Army Wives s06e04 Episode Script
Learning Curve
Previously on Army Wives We're moving to California.
Mm.
Ahh.
I'm Charlie.
Short for Charlotte.
Welcome to the youth activity center.
Oh, my God.
Jackie.
Oh, please, go on.
Everyone, we have a special guest-- Jacqueline Clarke, the wife of General Kevin Clarke.
She interrupts the FRG meeting, draws attention to herself.
Now I wonder if it all wasn't just a little orchestrated.
Have you considered some sort of concert? At Fort Hope, we held a backyard fund-raiser with Craig Morgan.
- What a great idea.
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
You and Clarke are competing for a third star.
All I'm saying is, I want you to get everything you deserve.
I don't want anything or anyone getting in your way.
Hanging in there? Yeah.
I don't want you to push it after your accident.
No, no, I'm okay.
You do this every day? Rain or shine.
I just go 3 miles.
Kevin does 10.
He still leaves his officers in the dust.
Amazing.
Hey, how's the concert coming? Great.
I talked to Craig last night.
He flies in tomorrow.
I still can't believe we're gonna hear Craig Morgan in your front yard.
If there's anything I can do Actually I'm having lunch today with some old Charleston money, trying to sell some more tables.
You want to join me? Oh, I would love to, but, oh, I have a lunch.
I could really use the help.
And it wouldn't hurt to ratchet up your visibility, and Frank's.
Mm.
Well, thank you, but I-- It's with Claudia Joy and a few others.
Your usual group? Exactly.
Okay.
Last mile? - Sure.
- Okay.
Come on.
Okay.
Hey.
Guess who I saw out jogging this morning.
Who? - Denise.
- Mm.
She was out running with Jackie Clarke.
- Really? - Mm-hmm.
You should join 'em, Claudia Joy.
I'll stick with my yoga and pilates, thank you.
Right.
Mwah.
I better get moving.
You got my memo? I did.
Much appreciated.
I just thought it would help to know how we ran things under the 23rd.
Oh, absolutely.
Michael, we have a very similar approach.
There was one policy we had, though, at Fort Hope that I would like to implement here.
What's that? We'd arrange the training schedule so that soldiers could be released early on Friday afternoons to be with their families, where possible, of course.
- That makes sense.
- Let 'em out early on a Friday, they come back fired up on Monday.
- I appreciate the heads-up.
- One other thing.
We should, uh, expand our urban terrain facility.
Build it out another four blocks, add video cameras, improve the catwalks-- Really bring it up to state-of-the-art.
Expensive.
But necessary.
I want the 32nd to be the most versatile combat division in the army.
Now with permission, I'd like to run the idea up the flagpole at TRADOC.
The chief of staff is a friend.
Granted.
Keep me posted.
Will do.
Okay.
To Pamela.
Mm.
To Pamela.
Yeah.
- Gone, but not forgotten.
- Yes.
Hardly.
I talk to her every night.
- Yeah? - And? - Awful news.
- Hmm? She loves California.
- Psst.
- Aw.
Oh, Roxy.
Well, I was hoping she would hate it.
Oh, it's good she's happy.
I just don't like it that she's gone.
I'm glad I have the new house to distract me.
- Mm.
- How's that going? It's a disaster.
Boxes everywhere.
I swear, they multiply at night.
Mm.
I know how you feel.
And Trevor's no help.
I mean, he's busier than ever now that he's Platoon Commander.
- Leader.
- Platoon Leader.
Whatever.
Yeah, Frank is swamped, too.
With all the new families from Fort Hope, I barely get to see Joan these days.
What about you, Claudia Joy? What is like to be the wife of the Corps Commander? Acting Corps Commander.
So far, so good.
What is this acting stuff? I thought Michael was in charge of everything.
Corps Commander is a three-star position.
And Michael only has two.
To keep the job, the promotion board has to recommend him, and the Senate has to confirm him.
Well, hell.
Who else are they gonna give it to? Kevin Clarke, possibly.
Get out.
What's wrong with the Clarkes? Barbie and Ken? I saw them walking around the other day.
Mnh-mnh.
Don't like 'em.
Why not? Because I am Team Holden all the way.
I don't root for anyone else.
Oh, Roxy, that's sweet.
Thank you.
But, uh, it's not the way things work in the army.
Well, it's the way things work in my army.
No one is rooting against Michael.
Exactly.
Look, the fact is, Kevin Clarke's the Division Commander now.
And Joan says he's doing a great job so far.
And Jackie's a sweetheart.
I've known her for years.
And what about what she's doing with the concert for hurricane relief? - Okay, points for that.
- Mm-hmm.
I mean, I cannot wait to see Craig Morgan.
I love that guy.
What? Actually, Roxy, the concert is for senior officers only.
English, please.
It means your spouse has to be at least a lieutenant colonel.
Are you kidding me? Are you saying that now that Trevor's made officer, he's not officer enough? Mm.
It's complicated.
The post auditorium's closed for repairs, isn't it? That's right.
Jackie's house was the best option, which means a limited guest list.
So that's it? Nobody's sticking up for the little guy? - Hmm.
- Mm.
What do you think about this? Well, um, it's not my FRG anymore.
Morning, Nance.
Thank you.
Hey, Dr.
Burton.
Hey.
Uh, Charlie.
What's up? One of my regulars, Jamal Parks, he got in a fight at school yesterday.
His mom asked for my help.
She's stretched pretty thin.
Dad's in Afghanistan.
She works full-time.
Long story short I convinced the principal not to suspend Jamal if he agreed to counseling.
Right.
I asked around.
Your name came up.
His mom signed off on it.
You had a cancellation this morning.
Yeah? Will you see him? Hey, Jamal.
I'm Dr.
Burton.
You want to talk about what's going on? Jamal.
Yeah, I guess.
Okay.
Come on in.
NODS, Holdridge? Good.
Extra batteries? First aid kit stocked? The men are ready, Sir.
Roger that, Sergeant.
All right, listen up.
We'll begin with a tactical road march to Range 91.
First and Second Squad will begin when we go hot.
Let's go.
Cease fire! - Cease fire! - Cease fire! Soldiers, clear your rifles and prepare to move downrange.
Clear your weapons.
Make 'em safe.
Private Holdridge.
Yes, Sir.
Show me your weapon.
You notice anything? I didn't place my rifle on safe, Sir.
Why is that, Holdridge? No excuse, Sir.
Unless you're getting ready to engage and kill the enemy, your weapon is on safe at all times.
Is that understood? - Yes, Sir.
- Drop and give me 20.
- Yes, Sir.
- Count 'em out! Yes, Sir.
One All right, everyone else, downrange to check your targets.
Move! Four, five, - six - A word, Sir.
Seven, eight, nine, ten Sir, you're doing an outstanding job as LT.
- Thank you.
- 14 You're also doing a heck of a job as sergeant.
Corrective action is not your lane, Sir.
Fall in! I guess I'm still thinking like a sergeant.
Understandable.
I've seen it before with mustangs like you.
But you've got to let your NCO's lead.
I promise, we'll get your men mission ready.
I appreciate the heads-up.
Any other suggestions? One or two.
You want to throw a barbecue this weekend? Well, it's no big deal.
It's just the squad leaders and my Platoon Sergeant.
And their wives.
And their wives.
And their kids.
Well, they don't all have kids.
So What do you think? I think you're nuts.
Rox No way.
Babe, it-- Trevor, this house is a mess.
It's a barbecue.
We could do it in the backyard.
Like that solves everything.
My Platoon Sergeant says it's gonna be good for morale, so Okay, so let him do it.
I'm the Platoon Leader.
Okay, so order him to do it.
You outrank him, right? Yeah, I outrank him.
But Platoon Sergeants, they're career guys.
They know everything.
It's important that I get along with them.
Yeah? Well, it's more important that you get along with your wife.
I'm working on that.
Work harder.
I am gonna go read to the boys, okay? Okay, hey, hey.
Okay, this weekend is out.
But I suppose I can manage something for next weekend.
I already told everybody Sunday.
- What? - Yeah, we got field exercises next weekend.
Trevor-- Babe, we can do this.
Yes, I know it.
Yes.
We.
I can't believe he dropped this on me.
Mm.
I know.
Frank's done it to me, too, more than once.
What is wrong with them? They don't understand what it takes to throw "a simple little party.
" Tell me about it.
Right now, my place looks like a bomb went off.
Oh.
Well, what's done is done.
You have a party to host and not a lot of time to do it.
Yeah.
I'm thinking about going awol.
Okay, don't worry about cleaning up the whole house.
You just focus on the kitchen, the living room, the downstairs bath, and you shove everything else out of sight.
What about food? Keep it simple and keep it coming.
It doesn't have to be fancy, but it has to be a lot.
So, like, double the normal serving size? - Quadruple.
- Really? You're basically feeding a bunch of college football players.
Right.
See? That's why I came here.
I knew you'd know what to do.
You'll be fine, and if you run into a jam Oh, forget it.
I'll manage.
There is one one thing you could do for me, however.
Mm.
What's that? Make Trevor a colonel for one night.
Please get me in to that Craig Morgan concert.
Oh, God.
I wish I could.
I know.
Just asking.
Oh, by the way, this, um, barbecue shindig, who pays for it? You do.
Are you serious? Welcome to the officers' side of the house.
Ugh! Some welcome.
I like it fine But on the left-hand side.
Claudia Joy.
Oh, uh Sorry, I was, uh-- Looking for me.
Yes, hi.
Hi.
I moved, remember? Yeah.
Uh, force of habit.
Not to worry.
In fact, we could use another opinion.
Jackie No, I like Claudia Joy's taste in interior design.
Do you mind? Uh, no.
So what do you think, should it be on the right Or On the left? The right.
Told you.
The army only thinks we're in control.
Couldn't agree more.
Actually, Claudia Joy, do you mind stopping by the house later? I could use your advice on the concert.
- Sure.
4:00? - Perfect.
Shall we? Yeah.
Bye.
Bye.
That was embarrassing, walking into Kevin's office like that.
A lot's changed in a short amount of time.
You'll get used to it.
Yeah.
What you need is some time off.
I have to go to DC tomorrow.
Why don't you come with me? Oh, I have a ton of things to do around here.
It'll be fun.
Bryce and Audrey Whitaker want to take us out to lunch to celebrate the revival of my career.
It's just such short notice.
Next time.
- Okay.
- Thanks.
Hey, Dr.
Burton, this is my friend Leo.
Hey, Leo.
I was wondering if Leo could, like, you know, join us.
Join us? Got a note from my mom.
Charlie told me to get one.
Oh.
So this was Charlie's idea? Not exactly.
I was at the youth center, telling Leo how I cut a deal to stay in school, and Leo needs one, too.
It wasn't my fault.
This other kid was dissing me.
And Charlie said maybe you can help.
I see.
You guys have class together? Detention.
Okay.
Uh, well, since you're here, come on in.
We'll make other arrangements later.
You know the rules.
You make the mess, you clean it up.
Dr.
Burton, come to pick up David? In a minute.
Got a bone to pick first.
I talked to Leo today.
You did? Awesome.
Please do not send me any more boys with notes from their mothers.
I did not send him.
He asked my advice.
A technicality.
Look, I don't do teen therapy groups.
Why not? You're obviously good at it.
Look, flattery will get you nowhere.
These guys are only talking to me because they don't want to get suspended, period.
Come on.
Jamal tells me, you're all right.
That's high praise.
From him it is.
I don't have time to see your juvenile delinquents at Piedmont place.
Then do it here.
- No, you're not listening to me.
- Yes, I am.
You run an adult practice.
It's not the place to counsel teenage boys.
- Charlie-- - You're a military parent.
You know the score.
A lot of these boys essentially grow up without fathers.
They need a man to talk to, to-- to look up to.
That's granted-- I've wanted to start a program for months but didn't have the right leader until now.
Wait.
Slow down.
Will you at least think about it? Will you stop sending me referrals in the meantime? Deal.
Okay.
I would move the Millers away from the Jensens.
Nadine and Mary are combustible.
Good to know.
And, um, oh, put the Katellas and the Rosewalls together.
They're both teetotalers.
Done.
And that's all I see.
Thanks.
You know, I was wondering, um, I have a good friend who is a lieutenant's wife, and she's a huge Craig Morgan fan.
Is there any way that we could make an exception to the 0-5 cutoff? But if word got round that I showed favoritism to a friend, it would reflect badly on me and Kevin.
Mm-hmm.
Besides, a lieutenant and his wife would stick out like sore thumbs.
Well, I had to ask.
There'll be plenty of events for all ranks in the future.
Promise.
Hi, Claudia Joy.
Oh, am I late? You wanted my advice on the concert.
Right.
I-I-I did.
I-I wanted to ask you about seating arrangements, but then Denise dropped by, and we-- we just went over the whole thing.
I'm sorry.
Oh, no problem.
I-- I live just next door.
Well, you know, Claudia Joy really is the last word on this sort of thing.
Well, d-do you want to take a look? Oh, I'm sure it's fine.
Denise knows the post as well as I do.
Well, um, well, then join us for a glass of wine then.
You know, I've got some errands to run.
Rain check? Absolutely.
I'll see you both later.
All right.
Bye.
Michael.
Hey.
Is that offer for Washington still open? You bet.
I think you're right.
I do need a break from Fort Marshall.
Unh-unh.
That is for the barbecue.
Oh, that's not my fault, babe.
You don't want me to eat it, you shouldn't leave it out.
The bowl's too big for the fridge.
I need to make room.
Looks like you got enough food here to feed an army.
Ha ha.
Now how can I help? Ooh, deviled eggs! Unh-unh.
That is for the party.
Just one? - No.
- Please.
You want to help? Buddy, what do you say we go grab some ice for the party? Okay.
Okay.
To the new commander of the 17th Airborne Corps.
- Mm.
- Long may he reign.
Yes, hear, hear.
I think "serve" is the proper term, Audrey.
Ah, nonsense.
At corps level, you reign.
Next time we celebrate, it'll be over your third star.
From your lips, to Congress' ears.
You're the best man for the job, Michael.
Thank you, Audrey.
And I'll second that.
Of course, that's not gonna be enough.
I spent 36 years in uniform, and Kevin Clarke is the savviest politician I've ever set eyes on.
He's a good soldier, Bryce.
There's no question.
So are you but the defense industry is littered with good soldiers whose careers went bust.
Hell, look at me.
Bryce.
I'm just telling it like it is.
You were torpedoed, Bryce.
We're not gonna let that happen to Michael.
The point is, at the GO level, it takes more than qualifications to get to the next rung.
It takes influence.
I am aware.
It's a horse race, Michael, and right now, I figure you're about 3 lengths back, staring at Clarke's hindquarters.
Well, how do you figure that? Michael has the job.
For now.
From a Pentagon perspective, Michael's just keeping the seat warm for his successor.
The army couldn't give it to Clarke right away because they want him to finish his command.
In Washington's eyes, Kevin Clarke is a water-walker.
Yeah, he's the fast-tracker, all right.
Michael's the lucky so-and-so that got a second chance.
If this is supposed to be a pep talk, I'm still waiting for the pep.
Really.
Don't get me wrong.
We're in your corner.
Let's be honest.
You've been resurrected from the dead, son.
If you want to win this race, you're gonna have to start running hard.
Come to Washington more often, play the game.
That's not really Michael's style.
Well, I'm afraid that humble doesn't cut it in this town, Claudia Joy.
We need to change your playbook or Clarke's gonna eat your lunch.
Shall we order? Here you go.
Hope you like it.
That enough? Hey, babe, I want to introduce you to Sergeant First Class Leon Wisniewski.
Oh, it's a pleasure to meet you, Sergeant Wisniewski.
Make it "Ski," ma'am.
Pleasure's mine.
And you must be Gizella.
- Gisela.
- What now? Geez-ah-la.
Oh.
I'm sorry.
I must have been practicing that wrong.
Uh, um, what is that, like, French? German.
German.
Wow.
So where did you two meet? In Germany.
On vacation? Working in Kaiserslautern.
Kais-- That is another one.
It's a town near Frankfurt.
The army has a base there, Rox.
Air Force, too.
Largest American military community outside the United States.
Learn something new every day.
A-are you two hungry? We have hot dogs, hamburgers.
That's German, right? Macaroni salad, potato salad.
Yes, but no plates.
Oh That's weird.
How'd that happen? I'll-- I'll-- I'll be right back.
Um, I'm gonna help.
You didn't tell me she was an imperial stormtrooper.
No idea.
Michael, - cigar? - Lead on.
All right.
If you'll excuse us, ladies.
Go.
Don't let Bryce scare you.
He just wants that third star for Michael almost as badly as you do.
Oh, I understand.
He wants to do everything he can to help.
We both do.
Mm-hmm.
What do you know about Jackie Clarke? She's bright, attractive.
She's the daughter of a retired two-star.
She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Georgetown, speaks fluent French, Spanish, passable Italian.
They have a boy at West Point and a girl at Exeter.
She's allergic to peanuts, and she has a butterfly tattoo hidden from public view.
Know your enemy, my dear.
Well, she's not my enemy, Audrey.
Nonsense.
She's standing between you and what you want for Michael.
Well, whatever you call her, she sounds kind of perfect.
And that's exactly what she wants you to believe.
Hmm.
Okay.
But? Very few people know what I'm about to tell you.
Kevin served nine months in Kosovo.
When he came home, Jackie left him.
She moved out of the house for two months.
Why? Kevin had a driver overseas, a very attractive female soldier.
He had an affair? Connect the dots.
He comes home, she moves out.
When she moves back in, his career takes a sudden turn onto the political fast-track-- A fellowship at Georgetown, a stint at NATO.
Wait.
Hold on.
You lost me.
Well, isn't it obvious? They made a deal-- She'd take him back if he agreed to let her direct his career.
They'd rise together.
You make her sound like Lady MacBeth.
If the shoe fits.
Well, wait a second.
Uh, Jackie can't determine Kevin's postings.
I didn't say she cut his orders.
But she can influence those who do.
I just thought you should know.
It might affect your strategy.
Well, I don't have a strategy, Audrey.
My point.
Get one.
Here, babe.
Let me do that.
You've earned it.
Thanks, but I should eat something first.
I didn't have a thing.
Why not? I was too busy.
Besides, that Gisela was making me nervous.
Wow.
No more macaroni? No more anything, babe.
The party was a huge success.
Lights out.
It was kind of a hit, wasn't it? Sergeant Wheeler, what's up? Mom.
What's the matter? TJ just threw up.
I don't feel so good.
Okay.
Um, let's go upstairs.
I'll get you something for your tummy.
Okay.
Hey.
That was Sergeant Wheeler.
His whole family's throwing up.
Oh, my God.
How long was that macaroni salad out of the refrigerator? Um Oh, God.
- Trevor-- - Oh.
Oh, I killed Trevor's platoon.
You didn't kill anyone, Roxy.
Well, I killed his career.
Okay, what was it exactly? The macaroni salad.
I left it out too long.
I still can't believe it.
I have never had a single case of food poisoning at the hump bar, and we serve seafood.
Okay, Roxy, calm down.
I can't calm down.
It's a disaster.
Once the bad mayo's out of their systems, everyone will be fine, and soon, it'll be forgotten.
Like in ten years? Ugh! It's hopeless.
Nothing is hopeless.
Roxy, we're army wives.
There's always something we can do.
Hide? Well, we need to think.
You may be down, but you are not out.
Third Squad? Third Squad's accounted for, Sir.
Sergeant Francisco's at sick call.
Fourth Squad? Fourth Squad's accounted for, Sergeant.
Sergeant Wheeler's at sick call.
Yes, Sir! Soldier! All squads accounted for, Sir.
Sergeants Wheeler, Francisco, Applegate, and Smith are at sick call.
Thank you, Sergeant.
All right, listen up.
General Clarke expects this division to be the most combat-ready in the army.
So today we have a 10-mile run, and I want the best platoon time anywhere.
Understood? Oo-ahh.
You sure you're up to this, Sir? Lead the way.
Platoon, attention.
Right face.
Let's go.
David get off to school okay? Yep.
Ah.
Hey, listen, Joan, Charlie Mayfield asked me to think about - a counseling group at the youth center.
- Hey! Want some fruit, baby girl? Honey, will you finish with her? I am already behind.
I have wall-to-wall meetings today.
Don't forget, we've got that parent-teacher conference for David at 4:00.
Right.
And I would really like to attend that management seminar tomorrow night.
Can you take the kids? You got it.
Oh, and don't look now, but next Saturday is Colonel Stanton's annual beach party.
Next Saturday? All day.
Mwah.
You know, I'd really love to get a babysitter this weekend and maybe go to the movies or dinner or anything.
Just get outta the house, you and me, together for once.
I hear that.
What were you saying about a therapy group? Never mind.
Mm.
I'm gonna pass.
Because? Because I don't have the time.
Look, we're talking twice a week, two hours total.
I'm overextended as it is.
Who isn't? You're very persuasive, but-- You know the problem.
Military kids need special attention.
Right, and two of them live in my house, not to mention their mother.
One hour.
One session.
I can't do it.
I'm not your guy.
I'm sorry.
Me, too.
End route.
Fall out.
Anything for the men, Sir? Okay.
Outstanding work.
Go shower up.
Grab some chow.
We'll reassemble at 0900.
Dismissed.
If I was president and had my way If I was president and had my way How many helpings of macaroni salad did you have? Three.
Four.
See you at 0900, Sir.
Okay, don't shoot.
I am unarmed.
Look, Gisela, I am really, really sorry about what happened.
Uh, this is for you.
Uh, and I didn't cook any of it, I promise.
Just some chicken soup, uh, rice pudding, crackers-- Yeah, I hear about the baskets from the other wives.
Oh.
Y-you're feeling okay? I'm not sick.
Really? Cast-iron stomach, huh? No.
I hate the macaroni salad.
Oh.
My husband loves it.
He was up all last night with the pukes.
Sorry.
He wants the recipe.
Are you serious? No.
Uh, uh, actually, it, um, wasn't the recipe.
It was me.
I-I left it sitting out too long.
- You see-- - The bowl was too big.
Yes.
The other wives.
Word gets round.
Okay.
Well I guess there's not much else for me to say, so No worries.
It's good.
I understand.
You do? Sure.
Everyone screws up now and then.
Most army wives today, they screw up, they go home, cry "boo-hoo.
" Not you.
I like that.
You do? Very old-school.
You come in.
We have stollen, ja? Ja.
Sure.
What is stollen? Mm.
Thank you.
Wow.
The Clarkes are going all out.
Yes, they are.
Claudia Joy? Coming.
That's Senator Powell over there.
He's on the, uh, armed services committee.
Yeah, I'm aware.
We should say hello.
Okay.
Michael, Claudia Joy, you know Senator Powell.
I do, yes.
Good to see you, Senator.
Same, General.
My wife Claudia Joy.
- Oh, my pleasure.
- Hello.
Jackie tells me you've been a big help to her.
I've tried, but I don't think Jackie needs a lot of help.
She's being modest.
Well, in any case, I'm delighted to be here.
This, uh, this is quite an occasion.
Well, tell the truth.
I had to twist your arm.
Well, what can I say? She's a hard woman to resist.
Mm-hmm.
I got your call.
What happened? He wrecked his mom's car.
Ran into a telephone pole.
He's 14.
Tell me.
How did he even get-- He won't talk to me, Roland.
He asked for you.
Hey, man.
You okay? You're not hurt? Nah.
Anybody else get hurt? Wasn't nobody else around.
So what happened? Why'd you take the car? I got into a fight with my mom.
About what? Same old stuff.
I wanted to go out, but she wouldn't let me go because of my schoolwork.
I told you, she treats me like a baby, Dr.
Burton.
When my dad got deployed, he said, I'm the man of the house now.
But she don't see it that way.
So you stole her car? Yeah.
I mean, she was out with friends.
She wasn't supposed to find out.
Then what? I-I don't know what happened.
I went too fast or something.
I hit a phone pole.
Here on post? Yeah, but nobody saw me.
I just called Charlie and came here.
MP's will find the car.
Yeah, I know.
But they won't know it's me that took it.
Well, they'll figure it out.
How? Can't we say it was someone else? Was it someone else? You want to be treated like a man, Jamal.
You gotta start acting like one.
You saying, I gotta turn myself in? No, I'm asking, what do you think a man would do? My mom's gonna go crazy on me.
Probably.
Will you come with me? Yeah.
Come on.
That's it.
I want to thank everyone for coming out tonight to support the Fort Marshall hurricane relief fund and to hear some great music.
I want to thank all of my FRG leaders for helping put this together, especially Denise Sherwood.
And a big shout-out to Claudia Joy Holden for assembling the top-notch FRG organization that I inherited.
Kevin and I strongly believe in strengthening the ties between the U.
S.
Army and the greater Charleston community.
So we hope tonight marks the beginning of a bright new chapter in that relationship.
Kevin.
I've learned that my wife is a tough act to follow, so I'll keep this short.
The senior officers seated at your table tonight share with me the privilege of leading the outstanding warriors that keep this country free.
I am ever in awe of their courage and commitment, and that of their families.
Jackie and I thank you for honoring them with your generosity tonight.
And we are gratified to have made so many new friends.
Thank you.
Now I know you didn't come here to listen to us talk, so Let's put our hands together for a country music superstar who spent ten years with the U.
S.
Army and is the recipient of the USO Merit Award.
From Dickson, Tennessee-- Ladies and gentlemen, let's give a Fort Marshall welcome to Craig Morgan.
Jackie, Kevin, thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of such a wonderful event.
It is a true honor to be here amongst fellow soldiers.
Now you guys have a good time.
She got her smile on doggone, nothing in the world's wrong we're rolling down a country road she's my shotgun rider I'm the lucky dog beside her my lips are where her kisses go and I don't know if it could get any better but, man, if it does then I reckon I better get to picking out a ring and now this ole boy got it going on got the good lord smiling on me her big blue eyes and the sweet red wine got me buzzing like a bee she's got her pretty little head on my shoulder nobody else gets to hold her but this ole boy Well, they both managed to keep down some toast.
Good.
Mm.
I'm sorry about this, Trevor.
You know, babe, in a weird way, it worked out.
Not going on sick call, doing that run I earned Ski's respect.
Hmm.
Same thing happened with me and Gisela.
She gave me points for showing my face, not staying home "Crying boo-hoo.
" So it wasn't a disaster after all.
No.
But next time No macaroni salad.
Summer dress straps slipping off of her shoulder a blanket of stars is looking us over here in the dark it's gonna be a long, long night baby, baby, love loves a long night don't you know love know love don't worry about time? the way it's going feels like love's gonna be going till the morning light baby, baby love loves a long, long night My name is Craig Morgan.
Thank y'all so much for letting us be a part of your world tonight.
God bless you.
- I'm gonna say hello.
- Oh, okay.
You all right? Uh-huh.
Well done, Jackie.
Thank you.
Claudia Joy.
Amazing, huh? Yeah, it was.
I just got the numbers from Jessica.
She says we raised over $40,000 tonight.
$40,000? Triple the last record.
That's great.
You don't seem very excited.
No, I am.
I am.
I'm tired from the Washington trip.
Oh, I forgot.
How did it go? It was good.
Informative.
Denise.
- Go, go.
- You don't want to come? I'm so tired, really.
Mm.
Okay.
Bye.
Mm.
Ahh.
I'm Charlie.
Short for Charlotte.
Welcome to the youth activity center.
Oh, my God.
Jackie.
Oh, please, go on.
Everyone, we have a special guest-- Jacqueline Clarke, the wife of General Kevin Clarke.
She interrupts the FRG meeting, draws attention to herself.
Now I wonder if it all wasn't just a little orchestrated.
Have you considered some sort of concert? At Fort Hope, we held a backyard fund-raiser with Craig Morgan.
- What a great idea.
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
You and Clarke are competing for a third star.
All I'm saying is, I want you to get everything you deserve.
I don't want anything or anyone getting in your way.
Hanging in there? Yeah.
I don't want you to push it after your accident.
No, no, I'm okay.
You do this every day? Rain or shine.
I just go 3 miles.
Kevin does 10.
He still leaves his officers in the dust.
Amazing.
Hey, how's the concert coming? Great.
I talked to Craig last night.
He flies in tomorrow.
I still can't believe we're gonna hear Craig Morgan in your front yard.
If there's anything I can do Actually I'm having lunch today with some old Charleston money, trying to sell some more tables.
You want to join me? Oh, I would love to, but, oh, I have a lunch.
I could really use the help.
And it wouldn't hurt to ratchet up your visibility, and Frank's.
Mm.
Well, thank you, but I-- It's with Claudia Joy and a few others.
Your usual group? Exactly.
Okay.
Last mile? - Sure.
- Okay.
Come on.
Okay.
Hey.
Guess who I saw out jogging this morning.
Who? - Denise.
- Mm.
She was out running with Jackie Clarke.
- Really? - Mm-hmm.
You should join 'em, Claudia Joy.
I'll stick with my yoga and pilates, thank you.
Right.
Mwah.
I better get moving.
You got my memo? I did.
Much appreciated.
I just thought it would help to know how we ran things under the 23rd.
Oh, absolutely.
Michael, we have a very similar approach.
There was one policy we had, though, at Fort Hope that I would like to implement here.
What's that? We'd arrange the training schedule so that soldiers could be released early on Friday afternoons to be with their families, where possible, of course.
- That makes sense.
- Let 'em out early on a Friday, they come back fired up on Monday.
- I appreciate the heads-up.
- One other thing.
We should, uh, expand our urban terrain facility.
Build it out another four blocks, add video cameras, improve the catwalks-- Really bring it up to state-of-the-art.
Expensive.
But necessary.
I want the 32nd to be the most versatile combat division in the army.
Now with permission, I'd like to run the idea up the flagpole at TRADOC.
The chief of staff is a friend.
Granted.
Keep me posted.
Will do.
Okay.
To Pamela.
Mm.
To Pamela.
Yeah.
- Gone, but not forgotten.
- Yes.
Hardly.
I talk to her every night.
- Yeah? - And? - Awful news.
- Hmm? She loves California.
- Psst.
- Aw.
Oh, Roxy.
Well, I was hoping she would hate it.
Oh, it's good she's happy.
I just don't like it that she's gone.
I'm glad I have the new house to distract me.
- Mm.
- How's that going? It's a disaster.
Boxes everywhere.
I swear, they multiply at night.
Mm.
I know how you feel.
And Trevor's no help.
I mean, he's busier than ever now that he's Platoon Commander.
- Leader.
- Platoon Leader.
Whatever.
Yeah, Frank is swamped, too.
With all the new families from Fort Hope, I barely get to see Joan these days.
What about you, Claudia Joy? What is like to be the wife of the Corps Commander? Acting Corps Commander.
So far, so good.
What is this acting stuff? I thought Michael was in charge of everything.
Corps Commander is a three-star position.
And Michael only has two.
To keep the job, the promotion board has to recommend him, and the Senate has to confirm him.
Well, hell.
Who else are they gonna give it to? Kevin Clarke, possibly.
Get out.
What's wrong with the Clarkes? Barbie and Ken? I saw them walking around the other day.
Mnh-mnh.
Don't like 'em.
Why not? Because I am Team Holden all the way.
I don't root for anyone else.
Oh, Roxy, that's sweet.
Thank you.
But, uh, it's not the way things work in the army.
Well, it's the way things work in my army.
No one is rooting against Michael.
Exactly.
Look, the fact is, Kevin Clarke's the Division Commander now.
And Joan says he's doing a great job so far.
And Jackie's a sweetheart.
I've known her for years.
And what about what she's doing with the concert for hurricane relief? - Okay, points for that.
- Mm-hmm.
I mean, I cannot wait to see Craig Morgan.
I love that guy.
What? Actually, Roxy, the concert is for senior officers only.
English, please.
It means your spouse has to be at least a lieutenant colonel.
Are you kidding me? Are you saying that now that Trevor's made officer, he's not officer enough? Mm.
It's complicated.
The post auditorium's closed for repairs, isn't it? That's right.
Jackie's house was the best option, which means a limited guest list.
So that's it? Nobody's sticking up for the little guy? - Hmm.
- Mm.
What do you think about this? Well, um, it's not my FRG anymore.
Morning, Nance.
Thank you.
Hey, Dr.
Burton.
Hey.
Uh, Charlie.
What's up? One of my regulars, Jamal Parks, he got in a fight at school yesterday.
His mom asked for my help.
She's stretched pretty thin.
Dad's in Afghanistan.
She works full-time.
Long story short I convinced the principal not to suspend Jamal if he agreed to counseling.
Right.
I asked around.
Your name came up.
His mom signed off on it.
You had a cancellation this morning.
Yeah? Will you see him? Hey, Jamal.
I'm Dr.
Burton.
You want to talk about what's going on? Jamal.
Yeah, I guess.
Okay.
Come on in.
NODS, Holdridge? Good.
Extra batteries? First aid kit stocked? The men are ready, Sir.
Roger that, Sergeant.
All right, listen up.
We'll begin with a tactical road march to Range 91.
First and Second Squad will begin when we go hot.
Let's go.
Cease fire! - Cease fire! - Cease fire! Soldiers, clear your rifles and prepare to move downrange.
Clear your weapons.
Make 'em safe.
Private Holdridge.
Yes, Sir.
Show me your weapon.
You notice anything? I didn't place my rifle on safe, Sir.
Why is that, Holdridge? No excuse, Sir.
Unless you're getting ready to engage and kill the enemy, your weapon is on safe at all times.
Is that understood? - Yes, Sir.
- Drop and give me 20.
- Yes, Sir.
- Count 'em out! Yes, Sir.
One All right, everyone else, downrange to check your targets.
Move! Four, five, - six - A word, Sir.
Seven, eight, nine, ten Sir, you're doing an outstanding job as LT.
- Thank you.
- 14 You're also doing a heck of a job as sergeant.
Corrective action is not your lane, Sir.
Fall in! I guess I'm still thinking like a sergeant.
Understandable.
I've seen it before with mustangs like you.
But you've got to let your NCO's lead.
I promise, we'll get your men mission ready.
I appreciate the heads-up.
Any other suggestions? One or two.
You want to throw a barbecue this weekend? Well, it's no big deal.
It's just the squad leaders and my Platoon Sergeant.
And their wives.
And their wives.
And their kids.
Well, they don't all have kids.
So What do you think? I think you're nuts.
Rox No way.
Babe, it-- Trevor, this house is a mess.
It's a barbecue.
We could do it in the backyard.
Like that solves everything.
My Platoon Sergeant says it's gonna be good for morale, so Okay, so let him do it.
I'm the Platoon Leader.
Okay, so order him to do it.
You outrank him, right? Yeah, I outrank him.
But Platoon Sergeants, they're career guys.
They know everything.
It's important that I get along with them.
Yeah? Well, it's more important that you get along with your wife.
I'm working on that.
Work harder.
I am gonna go read to the boys, okay? Okay, hey, hey.
Okay, this weekend is out.
But I suppose I can manage something for next weekend.
I already told everybody Sunday.
- What? - Yeah, we got field exercises next weekend.
Trevor-- Babe, we can do this.
Yes, I know it.
Yes.
We.
I can't believe he dropped this on me.
Mm.
I know.
Frank's done it to me, too, more than once.
What is wrong with them? They don't understand what it takes to throw "a simple little party.
" Tell me about it.
Right now, my place looks like a bomb went off.
Oh.
Well, what's done is done.
You have a party to host and not a lot of time to do it.
Yeah.
I'm thinking about going awol.
Okay, don't worry about cleaning up the whole house.
You just focus on the kitchen, the living room, the downstairs bath, and you shove everything else out of sight.
What about food? Keep it simple and keep it coming.
It doesn't have to be fancy, but it has to be a lot.
So, like, double the normal serving size? - Quadruple.
- Really? You're basically feeding a bunch of college football players.
Right.
See? That's why I came here.
I knew you'd know what to do.
You'll be fine, and if you run into a jam Oh, forget it.
I'll manage.
There is one one thing you could do for me, however.
Mm.
What's that? Make Trevor a colonel for one night.
Please get me in to that Craig Morgan concert.
Oh, God.
I wish I could.
I know.
Just asking.
Oh, by the way, this, um, barbecue shindig, who pays for it? You do.
Are you serious? Welcome to the officers' side of the house.
Ugh! Some welcome.
I like it fine But on the left-hand side.
Claudia Joy.
Oh, uh Sorry, I was, uh-- Looking for me.
Yes, hi.
Hi.
I moved, remember? Yeah.
Uh, force of habit.
Not to worry.
In fact, we could use another opinion.
Jackie No, I like Claudia Joy's taste in interior design.
Do you mind? Uh, no.
So what do you think, should it be on the right Or On the left? The right.
Told you.
The army only thinks we're in control.
Couldn't agree more.
Actually, Claudia Joy, do you mind stopping by the house later? I could use your advice on the concert.
- Sure.
4:00? - Perfect.
Shall we? Yeah.
Bye.
Bye.
That was embarrassing, walking into Kevin's office like that.
A lot's changed in a short amount of time.
You'll get used to it.
Yeah.
What you need is some time off.
I have to go to DC tomorrow.
Why don't you come with me? Oh, I have a ton of things to do around here.
It'll be fun.
Bryce and Audrey Whitaker want to take us out to lunch to celebrate the revival of my career.
It's just such short notice.
Next time.
- Okay.
- Thanks.
Hey, Dr.
Burton, this is my friend Leo.
Hey, Leo.
I was wondering if Leo could, like, you know, join us.
Join us? Got a note from my mom.
Charlie told me to get one.
Oh.
So this was Charlie's idea? Not exactly.
I was at the youth center, telling Leo how I cut a deal to stay in school, and Leo needs one, too.
It wasn't my fault.
This other kid was dissing me.
And Charlie said maybe you can help.
I see.
You guys have class together? Detention.
Okay.
Uh, well, since you're here, come on in.
We'll make other arrangements later.
You know the rules.
You make the mess, you clean it up.
Dr.
Burton, come to pick up David? In a minute.
Got a bone to pick first.
I talked to Leo today.
You did? Awesome.
Please do not send me any more boys with notes from their mothers.
I did not send him.
He asked my advice.
A technicality.
Look, I don't do teen therapy groups.
Why not? You're obviously good at it.
Look, flattery will get you nowhere.
These guys are only talking to me because they don't want to get suspended, period.
Come on.
Jamal tells me, you're all right.
That's high praise.
From him it is.
I don't have time to see your juvenile delinquents at Piedmont place.
Then do it here.
- No, you're not listening to me.
- Yes, I am.
You run an adult practice.
It's not the place to counsel teenage boys.
- Charlie-- - You're a military parent.
You know the score.
A lot of these boys essentially grow up without fathers.
They need a man to talk to, to-- to look up to.
That's granted-- I've wanted to start a program for months but didn't have the right leader until now.
Wait.
Slow down.
Will you at least think about it? Will you stop sending me referrals in the meantime? Deal.
Okay.
I would move the Millers away from the Jensens.
Nadine and Mary are combustible.
Good to know.
And, um, oh, put the Katellas and the Rosewalls together.
They're both teetotalers.
Done.
And that's all I see.
Thanks.
You know, I was wondering, um, I have a good friend who is a lieutenant's wife, and she's a huge Craig Morgan fan.
Is there any way that we could make an exception to the 0-5 cutoff? But if word got round that I showed favoritism to a friend, it would reflect badly on me and Kevin.
Mm-hmm.
Besides, a lieutenant and his wife would stick out like sore thumbs.
Well, I had to ask.
There'll be plenty of events for all ranks in the future.
Promise.
Hi, Claudia Joy.
Oh, am I late? You wanted my advice on the concert.
Right.
I-I-I did.
I-I wanted to ask you about seating arrangements, but then Denise dropped by, and we-- we just went over the whole thing.
I'm sorry.
Oh, no problem.
I-- I live just next door.
Well, you know, Claudia Joy really is the last word on this sort of thing.
Well, d-do you want to take a look? Oh, I'm sure it's fine.
Denise knows the post as well as I do.
Well, um, well, then join us for a glass of wine then.
You know, I've got some errands to run.
Rain check? Absolutely.
I'll see you both later.
All right.
Bye.
Michael.
Hey.
Is that offer for Washington still open? You bet.
I think you're right.
I do need a break from Fort Marshall.
Unh-unh.
That is for the barbecue.
Oh, that's not my fault, babe.
You don't want me to eat it, you shouldn't leave it out.
The bowl's too big for the fridge.
I need to make room.
Looks like you got enough food here to feed an army.
Ha ha.
Now how can I help? Ooh, deviled eggs! Unh-unh.
That is for the party.
Just one? - No.
- Please.
You want to help? Buddy, what do you say we go grab some ice for the party? Okay.
Okay.
To the new commander of the 17th Airborne Corps.
- Mm.
- Long may he reign.
Yes, hear, hear.
I think "serve" is the proper term, Audrey.
Ah, nonsense.
At corps level, you reign.
Next time we celebrate, it'll be over your third star.
From your lips, to Congress' ears.
You're the best man for the job, Michael.
Thank you, Audrey.
And I'll second that.
Of course, that's not gonna be enough.
I spent 36 years in uniform, and Kevin Clarke is the savviest politician I've ever set eyes on.
He's a good soldier, Bryce.
There's no question.
So are you but the defense industry is littered with good soldiers whose careers went bust.
Hell, look at me.
Bryce.
I'm just telling it like it is.
You were torpedoed, Bryce.
We're not gonna let that happen to Michael.
The point is, at the GO level, it takes more than qualifications to get to the next rung.
It takes influence.
I am aware.
It's a horse race, Michael, and right now, I figure you're about 3 lengths back, staring at Clarke's hindquarters.
Well, how do you figure that? Michael has the job.
For now.
From a Pentagon perspective, Michael's just keeping the seat warm for his successor.
The army couldn't give it to Clarke right away because they want him to finish his command.
In Washington's eyes, Kevin Clarke is a water-walker.
Yeah, he's the fast-tracker, all right.
Michael's the lucky so-and-so that got a second chance.
If this is supposed to be a pep talk, I'm still waiting for the pep.
Really.
Don't get me wrong.
We're in your corner.
Let's be honest.
You've been resurrected from the dead, son.
If you want to win this race, you're gonna have to start running hard.
Come to Washington more often, play the game.
That's not really Michael's style.
Well, I'm afraid that humble doesn't cut it in this town, Claudia Joy.
We need to change your playbook or Clarke's gonna eat your lunch.
Shall we order? Here you go.
Hope you like it.
That enough? Hey, babe, I want to introduce you to Sergeant First Class Leon Wisniewski.
Oh, it's a pleasure to meet you, Sergeant Wisniewski.
Make it "Ski," ma'am.
Pleasure's mine.
And you must be Gizella.
- Gisela.
- What now? Geez-ah-la.
Oh.
I'm sorry.
I must have been practicing that wrong.
Uh, um, what is that, like, French? German.
German.
Wow.
So where did you two meet? In Germany.
On vacation? Working in Kaiserslautern.
Kais-- That is another one.
It's a town near Frankfurt.
The army has a base there, Rox.
Air Force, too.
Largest American military community outside the United States.
Learn something new every day.
A-are you two hungry? We have hot dogs, hamburgers.
That's German, right? Macaroni salad, potato salad.
Yes, but no plates.
Oh That's weird.
How'd that happen? I'll-- I'll-- I'll be right back.
Um, I'm gonna help.
You didn't tell me she was an imperial stormtrooper.
No idea.
Michael, - cigar? - Lead on.
All right.
If you'll excuse us, ladies.
Go.
Don't let Bryce scare you.
He just wants that third star for Michael almost as badly as you do.
Oh, I understand.
He wants to do everything he can to help.
We both do.
Mm-hmm.
What do you know about Jackie Clarke? She's bright, attractive.
She's the daughter of a retired two-star.
She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Georgetown, speaks fluent French, Spanish, passable Italian.
They have a boy at West Point and a girl at Exeter.
She's allergic to peanuts, and she has a butterfly tattoo hidden from public view.
Know your enemy, my dear.
Well, she's not my enemy, Audrey.
Nonsense.
She's standing between you and what you want for Michael.
Well, whatever you call her, she sounds kind of perfect.
And that's exactly what she wants you to believe.
Hmm.
Okay.
But? Very few people know what I'm about to tell you.
Kevin served nine months in Kosovo.
When he came home, Jackie left him.
She moved out of the house for two months.
Why? Kevin had a driver overseas, a very attractive female soldier.
He had an affair? Connect the dots.
He comes home, she moves out.
When she moves back in, his career takes a sudden turn onto the political fast-track-- A fellowship at Georgetown, a stint at NATO.
Wait.
Hold on.
You lost me.
Well, isn't it obvious? They made a deal-- She'd take him back if he agreed to let her direct his career.
They'd rise together.
You make her sound like Lady MacBeth.
If the shoe fits.
Well, wait a second.
Uh, Jackie can't determine Kevin's postings.
I didn't say she cut his orders.
But she can influence those who do.
I just thought you should know.
It might affect your strategy.
Well, I don't have a strategy, Audrey.
My point.
Get one.
Here, babe.
Let me do that.
You've earned it.
Thanks, but I should eat something first.
I didn't have a thing.
Why not? I was too busy.
Besides, that Gisela was making me nervous.
Wow.
No more macaroni? No more anything, babe.
The party was a huge success.
Lights out.
It was kind of a hit, wasn't it? Sergeant Wheeler, what's up? Mom.
What's the matter? TJ just threw up.
I don't feel so good.
Okay.
Um, let's go upstairs.
I'll get you something for your tummy.
Okay.
Hey.
That was Sergeant Wheeler.
His whole family's throwing up.
Oh, my God.
How long was that macaroni salad out of the refrigerator? Um Oh, God.
- Trevor-- - Oh.
Oh, I killed Trevor's platoon.
You didn't kill anyone, Roxy.
Well, I killed his career.
Okay, what was it exactly? The macaroni salad.
I left it out too long.
I still can't believe it.
I have never had a single case of food poisoning at the hump bar, and we serve seafood.
Okay, Roxy, calm down.
I can't calm down.
It's a disaster.
Once the bad mayo's out of their systems, everyone will be fine, and soon, it'll be forgotten.
Like in ten years? Ugh! It's hopeless.
Nothing is hopeless.
Roxy, we're army wives.
There's always something we can do.
Hide? Well, we need to think.
You may be down, but you are not out.
Third Squad? Third Squad's accounted for, Sir.
Sergeant Francisco's at sick call.
Fourth Squad? Fourth Squad's accounted for, Sergeant.
Sergeant Wheeler's at sick call.
Yes, Sir! Soldier! All squads accounted for, Sir.
Sergeants Wheeler, Francisco, Applegate, and Smith are at sick call.
Thank you, Sergeant.
All right, listen up.
General Clarke expects this division to be the most combat-ready in the army.
So today we have a 10-mile run, and I want the best platoon time anywhere.
Understood? Oo-ahh.
You sure you're up to this, Sir? Lead the way.
Platoon, attention.
Right face.
Let's go.
David get off to school okay? Yep.
Ah.
Hey, listen, Joan, Charlie Mayfield asked me to think about - a counseling group at the youth center.
- Hey! Want some fruit, baby girl? Honey, will you finish with her? I am already behind.
I have wall-to-wall meetings today.
Don't forget, we've got that parent-teacher conference for David at 4:00.
Right.
And I would really like to attend that management seminar tomorrow night.
Can you take the kids? You got it.
Oh, and don't look now, but next Saturday is Colonel Stanton's annual beach party.
Next Saturday? All day.
Mwah.
You know, I'd really love to get a babysitter this weekend and maybe go to the movies or dinner or anything.
Just get outta the house, you and me, together for once.
I hear that.
What were you saying about a therapy group? Never mind.
Mm.
I'm gonna pass.
Because? Because I don't have the time.
Look, we're talking twice a week, two hours total.
I'm overextended as it is.
Who isn't? You're very persuasive, but-- You know the problem.
Military kids need special attention.
Right, and two of them live in my house, not to mention their mother.
One hour.
One session.
I can't do it.
I'm not your guy.
I'm sorry.
Me, too.
End route.
Fall out.
Anything for the men, Sir? Okay.
Outstanding work.
Go shower up.
Grab some chow.
We'll reassemble at 0900.
Dismissed.
If I was president and had my way If I was president and had my way How many helpings of macaroni salad did you have? Three.
Four.
See you at 0900, Sir.
Okay, don't shoot.
I am unarmed.
Look, Gisela, I am really, really sorry about what happened.
Uh, this is for you.
Uh, and I didn't cook any of it, I promise.
Just some chicken soup, uh, rice pudding, crackers-- Yeah, I hear about the baskets from the other wives.
Oh.
Y-you're feeling okay? I'm not sick.
Really? Cast-iron stomach, huh? No.
I hate the macaroni salad.
Oh.
My husband loves it.
He was up all last night with the pukes.
Sorry.
He wants the recipe.
Are you serious? No.
Uh, uh, actually, it, um, wasn't the recipe.
It was me.
I-I left it sitting out too long.
- You see-- - The bowl was too big.
Yes.
The other wives.
Word gets round.
Okay.
Well I guess there's not much else for me to say, so No worries.
It's good.
I understand.
You do? Sure.
Everyone screws up now and then.
Most army wives today, they screw up, they go home, cry "boo-hoo.
" Not you.
I like that.
You do? Very old-school.
You come in.
We have stollen, ja? Ja.
Sure.
What is stollen? Mm.
Thank you.
Wow.
The Clarkes are going all out.
Yes, they are.
Claudia Joy? Coming.
That's Senator Powell over there.
He's on the, uh, armed services committee.
Yeah, I'm aware.
We should say hello.
Okay.
Michael, Claudia Joy, you know Senator Powell.
I do, yes.
Good to see you, Senator.
Same, General.
My wife Claudia Joy.
- Oh, my pleasure.
- Hello.
Jackie tells me you've been a big help to her.
I've tried, but I don't think Jackie needs a lot of help.
She's being modest.
Well, in any case, I'm delighted to be here.
This, uh, this is quite an occasion.
Well, tell the truth.
I had to twist your arm.
Well, what can I say? She's a hard woman to resist.
Mm-hmm.
I got your call.
What happened? He wrecked his mom's car.
Ran into a telephone pole.
He's 14.
Tell me.
How did he even get-- He won't talk to me, Roland.
He asked for you.
Hey, man.
You okay? You're not hurt? Nah.
Anybody else get hurt? Wasn't nobody else around.
So what happened? Why'd you take the car? I got into a fight with my mom.
About what? Same old stuff.
I wanted to go out, but she wouldn't let me go because of my schoolwork.
I told you, she treats me like a baby, Dr.
Burton.
When my dad got deployed, he said, I'm the man of the house now.
But she don't see it that way.
So you stole her car? Yeah.
I mean, she was out with friends.
She wasn't supposed to find out.
Then what? I-I don't know what happened.
I went too fast or something.
I hit a phone pole.
Here on post? Yeah, but nobody saw me.
I just called Charlie and came here.
MP's will find the car.
Yeah, I know.
But they won't know it's me that took it.
Well, they'll figure it out.
How? Can't we say it was someone else? Was it someone else? You want to be treated like a man, Jamal.
You gotta start acting like one.
You saying, I gotta turn myself in? No, I'm asking, what do you think a man would do? My mom's gonna go crazy on me.
Probably.
Will you come with me? Yeah.
Come on.
That's it.
I want to thank everyone for coming out tonight to support the Fort Marshall hurricane relief fund and to hear some great music.
I want to thank all of my FRG leaders for helping put this together, especially Denise Sherwood.
And a big shout-out to Claudia Joy Holden for assembling the top-notch FRG organization that I inherited.
Kevin and I strongly believe in strengthening the ties between the U.
S.
Army and the greater Charleston community.
So we hope tonight marks the beginning of a bright new chapter in that relationship.
Kevin.
I've learned that my wife is a tough act to follow, so I'll keep this short.
The senior officers seated at your table tonight share with me the privilege of leading the outstanding warriors that keep this country free.
I am ever in awe of their courage and commitment, and that of their families.
Jackie and I thank you for honoring them with your generosity tonight.
And we are gratified to have made so many new friends.
Thank you.
Now I know you didn't come here to listen to us talk, so Let's put our hands together for a country music superstar who spent ten years with the U.
S.
Army and is the recipient of the USO Merit Award.
From Dickson, Tennessee-- Ladies and gentlemen, let's give a Fort Marshall welcome to Craig Morgan.
Jackie, Kevin, thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of such a wonderful event.
It is a true honor to be here amongst fellow soldiers.
Now you guys have a good time.
She got her smile on doggone, nothing in the world's wrong we're rolling down a country road she's my shotgun rider I'm the lucky dog beside her my lips are where her kisses go and I don't know if it could get any better but, man, if it does then I reckon I better get to picking out a ring and now this ole boy got it going on got the good lord smiling on me her big blue eyes and the sweet red wine got me buzzing like a bee she's got her pretty little head on my shoulder nobody else gets to hold her but this ole boy Well, they both managed to keep down some toast.
Good.
Mm.
I'm sorry about this, Trevor.
You know, babe, in a weird way, it worked out.
Not going on sick call, doing that run I earned Ski's respect.
Hmm.
Same thing happened with me and Gisela.
She gave me points for showing my face, not staying home "Crying boo-hoo.
" So it wasn't a disaster after all.
No.
But next time No macaroni salad.
Summer dress straps slipping off of her shoulder a blanket of stars is looking us over here in the dark it's gonna be a long, long night baby, baby, love loves a long night don't you know love know love don't worry about time? the way it's going feels like love's gonna be going till the morning light baby, baby love loves a long, long night My name is Craig Morgan.
Thank y'all so much for letting us be a part of your world tonight.
God bless you.
- I'm gonna say hello.
- Oh, okay.
You all right? Uh-huh.
Well done, Jackie.
Thank you.
Claudia Joy.
Amazing, huh? Yeah, it was.
I just got the numbers from Jessica.
She says we raised over $40,000 tonight.
$40,000? Triple the last record.
That's great.
You don't seem very excited.
No, I am.
I am.
I'm tired from the Washington trip.
Oh, I forgot.
How did it go? It was good.
Informative.
Denise.
- Go, go.
- You don't want to come? I'm so tired, really.
Mm.
Okay.
Bye.