Chapter 5 - The Promotion to MajorOne year after the night at the auditorium, a warm, clear spring sun painted the parade grounds of Fort Myer in brilliant shades of gold, rose, and deep sapphire.
My left arm had completely healed, the surgical pins removed, leaving only a fine, faint silver scar that I wore like a badge of honor beside my medals.
I stood on the central parade deck wearing my immaculate Class A dress uniform.
Standing before three hundred lined-up soldiers, officers, and family members was General Robert Hayes and my sister, Rachel Vance.
General Hayes stepped forward, pinning the golden oak leaf cluster of a Major onto my shoulder epaulets, before taking a step back and delivering a crisp, sharp military salute.
"Major Sarah Vance," General Hayes announced, his voice booming proudly across the quiet parade grounds. "For extraordinary heroism, unbroken leadership, and selfless devotion to the United States Military... you are hereby promoted to the rank of Major."
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The entire parade deck erupted into thunderous, standing applause as soldiers raised their sabers in a golden arc under the spring sun.
I returned the salute, my posture tall, broad, six-foot-tall, and sovereign, my hazel eyes shining with absolute, unshakeable victory.
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