week, so she’d probably like the great outdoors, right? It’d be way more pleasant without the war games and pressure of people yelling all the time. But she got the sense she’d made a new friend in Gabe.
…
Being out on a weeknight felt a lot like playing hooky from real life. Stella had agreed to meet Lucy for drinks after her evening class let out. She’d been to the gym for her usual workout, had dinner, and even rested a bit. She chuckled at herself, twenty-seven was too young to act so old. To counter that, Stella had even made an effort with her appearance.
She self-consciously tugged at the hem of her white, off-the-shoulder jumper. She might’ve overdone it for a Wednesday night – it was on the short side – but it was adorable and it’d been ages since she’d been out for drinks. She could no longer allow the sexy black strappy gladiator stilettos that Audrey had sent as a birthday gift to grow dusty in her locker – a cardinal sin in her book.
But sitting at the bar, waiting for her friend, she felt supremely aware of how her state of dress and aloneness drew some uncomfortable attention. She busied herself with her phone, researching camping in their region, not that she’d know the difference.
Thankfully, it wasn’t long before Lucy swept in and wrapped her up in a huge hug.
“Thank you so, so, so, so, so much!” Lucy oozed enthusiasm from every pore.
Stella grinned. When she’d called her new friend to explain what Gabe had offered, she’d had to pull the phone away from her ear with all the shrieking and repeated screeching of thank you emitting from her cell. Gabe’s suggested camping site, Lake Roosevelt, was ideal for their outing. They not only had grills on site, but there was a special area for group camping and a dam to tour nearby. And she’d miraculously secured it for their weekend.
When Lucy finally settled down at the bar, she released Stella and took a seat at the stool beside her. She eyed Stella’s drink curiously. “That looks delicious, what is it?”
“Mmm,” Stella said as she sipped the last of her drink. “Peach raspberry Bellini, and it’s divine.”
They ordered two more and chatted a bit about their week. When they ordered another round, Stella collected her thoughts and focused on their real reason for being out past her bedtime.
“So, shall we get down to the dam trip?” Stella asked.
Lucy burst into guffaws. “Dam trip?”
Stella chuckled too. That was some slip of the tongue. “Operation: Dam Trip sounds about right, it’s the most dangerous mission I’ve faced.”
Lucy wiped a tear from the corner of her eye and the two began their planning.
They worked out the logistics while Stella kept a list of details, questions, and concerns to help her new friend get the boys out into nature.
After switching to water since they were both driving, the two perused websites on their phones and searched for camp-friendly recipes. Stella wasn’t above roasting a hot dog, but she’d be sure Gabe and his friend got their steak and potatoes.
…
At 0730 the next morning, as she sat at her desk with her head aching and mouth full of cotton, Stella remembered why she didn’t go out on school nights any more. She was glad that she’d switched to water when she did. She’d only had a couple, but she’d apparently lost all tolerance to alcohol.
The ringing of a nearby phone shook Stella from her recollections as she pondered about her reply to Gabe’s e-mail. He’d introduced himself informally, it was time to afford him the same courtesy.
To: mccreary,[email protected]
From: tobias,[email protected]
Re: Details
Dear Gabe,
*Waves hi* I’m Stella It’s very nice to meet you.
This group doesn’t have much in the way of equipment or money to buy gear. Is there some way to improvise? Help me, Master Sergeant. You’re my only hope.
Sorry, I geeked out a little there. *Rolls eyes and hangs head in shame*
“Operation Dam Trip” is a go. I looked up Lake Roosevelt and have reservations locked and loaded. Also, we’re booked into the conference room here at wing headquarters, so no worries about any liabilities with goobers poking their noses where they don’t belong.
Thanks, again,
Stella
To: tobias,[email protected]
From: mccreary,[email protected]
Re: Silly airman
Stella,
E-mails like that need a warning label. “Operation Dam Trip” is a keeper. Rufio and I give it two thumbs up. I damn near spat my Coke at my keyboard from laughing. And I love Star Wars humor, so no blood, no foul.
Don’t sweat the gear. As I said before, a bed roll does the job just fine. I have cooking equipment I’ll bring. Rufio and some of the other instructors here offered up their tents on loan, so you should be covered. We’ll set up camp and take them on a hike, instead of camping remotely. It’s not a huge deal.
As to the food, I suggest assigning certain items to each camper so they can participate and keep the cost down for the group. Don’t forget the hot dogs and marshmallows – can’t camp without them, the camping police might come and revoke your bug spray.
Which weekend are we going? Also, is there a computer and projector available for my class? I have a presentation already set on a pocket drive so I can pack light.
Gabe
To: mccreary,[email protected]
From: tobias,[email protected]
Re: D’Oh!
*Gasps in horror* Oh, Gabe, I’m so sorry. I thought I cleared the first Saturday in August with you. I feel terrible about that.
I need to buy a sleeping bag. Where I should go? I have no clue about these things. Also, is there anything else I might need or want to make it easier?
Stella
PS – Rufio? Is that like “Roo-fee-oh!” from the movie Hook? If so, I love that movie. Great, now I need to watch it….
To: tobias,[email protected]
From: mccreary,[email protected]
Re: It’s a date
Stella...Stelllllllaaaaaahhh! My apologies, I couldn’t resist my little Marlin Brando impersonation….bet you never heard that before.
The date you picked works fine. Don’t sweat it…deep breaths. It’s all good.
Since you have a few weeks, check out some of the big outdoors outfitters online, but as rarely as you’ll likely use it, you could certainly do some recon at the camping section at the local sporting goods or big box stores.
Just don’t forget some deep woods bug spray and a hat. I have no idea what the weather will be like, so be prepared for rain or shine. You’ll want sunscreen, and definitely need good shoes for hiking.
Gabe
PS: You’re spot on about Rufio’s nickname. He hates it, by the way, which makes it that much better when the guys shout it like lost boys every time he walks into the room.
To: mccreary,[email protected]
From: tobias,[email protected]
Re: Scaredy cat
Gabe,
Thanks for the great advice. I’ll definitely check out the local stores.
I really do appreciate you and Sgt. Rufus helping out. BTW, he sounds scary, I’ll stick with his real name, thank you very much. I’m not brave like you guys in Special Forces.
Stella.
To: tobias,[email protected]
From: mccreary,[email protected]
Re: Kudos
Stella,
Bravery is something that is hard to define – I’d sooner take on a terrorist cell than deal with the press any day of the week. In my book, you’re plenty bra
ve.
Gabe
PS – I really enjoyed your feature this week on the dog handlers at security forces. Nice job.
As Stella read his note, she flushed. She’d received some great feedback about her column, but somehow his opinion mattered more than most.
Stella’s most distinguished compliment since earning her marksman ribbon had come the week prior when the wing commander stopped her in the hallway after his weekly wing staff agency meeting. He called her over to comment on her work, and there, in front of nearly all the unit commanders, he coined her.
She’d heard about being coined from Audrey, and admired her friend’s cool collection of enameled unit coins. But that hadn’t prepared Stella for the pride that swelled in her heart upon receiving the general’s impromptu award for a job well done. She’d floated through the rest of her day afterward. Even Liz’s toxic glare hadn’t tarnished her mood. Blue falcon? More like green … with envy!
Pair that with Gabe’s compliment and she absolutely beamed with pride. Her supervisor teased her about all the great feedback, and suggested they nominate her for an award at the end of the year. Stella didn’t know about earning awards, but it felt good to make Sgt. Compton proud. It meant the world to Stella having that woman championing her – especially after she’d offered a second chance with the mess Liz had made of her personnel file.
She responded to Gabe’s e-mail with a simple “Thanks,” then left to buy some camping gear.
Stella’s sense of adventure kicked up a notch at the local sportsman store, but her expansive and expensive trip ultimately sapped her energy by the time she cleared the register.
She bought the tent that the sales clerk assured was not only easy to assemble but would allow her to stand while inside. But, with her 5’3” stature, that wasn’t saying much. He talked Stella into getting the six-man version, noting that it was nice to have a little space. She also bought an enormous air mattress with a battery-operated pump, as well as a simple sleeping bag, and a pale-blue bucket hat.