Lariat Advance

[brucearmstrong65]

Lariat Advance – Chapter 28

Tuesday, December 4th – 0700 – The Schmidt Residence

Dave had finished an early breakfast and was wandering around the yard when he saw Jerry next door coming back from the henhouse. The two men waved, and Dave walked over through the gate to join Jerry at the back of the house.

“You’re up and around early, Dave. Getting chores done before it gets too hot?” Both men laughed; it was clear and cold, and they’d be lucky if it got above freezing today – an average day for Wyoming in December.

“Just wanted to see if anything needed doing outside before I go back on the Air Force’s dime,” Dave replied.

Jerry wiped his boots on the back porch mat. “That’s official, then?”

Dave nodded. “Looks like it, unless the new Air Force HQ gets a bug up its backside and screws up our plans.”

Jerry shook his head. “Come on in and warm up a bit, Patience’ll want to hear all the details.”

Over coffee, the three sat at the kitchen table as Dave recounted the many developments of the previous day, from the new status of Laramie Airport to Dave’s new job to the pending rescue attempt at Alpha-1. He also recounted the events at the Laramie Walmart Supercenter. Jerry’s face grew grim at the news of the attempted attack.

“Good riddance to bad rubbish,” Jerry spat out after the story was finished. “How’s Tom feeling this morning?”

“Like he’d been on an all-night bender,” Dave said and smiled. “But without any of the fun to go along with it.”

“Any idea when you’ll hear about Bruce?” Patience inquired.

Dave shook his head. “Not really. In theory they could try to go in through the emergency egress tunnel as soon as tomorrow, but the radiation’ll probably still be too high. Norm Tebbets, my friend who’s running ops at Laramie right now, thinks it’ll be next Tuesday before the radiation is down to make a rescue attempt safe, or at least not too risky.”

“Well, we’ll keep praying for him, Dave,” Patience said quietly. “That’d be quite the early Christmas present, wouldn’t it, getting those two out of that hole?”

“It would indeed, Patience. It would indeed.”

Noon, the same day

Dave was getting a few things together for his first day back at work Wednesday when the phone rang. It was Norm Tebbets on the line. Apparently local phone service was being expanded.

“Good news on a couple of fronts, Dave. First: The rescue team is going in to Alpha-1 first thing tomorrow morning, about 0630. A UAV with radiation gear aboard indicates the rad level is lower than we expected, about 1 REM an hour. The team leader says that’s the magic number; they don’t like to work at anything higher.

“Like I said before, Norm, neither Bruce nor I want this to be a suicide mission. No unacceptable risks.”

“Everything’s a risk nowadays, Dave. But no fear – the team leader’s a good man, he and his team know their jobs.”

“What’s the second bit of good news?”

“I’ve already heard back from Air Force HQ about you and the two master sergeants. Return to service is approved for all three of you. You’ll become the commanding officer of Laramie Air Force Base effective next Monday, General Schmidt.”

“Did you say General, Norm?”

“That I did. HQ said I’m getting a step up to full colonel as well. We’ll have tomorrow and Thursday to get you up to speed on our ops here, then I thought we’d do a combined promotion and change-of-command ceremony Friday afternoon. Be sure to bring Rosa out for that, okay? The wives earn the promotions as much as we do – maybe more, sometimes.”

Dave was silent for a moment. “Sounds good, Norm. Wow, things are moving fast, aren’t they?”

“They are, Dave. The slimmed-down bureaucracy is moving like greased lightning nowadays. Helluva price to pay for it, though.”

That evening

Dave shared the good news with everyone at dinner, including Jerry and Patience, whom Rosa had invited over to dinner. Jerry brought over a gallon of fresh milk and a dozen eggs and, at Rosa’s request, Patience baked a cherry pie (Dave’s favorite). A good time was had by all, and the evening broke up shortly before 9 PM.

As was his habit during his career in the Air Force, Dave made sure his uniform was ready, shoes shined, decorations in proper order and flight bag packed, though it was now his Bug-Out, rather than carrying his flight gear.

Dave showered, put on his pajamas, and joined Rosa in bed.

“Big day tomorrow,” Rosa remarked, as she placed the bookmark in her Bible, sat in on the nightstand, and placed her glasses on top.

“That is is, my dear. I feel almost as nervous as my first day at the Academy.”

“At least nobody will be forcing you to drop for pushups or yelling at you over
invisible dust,” she said with a smile.

“Better pay than a cadet, too. And I get to see my wife every night. Get Bruce home and I could die a happy man.”

“No more talk of dying, Dave. Matter of fact, no more talk. For now.” She reached over and turned out the lights.

Wednesday, December 5th – 0700 hours

Dave came downstairs in uniform except for his jacket and officer’s hat, which he carried in his right arm. The others were already at the kitchen table; apparently everyone had gotten up early to see him off on his first day back.

“Quite the reception committee. How’s the head this morning, Tom?”

“Better, Dave. A little headache, but a couple of Tylenol and some of Rosa’s coffee took care of that.”

“Perfect timing, Dave. Cinnamon rolls just came out of the oven; they’ll be ready in a minute,” Rosa called from in front of the oven.

By 0730, breakfast was done with and Dave had his uniform jacket and overcoat on, briefcase in one gloved hand and truck keys in the other. “Time to head out, Rosa. I’ve got to pick up Douglas and Abrahams at the Friendly Store. Wouldn’t do for the new CO to be late on his first day of duty.”

Tom and Sarah said their goodbyes in the kitchen, and let Dave and Rosa have a more private farewell. They walked out to the garage.

“Sure you don’t want to take my car, hon? More room than that old pickup of yours,” Rosa asked.

“No, my pickup will do just fine. Gets good mileage too. I suspect as things improve over time I’ll end up with an Air Force vehicle, but that’s low priority right now. Laramie Air Force Base will be key to the recovery in this whole region. That’s what’s important now.”

“And Bruce,” Rosa remarked quietly.

“And Bruce,” Dave agreed. He checked his watch. “The rescue team was supposed to head in an hour ago. I doubt we’ll hear anything before lunch, but I’ll call you the second I do.”

The two kissed. Dave climbed into his pickup, used the garage door opener, and started the engine. He rolled down his window and kissed her again. “Off I go into the wild blue yonder, my dear.”

Rosa stood in the garage door, shivering from the cold, and watched Dave’s truck until it went through the gate and disappeared from sight. “Vaya con Dios, mi amor.” she whispered, and went back inside to wait.

[brucearmstrong65]

Lariat Advance – Chapter 29

Wednesday, December 5th – 0830 hours – Laramie Air Force Base

Lieutenant Wilson had set up an office for Colonel Schmidt in what had been the deputy airport manager’s office, next to that of LTC Tebbets. Dave placed his briefcase on the set next to a foot-high stack of files and papers. “What’s all this, Lieutenant?” Dave asked as he hung up his overcoat, scarf and hat.

“Files that the C.O. thought you might want to review this morning, sir. Personnel packets, emergency directives from Air Force HQ, and the like, sir.”

“Where is he right now, Lieutenant?”

“Sir, he’s at one of the general aviation hangers. Whatever private aircraft we can’t use are being placed on the far side of the base to free up space for relief ops, sir.”

“Very well, Lieutenant. Would you let him know I’m here, please? I’ll be working my way through that,” pointing his thumb at the pile of folders.

“Will do, sir. Welcome back to active duty, sir.” The lieutenant saluted, did an about-face, and left the room.

Dave spent the next 45 minutes reading personnel files and memos, until he heard a knock at the door and LTC Tebbets came in.

“You look good behind that desk, Colonel, but you’ll look better next door with a star on each shoulder. Congratulations on the promotion,” LTC Tebbets said as he shook Dave’s hand.

“You too, Norm. Any word from Alpha-1?”

“I just checked in with the team leader by radio. They’re approaching Alpha-1 from the southeast, cross country from a county road. Roads are impassable any closer. Speaking of the drone, it shows ground zero was about a half mile to the northwest of Alpha-1. Either the MIRV with their name on it had a guidance failure, or maybe it was just shitty Russian technology, thank God. The MAF buildings are gone, of course, but the drone cam shows some rubble – building foundations and the like. The escape tunnel exit looks undamaged.”

“Any idea on the ETA, Norm?”

“Team leader thinks they’ll be at the escape tunnel exit within 30 minutes. They’re in a pair of APC’s leapfrogging. They stop every 300 feet or so, so they can check the rad level. It’s holding right around 1 REM. I’m guessing we’ll get word on your son by noon, tops.”

The two men moved to the conference table in Tebbets’ office where they spent the rest of the morning going over plans for expanding and improving base ops. They were discussing the location of helipads when Lieutenant Wilson burst into the office without knocking.

“Sorry for the interruption, sirs,” he said as he came to a stop with a slip of paper in his hand as the two officers stood. “Just got this in from the rescue team, sir,” handing the slip to Lieutenant Colonel Tebbets, who passed it to Colonel Schmidt without reading it.

Dave took the slip, looked at it for a minute without speaking, then looked up with watery eyes. “It says ‘Both men recovered in good condition. Taking to aid station for med exam. Congrats.’” Tebbets and Wilson both congratulated Dave, and the lieutenant returned to his desk.

“Norm, will you excuse me? I’ve got a phone call to make.”

“Why don’t you call it a day and go tell Rosa in person, Dave?” Tebbets suggested.

“We’ve got a lot to do here, Norm!” Dave started to protest, but Tebbets raised a hand and cut him off. “You outrank me, Dave, but I’m still the C.O. on this base, Colonel. Take these reports home and review them. We’ll meet here tomorrow at 0830.”

“I can’t abandon Douglas and Abrahams, sir. They rode in with me.”

“I’ll have an airman drive them back to Centennial this evening, Dave. Go home and be with Rosa.”

1230 hours, the same day

At the sound of a vehicle, Rosa looked out the kitchen window and saw Dave’s pickup truck just before it pulled into the garage. Sarah, who was sitting at the kitchen table, saw Rosa’s face go pale as she turned and headed for the garage.

“What’s the matter, Rosa?” Sarah asked as she stood up.

Rosa threw the words “Dave’s home” over her shoulder as she nearly ran towards the garage. Sarah swallowed once, hard, and went to get Tom, who was upstairs in their bedroom taking a nap; he still wasn’t feeling quite up to snuff after the Walmart attack.

Dave was out of the truck and walking towards the door when Rosa burst out. She threw herself into Dave’s arms. The two held each other for long moments, until Rosa leaned back as Tom and Sarah stood in the doorway.

“They got him, Rosa! Both Bruce and Chuck! The rescue team got them about an hour and a half ago!” Rosa sobbed and clutched Dave. Sarah and Tom, uncertain, walked over and put their hands on Rosa and Dave’s shoulders. The four stood there for only a minute, but it seemed forever.

Finally, the embrace broke and the four went into the living room, where they sat down. Tom broke the silence. “Where are they now? What condition are they in?”

Dave held up his left hand, his right arm still wrapped tightly around Rosa’s shoulders. “I don’t know all the details just yet. The message from the rescue team just said both of them were recovered, in good condition, and being taken to an aid station for a medical exam.”

Rosa looked up. “But if they’re all right, why do they need to go to the aid station?”

Dave kissed her on the forehead. “Standard procedure, hon. They’re treating rescued missile men just like they do a pilot who’s been involved in a crash. They get a full medical exam, probably keep them overnight for observation of any delayed reaction, and then release them on leave. The Air Force has an aid station set up adjacent to Ivinson Memorial Hospital in Laramie; I’d guess they’re over there for the moment.”

The couples sat quietly for a few minutes, then Tom reminded Dave of his promise to let Sandy and Margi at the Friendly Store know about Bruce. “I better drive over there and let them both know. This is too good for just a phone call. Anyone else want to come along?”

It turned out that everyone did, so Tom drove the Suburban to town, pulling up at one of the two gas pumps to top off his tanks. The restaurant had a closed sign on the door and an arrow pointing to the store. The four very happy people walked into the store and found Sandy and Margi sitting at one of the tables in back.

Sandy stood up and placed a hand on Margi’s shoulder. “Hello, everyone. Is there news about Bruce?”

Dave nodded his head. “There is, Sandy.” He paused and swallowed hard, trying to maintain composure. “The rescue team picked him up a couple hours ago. He and the other officer are safe and getting checked out at the aid station in Laramie.”

Sandy was speechless and could only squeeze her daughter’s shoulder. Margi sobbed loudly and thoroughly. Rosa sat down next to Margi and the two embraced, with much crying on all parts.

Sandy, still holding her daughter’s shoulder, looked up at Dave and mouthed a “Thank you.”

“Jackpot, big brother,” Tom said.

“Better than the Powerball lotto and Irish sweepstakes combined.”

[brucearmstrong65]

Lariat Advance – Chapter 30

Friday, December 7th – 1300 hours
Laramie Air Force Base – main hangar

About three dozen Air Force personnel were standing at ease in formation in what had been the general aviation hanger for Laramie Regional Airport, now Laramie Air Force Base. A small platform had been erected, containing several folding chairs, a podium, and two empty flagholders.

Lieutenant Wilson was standing by the hangar doors watching the back of the main airport building. When he saw the door open and Lieutenant Colonel Tebbets exit, followed by Colonel and Mrs. Schmidt, he called the gathering to attention and saluted as the two officers approached the hangar doors. A boom box manned by Master Sergeant Abrahams served as the sound system. He pressed a button and an arrival fanfare for the two officers was played, followed by the presentation of the Air Force and American flags, and the playing of the National Anthem.

As Colonel Schmidt and Mrs. Schmidt too their seats, Lieutenant Colonel Tebbets stepped to the podium and spoke. “Promotions are some of the most significant events in the life of military people, and a promotion to a field grade rank even more so. It is my pleasure to begin this ceremony for Colonel David Schmidt’s promotion to brigadier general. Colonel Schmidt, would you and Mrs. Schmidt please join me at the podium?” Tebbets took one step to his right and turned to face Colonel Schmidt.

Tebbets took a folded piece of paper from his pocket and read: “Attention to Orders. By special order of the Acting Secretary of the Air Force, under emergency regulations approved by the President, the rank of brigadier general is hereby awarded to Colonel David Schmidt, in recognition not only of a distinguished 30-year career in the Air Force, but also his willingness to return to active duty in a time of great trial and need for his country. Effective this day, December 7, 2018, signed, the Acting Secretary of the Air Force, Air Force Headquarters, Edwards Air Force Base, California.”

Tebbets placed the order on the podium and spoke again. “Mrs. Schmidt and I will now pin on General Schmidt’s new insignia of rank. These stars were first pinned on General Schmidt’s father, Army General Stanley M. Schmidt, when he was promoted to brigadier general.” Mrs. Schmidt handed Tebbets a star. Each removed the silver eagle from one of General Schmidt’s epaulettes and handed it to General Schmidt, replacing each with a gleaming silver star.

Tebbets removed another page from his pocket. “Colonel Schmidt, would you please raise your right hand and repeat after me? I, David Schmidt, having been appointed a brigadier general in the United States Air Force, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter, so help me God.”

The two officers shook hands, and General Schmidt kissed his wife on the cheek. General Schmidt picked up a piece of paper from the podium and repeated the ceremony just concluded for Lieutenant Colonel Tebbets’ promotion to full colonel, Mrs. Schmidt helping to pin on the silver eagles just removed from her husband’s uniform to replace the silver oak leaves on Colonel Tebbets’ shoulders.

Colonel Tebbets faced the assembled personnel again. “We will now conduct the change of command ceremony. Due to circumstances, this will be much briefer than the normal peacetime ceremony.” Colonel Tebbets picked up a third piece of paper from the podium. “I will now read the official order from the Department of the Air Force.

“From the Acting Secretary of the Air Force. To Brigadier General David Schmidt. Effective 7 December 2018, you will assume command of Laramie Air Force Base and will maintain said command until further notified by Air Force Headquarters. Congratulations and Godspeed."

Colonel Tebbets handed the order to General Schmidt and glanced over at Lieutenant Wilson, who was standing at the back of the formation. The Lieutenant gave him a thumbs up and Colonel Tebbets smiled.

“General Schmidt, we have one more ceremonial act to perform prior to the exchange of command. Will the flag bearer please come forward to assist with the transfer of the command flag?”

An Air Force captain stepped forward out of the shadows and climbed the three stairs to the platform. General Schmidt and Mrs. Schmidt both gasped audibly as Captain Bruce Schmidt, in a borrowed and hastily-prepared dress uniform, picked up the Air Force flag from the flagholder, and presented it to Colonel Tebbets, who in turn presented it to General Schmidt. Colonel Tebbets saluted, saying, “Sir, I relinquish command of Laramie Air Force Base.”

General Schmidt nodded, handed the flag to his son, who replaced it in the flagholder and came to attention on his father’s right. Mrs. Schmidt was now sobbing, to the confusion of some of those in formation. General Schmidt saluted and said, “Sir, I assume command of Laramie Air Force Base.”

In a flash after General Schmidt’s salute, Rosa ducked behind the General’s back and nearly tackled her son. General Schmidt turned and embraced both of them.

Colonel Tebbets spoke briefly to the formation. “The duties of flag bearer in this abbreviated ceremony were performed by Captain Bruce Schmidt, son of General and Mrs. Schmidt. On the day of the attack, Captain Schmidt was assigned to the 319th Missile Squadron, in command of the Alpha-1 Missile Alert Facility. He and his deputy, Lieutenant Chuck Connor, were rescued from Alpha-1 the day before yesterday.” Unbidden, and technically in violation of protocol (since the personnel were at attention), the assembled personnel began a sustained round of applause.

Colonel Tebbets spoke again. “General, before we conclude this ceremony, do you have any remarks for the assembled personnel?”

General Schmidt disentangled himself from the family hug and stepped to the podium. “All standing orders remain in effect. Let’s get back to work. Dismissed.”

The assembly broke up as personnel went back to their duties. Lieutenant Connor stood behind the platform on a pair of crutches, deciding not to chance the somewhat unstable-looking stairs. As with her son minutes before, Rosa nearly tacked the Lieutenant with a bear hug.

General Schmidt leaned over to his son and asked, “What happened to Chuck?”

Bruce smiled. “You’ll never believe it. He fell out of the top bunk the night before the rescue team got us out.”

Chuck heard the exchange. “No matter where I’m stationed, I’m getting a lower from now on. Imagine that! Surviving a nuclear blast less than a half mile away, and I get hurt in a bunk bed accident.”

Everyone laughed and General Schmidt remarked, “Good luck explaining *that* in the after-action report, Lieutenant. Now, do you think you can make it out to the parking area and come home with us? Hey, we got a problem there. We can’t get all four of us in the cab of my pickup, and I can’t leave Douglas and Abrahams stranded here.”

“No worries there, General,” Tom said as he and Sarah joined the group. They had been at the back of the formation, unseen by either Dave or Rosa. “We brought the Suburban. We can take Chuck, Bruce and Rosa to the house. You can drop Douglas and Abrahams off at the Friendly place as usual.”

“Excellent idea, Tom. You know, you could’ve made a good officer,” Dave remarked as they headed towards the administrative building and the parking lot beyond.

“Not a chance,” Tom snorted. “I prefer to work for a living.”

Laughter filled the air as the Schmidt family, together again, headed home and into a new era.

[brucearmstrong65]

Lariat Advance – Epilogue

For the first time in David Schmidt’s military career, he was able to return to his permanent home, and to Rosa, every evening. On occasion he would be called to a conference at Air Force HQ at Edwards Air Fore Base in California. On those occasions, he had a standing invitation to stay with Tom and Sarah at their home in North Edwards.

It had taken about three months before Tom and Sarah got the necessary travel permits and gas authorizations to make the drive from Centennial to North Edwards, California; the return trip was a much more pleasant one. Tom was never allowed to re-join the Air Force, due to his back injury. However, by the time they returned to Edwards in March of 2019, the schools were ready to reopen, and both he and Sarah returned to their classrooms.

Bruce Schmidt and Margi Friendly were married on December 24th, 2018, at the Centennial Valley Community Church. The reception was held at the Schmidt home. Both Bruce Schmidt and Chuck Connor were promoted in the spring of 2019 to major and captain, respectively, and were transferred to Vandenburg Air Force Base. Bruce and Chuck were assigned to Project Facelift, an Air Force plan to rehabilitate the missile silos across the midwest that were damaged by the ICBM launches.

Patience Garner died in her sleep in July 2019. Jerry Garner rejoined her three months later. Having no children, they left equal shares of their estate to Tom, Dave and Bruce Schmidt, with Dave as custodial trustee.

Colonel Tebbets and Lieutenant (later Captain) Wilson continued their work on the Emergency Base Development program. Both were killed in a plane crash near White Sands, New Mexico in July 2020. A hangar and helipad, respectively, were named in their honor on the grounds of Laramie Air Force base.

David Schmidt served as commanding officer of Laramie Air Force Base for five more years, until Rosa was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023. He retired with the rank of lieutenant general to care for her. Rosa Schmidt passed away from complications of breast cancer in 2024.

Dave remained in Centennial, living life as a gentleman farmer, with occasional trips to lecture at the new Air Force Academy facility at Hill Air Force Base or at Air Force HQ in California. Dave never remarried, though he began a relationship with Sandy Friendly several months after Rosa’s death.

Lieutenant General David Schmidt (USAF Retired) died of a stroke on November 27th, 2029. He was cremated and his ashes, along with those of Rosa, were scattered on the grounds of their home in Centennial, Wyoming.

[mnn2300]

Great story, I hope we see more of your work in the future!

[brucearmstrong65]

Jul 1, 2016 6:45:19 GMT -6 mnn2300 said:

Great story, I hope we see more of your work in the future!

Thanks - much appreciated. I'm going to go back through and straighten up some sloppy spots, particularly in the early chapters, and have this ready to port over to completed stories in a couple of days.

A couple of story ideas are already running around in my mind. Perhaps telling the same story but from Bruce & Chuck's point of view?

[kaijafon]

thank you! I have something in my eyes......

[brucearmstrong65]

Jul 1, 2016 17:38:37 GMT -6 kaijafon said:

thank you! I have something in my eyes......

Darn onions...

[9idrr]

I sure liked this one. Just enough action and moved right along. Glad the good guys came out okay, even if they are 'pellerheads. :^)

[brucearmstrong65]

Jul 1, 2016 20:42:19 GMT -6 9idrr said:

I sure liked this one. Just enough action and moved right along. Glad the good guys came out okay, even if they are 'pellerheads. :^)

Being ex-Army, I had to make Army General Schmidt the force behind building the shelter in the first place. But yeah, the junior birdmen did okay too...

[9idrr]

Thanks for your service, sir. My daughter did eight years USNavy. My father did seven in the Corps and five in the Army.

[millwright]

Good stuff man.

I haven't checked in here for a bit and it was a pleasant surprise to catch a complete story.

[ydderf]

Well done thanks.

[ss1442]

Well done Bruce. Thank you for sharing with us.

[brucearmstrong65]

Question: I've got the revisions for Lariat Advance completed and saved on my laptop. What's the process on posting it in Completed Stories? Also, I need to remove (First Draft) from the title. Thanks all!

[RVN11B40]

Just finished reading the story. Outstanding tale!

[cutter]

I really enjoyed this story. I look forward to your next effort.

[cdi70]

Thank you for a great story. I almost cried at the epilogue. It felt like losing family.

[brucearmstrong65]

Here is a PDF file of the complete story in its final form. Enjoy!

Armstrong Bruce - Lariat Advance final.pdf (392.87 KB)

[teedee]

That was a great story. The character development was excellent and I really enjoyed the read!

[philevans]

Thank you very much for this story, very realistic prose.

[texican]

BA,

Good story....

Read it tonight....

Hopefully WW3 will not be more damaging....

Thank You....

Texican....

[eyeseetwo]

Thank you for your fine story!

[philevans]

3rd time read, I cried.

[imahic]

Was my second time reading it and it was as enjoyable as the first time.