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I salute him merrily.
“Anything for our troops! Here’s to Uncle Sam.”
He shoots me a half-smile.
“Don’t even get me started on Uncle Sam because sometimes, I’m not sure our politicians know what’s going on overseas. But that’s neither here nor there,” he says in a firm tone. “I’m a patriot, and I want to do my duty. My dad was a Marine, and my grandad before him. Maybe I’m not Marine quality, but I’m Army quality, and that’s enough.”
I squeeze his hand with a supportive smile.
“It’s more than enough, Benji. We appreciate your sacrifice.”
But then the young man’s shoulders slump once more.
“What is it?” I ask cautiously. “Are you okay?”
He shrugs.
“Well, it’s just that …”
I nod.
“What?”
He heaves a big sigh and slants his eyes away from me.
“Well, you know there are no women at Fort Benning.”
I stare at him.
“Really? How is that possible though? I mean, female soldiers have to go through basic training too, right?”
Benji nods miserably.
“Yes, but the women go to Fort Leonard Wood, Fort Sill or Fort Jackson. There won’t be any in Georgia,” he says in a morose voice.
I squint.
“Really? It seems so old-fashioned, not to mention close-minded, to separate the sexes. I mean, it’s not like there’s a women’s regiment that will deploy on its own.”
Benji shakes his head.
“No, it’s not like that. Those three facilities are gender-integrated, so there will be menandwomen present. It’s only Fort Benning and Fort Knox in Kentucky that are men-only. It’s going to be rough.”
I nod, squeezing his hand again.
“Yeah, I’ll say. Oakdale’s schools are all gender-integrated. Heck, we went to public school, so of course they were! I’m sorry, Benji. I had no idea it would be a sausage fest where you’re headed.”
He makes a face while staring at my pale peach shag carpet.
“It’s going to be bad,” he acknowledges in a low voice. “Except…”
“Except what?”
Benji heaves another low sigh.
“Well, maybe you could help me, Mari. As a sort-of going-away present.”
I squint.
