Army Wives s06e05 Episode Script

Previously on Army Wives I'd like to move 5,000 troops in the next 2 weeks.
What do you think, Colonel? Can you handle it? We can do it.
Yes, sir.
I'd like to enroll David in the after-school program.
- Awesome.
- One more thing.
I thought you should know, my wife is Joan Burton.
- Colonel Joan Burton? - Charlie Mayfield thinks that she can get away with anything because she's colorful.
Which pushes your buttons, obviously.
It is not personal.
I have a garrison to run.
If people don't follow regs, discipline erodes.
- Could you imagine living in a place like this? - Maybe you could.
Oh, no, no.
This house should belong to the Corps Commander.
No, the Holdens are perfectly happy where they are.
Isn't that right, Claudia Joy? Yes, it is.
You could be neighbors.
Denise.
What do you know about Jackie Clarke? She's bright, attractive.
Kevin had a driver overseas, a very attractive female soldier.
I just thought you should know.
Might affect your strategy.
I don't have a strategy, Audrey.
My point.
Get one.
We are still short of volunteers For next week's clothing drive.
Who would like to help? A show of hands, please.
No one? Okay.
We'll come back to that.
Next item Hi.
Roxy Leblanc.
Nice to meet you.
Let me remind everyone - I hate being late.
- I need your updated contact information It's my first company FRG meeting.
What did I miss? - Less than half of you turned in your forms.
- Same ol', same ol'.
It's very important that I have them.
Oh, you gotta be kidding me.
Is there a problem, Maryann? Yeah.
No jelly doughnuts.
Not this again.
Uh, sorry.
Glazed were on special.
Yeah, well, I hate glazed.
So why don't you bring the snacks next time? You never do anything.
Oh, look who's talking.
I brought snacks once.
Yeah, a box of Oreos.
I say we should be eating healthy anyway, like muffins or something.
Muffins aren't healthy.
Ladies, please.
We have work.
Hey, we're all volunteers here, okay? You can't boss us around.
Lighten up, Min-Ji.
You people don't work.
You don't help.
All you do is complain! You want doughnuts? Here.
Have doughnuts! I quit! Same ol', same ol'? Hey.
Mm.
Hi.
What's on your plate today? Oh, I'm meeting, uh, Audrey Whitaker.
What's she doing in town? Foundation meeting of some sort.
You know Audrey.
She sits on more boards than most CEOs.
I also think she knows more about the army than most generals.
I think Audrey would agree with you on that.
Have you seen this? Yeah.
It was in my early bird report.
And? It's a nice article.
Michael? The arrival of a new Division Commander is legitimate news.
Right.
But "Camelot"? Jackie was named for Jackie Kennedy.
Their families were friends.
Yeah, 50 years ago.
It's a puff piece, Claudia Joy.
Is it? Oh, listen to this.
"As we enjoyed sweet tea on the gracious porch of their plantation-style home, Jackie revealed that the Clarkes hope to make Fort Marshall an easy-access post.
'Improving community relations is a high priority for Kevin and me,' she said.
" I happen to support the concept of an easy-access post.
It's been kicking around for years.
Fine, but this makes it sound like it's the Clarkes' idea and that we did a poor job at community relations.
I think you're reading too much into it.
This doesn't bother you? No.
Should it? It's blatant manipulation of the media.
Don't think for one minute that Jackie Clarke didn't work very hard to plant that article.
She's done it before.
Oh, if I had a nickel for every time I've heard that "Camelot" reference.
Really? Oh, please.
I'm surprised she wasn't wearing a pill box hat.
Michael says it's no big deal.
Of course he does.
He's a great general.
But when it comes to power politics, he's clueless.
No offense.
Bryce was the same way before I met him.
So you think I have a right to be concerned? You have an obligation, my dear.
I mean, Jackie Clarke has already launched her campaign to get that third star for her husband.
You and Michael haven't even mobilized.
I--that's what I've tried to tell him.
Did you read about the uncasing ceremony? Coronation, you mean.
It does sound excessive.
Excessive? An uncasing ceremony should be a simple, dignified matter.
A division plants its flag at new headquarters, period.
This sounds more like a Roman circus.
I wouldn't be surprised to see the Clarkes laid in on chariots amidst a releasing of doves.
Oh, Audrey.
I'm serious.
Before you know it, Claudia Joy, the public and Congress are gonna forget that the Holdens were ever at Fort Marshall.
Oh, it's such a good thing I'm here.
Nice article this morning.
I wish they'd stop using that "Camelot" reference.
I mean, it's such a cliche.
Besides, it was supposed to be an article about Kevin not a "better homes and gardens" piece.
Makes good copy.
I suppose.
Oh, did you hear about that Bravo Company FRG meeting? You mean the great doughnut meltdown? It's all over post.
Bad situation.
Poor Min-Ji.
She's always had trouble with that FRG.
But it happens sometimes.
Bad chemistry.
I don't believe in bad chemistry.
I believe in good leadership.
I wouldn't judge Min-Ji too harshly.
This isn't her native culture, and well, it's hard to wrangle a bunch of self-absorbed 20 year olds.
I agree, but the fact is, they need a new FRG leader.
Somebody to kick butt and take names.
Any ideas? Actually, I do.
FRG leader? Me? Why not? You'd make a great leader.
Shark bait, you mean.
You shoulda been there, Denise.
They ate that poor woman alive.
I know.
It's not the easiest group.
Are you kidding? They're horrible.
They just need to be led.
Yeah, off a cliff.
What about, um, captain Brunson's wife? Mm.
Captain Brunson is between wives.
That's why Min-Ji took the job.
Her husband is the XO.
Well, who's, like, Assistant XO? There is no Assistant XO.
The next in line are Platoon Leaders, and that's you.
You're an officer's wife, Roxy.
That means more responsibility.
Yes, I get it.
Look, I would love to help, but with the kids and the hump bar-- look, I will help, and so will Jackie.
She really wants to meet you, by the way.
Yeah, well, I don't want to meet her.
Oh, come on.
I know you got a bad first impression, but she's a great person.
And she could be an important contact for you.
Being an FRG leader could help Trevor's career.
Hmm.
I hadn't thought about that.
You really think I could do it? I know you can.
And right now, the army needs you.
Wow.
Now that's something I never expected to hear.
Signature, ma'am.
Get me Major Houston in facilities.
Sir.
I understand we have a problem with the transition process, Colonel? In what respect, sir? I'm hearing about long lines, bottlenecks, inadequate personnel.
We've experienced some backlog in housing, sir.
But nothing that wasn't anticipated.
And we're compensating with temporary housing off post.
Then why are my officers being bombarded with complaints? With respect, sir, I think some families may have arrived from Fort Hope with unrealistic expectations.
So you're saying this is a communications problem? In some respects, yes, sir.
We're on track with our projections.
If these families could understand how-- well, that's your job, isn't it, to make 'em understand? Communication's half the battle when it comes to handling families, Colonel.
Right now, I'd say we're doing a piss-poor job.
Yes, sir.
Families aren't happy, soldiers aren't happy.
Performance suffers.
Understood, sir.
People think there's a problem, there is a problem.
We need to fix it.
Yes, sir.
You won't believe what I just heard.
What? Nelson Bring is coming to the uncasing ceremony.
Senator Bring? Only one reason for that windbag to be here.
He happens to sit on the Armed Services Committee.
As does Senator Powell.
He was at Jackie's fund-raiser last week.
Well, that's two votes for Kevin Clarke.
How many have you lined up, Claudia Joy? None that I know of.
We're gonna take care of that.
I have broken down the committee into three categories-- probable, approachable, and nonnegotiable.
- I don't know how I feel about this, Audrey.
- Sure you do.
You just need to let your mind catch up to your gut.
Ask yourself, who do you want to get that third star, Michael or Kevin Clarke? We'll look at this later.
Let's talk about home field advantage.
What do you mean? Fort Marshall is your house, Claudia Joy.
You can't let Jackie Clarke just walk in and take over.
She is Division Commander's wife, Audrey.
And you are the Corps Commander's wife.
Are you really gonna let her just pluck off all the relationships that you've worked so hard to establish? I still have those relationships.
I just don't have the divisional responsibilities anymore.
That's Jackie's lane now.
Yes, but that doesn't give her a license to steal.
If you're not careful, she's going to usurp everything that isn't nailed down.
I think you're exaggerating, maybe.
Claudia Joy.
- Roxy, hi.
- Hi.
Uh, Audrey Whitaker, Roxy Leblanc.
Hi.
Nice to meet you.
Pleasure.
Mm.
Roxy's a really good friend.
Her husband's a Second Lieutenant.
Yes, and now I'm an FRG leader to boot.
What? Yeah, Trevor's company had a problem, so Denise asked me to step up.
Oh, that's terrific.
- Congratulations.
- Thank you.
Tell you the truth, I'm, uh, kinda nervous.
Why? Well, I'm supposed to meet Jackie Clarke tomorrow, and I don't want to screw it up.
Denise says she really wants to meet me, so I-I thought I'd bring pralines.
- Is that stupid? - No.
Good manners are never a waste, dear.
That's what I thought.
Thank you.
Well, I'm sorry to interrupt.
It was nice meeting you.
See you later.
Bye.
Still think I'm exaggerating? Hey there.
Hey.
I haven't seen you in a while.
Oh, I know.
I've been so busy, helping Jackie plan the ceremony.
You wouldn't believe how much work is involved.
Oh, I would.
She's such a stickler for detail.
Anyway, I was just next door for another meeting, and I saw you.
I thought I'd stop by And--and see if you could help me out next week.
Sure.
What's going on? A planning meeting for the Division banquet.
Oh.
Well, what about Jackie? It's her division, after all.
Yeah, she'll be in, uh, in Washington for a leadership symposium.
You know the one you used to go to? Right.
Yeah, I'm not sure I'd be much help, Denise.
Oh, of course you would.
No, look, I told protocol next Wednesday at 10:00 if that works for you.
Well, um You know what? Let me, uh, let me check my calendar.
Can I get back to you? Sure.
Yeah.
Uh, I have some news.
Hmm? Roxy is gonna be the new FRG leader in Bravo Company.
- I know.
She told me.
- Oh.
She seemed really excited.
I think it's great.
Yeah, yeah, me, too.
Well, you seem busy.
Oh, you know, God, I'd offer you some tea, but Mm.
No, it's fine.
I should get going.
I'll call you.
Right.
Is everything going well with General Clarke? Oh, outstanding.
Yeah? Just like old times.
Only now I'm a colonel, and he's a general, if you can believe that.
Time sure does fly.
Yeah.
And you don't miss working with General Holden? Oh, I still work with him, just not as directly.
Why? Ah, it's silly.
What is? Well, um You know, I've been feeling guilty about spending so much time with Jackie lately.
Ah.
I got the strangest vibe from Claudia Joy today.
It's like she's Jealous or something.
Really? Well, that surprises me.
She of all people should know what a change of command is all about.
Yeah, I know, but we're not soldiers, Frank.
We're friends.
It's different.
All right.
So what's going on really? I get the feeling that Jackie and Claudia Joy don't like each other.
Stay out of it, D.
- Frank-- - No, I'm serious.
Oh, how am I supposed to stay out of it? Claudia Joy's my best friend, and Jackie-- Jackie is your new best friend.
That's just how it has to be.
Well, I'm not just gonna drop Claudia Joy.
I'm not suggesting you do, baby.
I'm just saying, don't get caught in the cross fire.
You know, stay low, keep your head down.
That's all, hmm? Wow.
Not bad for an FRG leader, huh? Oh.
If that is the secret, I am all for it.
I'm really proud of you, babe.
Yeah? Yeah.
I just hope you're not taking on too much.
I don't think so.
And besides, I like helping your career.
How is that? Well, Denise said that Jackie Clarke could be a good contact for me, and being an FRG leader could help you.
Yeah.
Okay.
But it goes both ways, Rox.
What do you mean? Well that whole doughnut thing the other day? Mm-hmm.
Lieutenant Webster's in the dog house with the captain because of that.
Why? I told you, it wasn't Min-Ji's fault.
The other women were horrible to her.
Doesn't matter.
Guy can't keep it together at home, how's he supposed to lead on the field? That is so unfair.
Just how it is, babe.
So what you're saying is, no pressure, but don't screw up.
Yeah.
Pretty much.
Great.
Hey.
Hey.
There's a plate in the fridge.
Thanks, but I am too tired to eat.
And I may go to bed in my uniform.
Mm.
Any sign of it slowing down? Not until all 15,000 new families are comfortably housed.
If I live that long.
That bad? Mm.
General Clarke came down hard on me today.
Apparently, I have a communications problem.
How so? Well, we are doing everything humanly possible, but people don't get it.
They expect miracles, and then they call my office a hundred times a day about information that is clearly available on the web site.
So what can you do about it? Well, I'm holding a town hall meeting tomorrow night.
Show everyone that I am willing to listen and respond to their concerns.
What do you think? Bring your kevlar.
Excuse me, Jackie.
This is Roxy Leblanc.
- Hey.
- So nice to meet you, Roxy.
Denise has told me a lot about you.
Same here.
I-I mean, she's told me a-a lot about you, too.
Well, we appreciate your commitment.
Of course.
Anything for Uncle Sam.
Well, if you'd like to take a seat, - we can get started.
- Sure.
Can we talk wardrobe? Oh, I know.
She's a little green, but she's gonna do great.
No, I believe you, but, um, would you Oh, I'll talk to her.
- Okay.
Good.
- Okay.
Thank you for coming, ladies.
Now you're all first-time FRG leaders, well, at least, first time working with me.
And because every post runs differently, I thought that I would share my philosophy with you, which is quite simple.
Now a post runs best when there are common goals and common methods.
If you'll open your binders, you'll find everything we need to be successful together.
In addition to the standard FRG materials, I've included some further guidelines that I developed at Fort Hope, which I think you'll find useful.
Let's start with the first tab-- "the FRG mission.
" Okay, gentlemen, that's it.
Think about what you want to talk about next time, and I'll see you then.
Good start? Think so.
Once word gets out we're having these counseling sessions, there's gonna be overflow.
Well, we'll see.
Count on it.
Boys on post need a man to talk to.
You can drop the sales pitch.
I'm already on board.
Oh, you think I could post a few of these? Colonel Burton's having a town hall? I am so there.
Really? You kidding me? I got a lot to talk about, starting with my balls.
My equipment allotment.
I've been waiting six months for basketballs, footballs, dodgeballs, you name it.
If it's spheroid, I need it.
Well, I think this meeting's more for families.
It says here, "bring any issue you want to discuss.
" I'm bringing.
Ugh.
Ooh! See what I mean? Hey, Roxy.
Oh, please don't tell me you have any more handouts.
No.
No handouts.
Um, look, I just wanted to talk a little bit about FRG protocol.
What do you mean? You know, image, how we present ourselves as a group.
I'm talking about your clothes.
Oh.
What about 'em? Don't take this the wrong way.
I-I love your style.
It--it just doesn't exactly say "FRG leader.
" Really? What do you think it says? Don't get upset.
I'm trying not to, but you're criticizing the way I dress.
No, I'm not.
I was just wondering-- Jackie and I were both wondering if maybe you could just tone it down a bit when it comes to FRG events.
What, she thinks I'm trailer trash? No.
Of course not.
Jackie believes in certain standards, and by standards, she means-- country club clothes-- boring little Stepford wives all in a row? Yeah.
That's not me, Denise.
No one's asking you to change, Roxy.
Actually, you are.
If you would just listen-- no, I heard you loud and clear.
You're an officer's wife, Roxy.
All I'm saying is, maybe you could try to dress like one every now and then.
Interesting.
Maybe the army doesn't need me so much after all.
Calm down, sweetheart.
I am sure Denise didn't mean to hurt your feelings.
Maybe not.
It's just that FRG nazi Jackie Clarke.
She wants everyone to be her little clone.
Well, I wouldn't be too hard on Jackie either.
Why not? Because I happen to agree with her.
Not you, too? What does my hemline have to do with being an FRG leader? A lot, actually.
Things change when your husband becomes an officer, Roxy.
Yeah.
Your friends think you're an embarrassment.
This isn't about you.
This is about being part of something that's bigger than you.
An officer's uniform commands respect.
Same thing, being an officer's wife.
How you dress makes a statement.
You know, I-I didn't sign up for the army, Trevor did.
That doesn't cut it, and you know it.
When you married Trevor, you married into the army.
Yeah.
Well, I never saw this coming.
- I like the way I dress - Mm-hmm.
And I don't want the army changing who I am.
Mm.
It's too late.
You're not the same woman who came here from Tuscaloosa, Roxy.
Like it or not, you've grown.
Now you can ignore it if you want, but you can't deny it.
You want my opinion? I don't think this is about clothes at all.
I think it's about insecurity.
Thank you, Roland.
I'm serious.
I know you can do the job.
I'm not sure you do.
Whatever you decide, don't let the prospect of a longer dress or shorter heels stop you.
Shorter heels? Really? You'll always be the same Roxy underneath.
Nothing can change that, thank God.
Thank you.
I guess we'll start.
Good evening.
While we're waiting for more folks to show up, why don't we start with some Q&A? Yes, ma'am.
I've got a 7 year old and a 9 year old.
I've been calling and calling to get them enrolled in elementary school.
Nobody will confirm anything.
What's going on? Good question.
We're gonna cover the whole area of school enrollment during the education segment.
Look, I can't stay here all night.
Can't you just tell me now? All right.
Due to the tremendous influx of new students, our schools are looking for more classroom space.
This has swamped our computer systems, and it's delayed enrollment by a week or so.
That would've been nice to know.
Actually, ma'am, notice was posted on the garrison information portal.
It's directly linked to the Fort Marshall home page.
Hey, I'm no computer genius.
I tried using the web site and got nowhere.
After while, I gave up.
Well, I'm sorry for your experience, ma'am.
But you have the proper information now.
Yes.
Um, my wife's a sergeant.
We just moved here from Fort Hope, and our basic housing allowance was deducted twice from her first pay period.
Clearly, that's a mistake.
I know it's a mistake.
What are you gonna do about it? Well, that would be an issue for the finance office.
I talked to the finance office, they said, it's Fort Hope's problem.
Then I would talk to the office at Fort Hope.
Listen, Colonel, I did not come here to get the runaround.
I want to know how you're gonna fix this.
Ralph, finance is your area.
Would you like to respond to the gentleman? Just set it down right there, would you? Ah, sir, all right.
Tell him to call me as soon as he gets back.
Hey.
Hi.
Have you seen what's going on outside? - The preparations for tomorrow's ceremony? Yeah.
- Yeah.
Audrey told me it was gonna be a big production, but I had no idea.
Well, it's General Clarke's call.
I was talking to the set-up crew.
Have you heard about the drill team and marching band? Yep.
They both happen to be from local high schools.
I think it's a good thing.
It's over the top, Michael.
I think somebody's been spending a little too much time with Audrey Whitaker.
She just wants to open my eyes.
Yours, too.
Claudia Joy, I'm starting to get tired of all the negativity aimed at the Clarkes.
You need to let it go.
I mean it.
Coming.
Roxy.
Come in.
Thanks.
Listen, I think I need to apologize for yesterday.
No, it's okay.
No, it's not.
I got mad and Anyway, I'm sorry.
Well, I coulda handled it better, too.
Not really, when the message is, "get yourself a new wardrobe.
" Mm.
It's about the FRG, Roxy.
I wasn't criticizing.
Yeah, I know.
I get that now.
So You still want to be an FRG leader? I do.
Yes.
Only Mm.
Only what? I'm not sure exactly how to go about it.
I-I don't know how to dress any differently.
Aha.
Well You know what they say.
When the going gets tough The tough go shopping.
Come on.
stop me on the corner I swear you hit me like a vision I, I, I wasn't expecting but who am I to tell fate where it's supposed to go with it? don't you blink, you might miss it see, we got a right to just love it or leave it you find it and keep it 'cause it ain't every day you get the chance to say oh, this is how it starts lightning strikes the heart it goes off like a gun brighter than the sun oh, it could be the stars falling from the sky shining how we want brighter than the sun I swear you hit me like a vision I, I, I wasn't expecting but who am I to tell fate where it's supposed to go? oh, this is how it starts this is how it starts lightning strikes the heart lightning strikes the heart it goes off like a gun oh, oh, brighter than the sun oh, it could be the stars falling from the sky falling from the sky shining how we want brighter than the sun than the sun oh, this is how it starts this is how it starts lightning strikes the heart lightning strikes the heart it goes off like a gun brighter than the sun oh, oh oh, it could be the stars oh, ooh falling from the sky shining how we want shining how we want brighter than the sun Whoa.
Hmm.
I have a feeling you'll want to be sitting down when I tell you the latest.
Oh, you know, Audrey, stop.
I know you're only trying to help.
Michael thinks I'm obsessing over the Clarkes.
He wants me to stop talking about them.
I see.
It's not my decision.
No, I understand, and I'm happy to comply.
But let me ask you this-- was Michael planning to retire before the corps position opened up? Who told you that? So it's true? Well, yes, but, uh I didn't tell anyone except Denise.
And we all know who Denise is talking to these days.
Yes, but she would never-- but she did.
I heard it from someone who heard it from someone else who's a friend of Jackie Clarke.
Do you have any idea how damaging this could be to Michael? It makes it appear, he's not a team player, that he's just in it for himself.
You have to stop her, Claudia Joy.
How? Play the Kosovo card-- Kevin Clarke's indiscretion with his army driver.
Let the right people know that Jackie moved out of the house because he betrayed her.
Oh, I don't know, Audrey.
If she's trying to blacken your husband's reputation, you have to show her that you can play that game, too.
It's time to fight fire with fire.
Claudia Joy.
Hi.
Can I come in? Sure.
Can I get you anything? When I told you Michael was going to retire, I made it clear that was in the strictest confidence, - didn't I? - Yes.
- So why did you tell Jackie Clarke? - I didn't.
Well, she knows, Denise, and it sure as hell didn't come from me.
Actually, I might have let it slip.
- How could you? - No, it was unintentional.
We were celebrating Jackie's move here, having some wine, and I-I just blurted out how happy I was that you were staying, too, and I-I went into more detail than I should've.
Well, now she's spreading it around, hoping to poison Michael's chance at getting a third star.
- I don't believe that.
- Denise, come on.
How else would it have gotten back to me? I'm so sorry, Claudia Joy.
- You know that I would never do anything to hurt you - Yes.
- Or Michael.
- I do know that.
I do.
But I think your friend has other ideas.
But I just can't believe that Jackie would do anything like that intentionally.
Look, do you want me to talk to her? No.
No, I'll talk to her.
Hey, Dr.
B.
What's up? David's permission slip.
He forgot it yesterday.
Roger that.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Yes? Joan said the town hall didn't go very well.
Your wife has a gift for understatement.
It was a disaster.
That bad? I didn't even ask a question, that's how bad it was.
I don't kick a girl when she's down.
Appreciate that.
Although She does bring some of it on herself.
Come on.
Let's hear it.
- Yeah? - Yeah.
She comes off as typical military-- stiff, unapproachable.
Why wasn't this a virtual town hall? You know, conducted by computer chat.
Families don't have time for this, especially folks who've barely unpacked.
Okay.
Colonel Burton may have the military part of her job down, but when it comes to the family part, she don't know Jack.
I could tell her a hundred things she's doing wrong.
Why don't you? No, no, no.
I'm serious.
Right.
Like she'd listen to me.
Look, you never know.
She may be willing to take the advice if it were presented in the proper way Respectfully, with a minimum of attitude.
Tell you what-- you get Colonel Burton to come here and ask for help, respectfully, with a minimum of attitude, and I'd be happy to do it.
Deal.
Claudia Joy.
You need to stop spreading rumors about my husband.
I know for a fact, you've been telling people that Michael was planning to retire before the corps position opened up.
I mentioned it to a friend in Washington, yes.
W-why, was it supposed to be a secret? Oh, don't play dumb with me, Jackie.
It doesn't suit you.
You know what affect a rumor like that can have on Michael's shot at a third star.
- Hold on.
I didn't even know that Michael wanted a third star.
- Right.
You had no idea our husbands are competing for permanent command of the corps.
Honestly, no.
From what Denise told me, I thought Michael took this assignment out of loyalty, not ambition.
I know a few things about playing games, too, Jackie.
You want to sling mud? I'm ready.
Is that what you think I'm doing? You're really gonna stand there and deny it? I don't need to play games to help Kevin's career.
I'm happy to let his record speak for itself.
Frankly, I'm surprised you think Michael's even in the hunt.
And why is that? Well, let's see, his helicopter shot down in Afghanistan because he continues a mission with inadequate escort, he's--he's quoted in the New York Times disparaging White House policy, and then back home, he's pulled over for DUI and then the police video goes viral.
Am I forgetting anything? Those are half-truths and distortions.
You know it.
And you know that perception is reality in the army.
Honestly, I don't know how your husband's survived this long.
What about your husband? What about him? You need to stop.
Just stop.
Okay, ladies, settle down.
Who brought the cookies? I'm allergic to peanuts.
Hey, you at the snack table, zip it.
Gina, eyes up, cell phone down.
Who are you? My name is Roxy Leblanc, and I am your new FRG leader.
Now listen up.
At these meetings, you check your whining at the door.
When I ask for volunteers, you volunteer.
When we need to work, we work.
This is about supporting our soldiers and our families.
Any problems with that, there's the door.
Are we clear? Sit down, Maryann.
Okay.
Let's get started.
Real nice.
Oh, good job.
Your mom and dad are gonna love this.
It's beautiful.
Colonel Burton, I'm impressed.
Why is that? Well, it takes a big person to admit they need help.
And I have tons of ideas about how we can change that whole stiff, "Yes, ma'am, no, ma'am" vibe into something more inviting.
I'm not talking a personality transplant.
I just And you have no idea what I'm talking about, do you? No.
Dr.
Burton didn't talk to you? Been in meetings all day.
Aha.
So why are you here? To give you this.
You came to personally deliver another chit? It's your equipment allotment check.
I know it's long overdue, and I wanted to apologize for the delay.
Right.
Thanks.
So Roland said I was Stiff? Uh, no, ma'am.
That would be me.
But he thinks I could use some lessons in loosening up? Not exactly.
We were talking about the town hall, he mentioned you were discouraged.
I said I had some ideas.
That's it.
What kind of ideas are we talking about? Claudia Joy.
I just spent the last hour with Jackie.
She feels terrible about what happened.
As she should.
It's all such a misunderstanding.
What? Well, this is all my fault, not hers.
Denise, I can forgive your slip.
I have.
But don't expect me to believe that Jackie is innocent in all this.
She didn't understand the situation.
Now that she does, she's sorry.
- Sorry? - Yeah.
She has been out to undermine me and Michael since the minute she set foot here.
No.
That--that's so untrue.
I can't believe you'd say that.
And I can't believe you don't see how you're being played.
I'm not being played.
You're being paranoid.
You don't even know her.
- Really? - Yeah.
- What do you know about Kosovo? - Kosovo? Kevin and his female driver.
Jackie moving out of the house for two months when he got back.
Yeah.
I-I don't believe it.
She would've told me if she had left Kevin.
She didn't tell you 'cause she doesn't want to ruin her perfect little image.
What's happened to you? I don't even know you anymore.
You're still working on that new web site? Yep.
Charlie really had a big influence on you, huh? We did this together, thank you very much.
Let me see.
"Colonel Joan wants to know"? Isn't it great? Colonel Joan? Well, I think it projects a new persona for my office-- friendly, approachable.
Wow.
You don't like it? No.
No, I love it.
I, uh I just can't believe you like it.
Well, I'll admit, it took me a while to get what Charlie was saying, but once I did, I took the ball and ran with it.
You certainly did.
It's fantastic.
Oh, and look, Roland, I already have Over 200 followers.
I was able to answer a dozen questions in the last ten minutes.
Congratulations, babe.
Mm.
Does Colonel Joan know what her husband wants right now? Colonel Joan knows, but does not have the time.
Well, then Dr.
Burton has a complaint.
Okay, well, then Dr.
Burton can put it on the web site.
Fine.
Actually, don't.
It's family friendly.
Looking good, babe.
Thanks.
Hard to believe it's really you.
What is that supposed to mean? N-nothing.
It--it was It was a compliment.
You didn't like the way I looked before? All I meant was, I'm just You know, not used to seeing you this way.
Can I take the boot out of my mouth now? Well, it's still the same me underneath.
You want to see? Uh, yes, please.
I wish I could stay for the ceremony.
Not for the spectacle.
For the moral support.
Oh, I could use it.
I'm sorry about Denise.
But there are always casualties of wartime.
Right.
And she'll be fine once she sees the light.
Yeah, maybe.
Are you all right? Yes.
I, uh, oh, just a headache.
Just all the stress.
Remember, I'm just a phone call away.
Thank you.
Play the Kosovo card.
Oh, that's blackmail, Audrey.
It's survival.
Believe me, if the roles were reversed, Jackie wouldn't hesitate to use it against you.
How can you be so sure? Oh that's for another conversation.
Audrey? Bye, dear.
Bye.
Colonel Joan.
Sir.
I'm hearing good things about the new web site.
Well done.
Thank you, sir.
Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated.
Our ceremony is about to begin.
Better get moving.
I'll be right there.
Roxy.
Jackie.
I'd like you to meet my husband, Lieutenant Trevor Leblanc.
Ma'am.
Pleasure, Lieutenant.
I hear you had a successful first meeting.
I think it went pretty well.
Oh, I hear it went a lot better than that.
- Welcome aboard.
- Thank you.
We're looking forward to great things from your wife.
Thank you, ma'am.
I thought you said she was mean.
She's learning.
Mm-hmm.
You're awfully quiet.
Oh, um There's Councilman Hughes.
We should say hello.
Ladies and gentlemen, we are privileged today to uncase the colors of the 32nd Airborne, the Liberty Division, here at our new home of Fort Marshall.
My wife Jackie and I have been overwhelmed by the greeting we have received.
And we are honored to become part of this historic community.
Together, I know We can build a bright future for Fort Marshall and for the city of Charleston.
And now our flag.
Uncase the colors! Liberty! Forever!