Page 106 of Fire and Rain
“Well, this involved our family, right? I just hope Maverick behaves.”
“He’ll be fine. I’ll see you afterwards.” Sean kissed her and walked toward the dais, putting on his cover as he went.
Captain Walcott drew him aside, introduced him to Rear Admiral Nicholas Marlow and Master Chief Petty Officer Phillip Halder.
Sean shook their hands. “It’s an honor to meet you both.”
“Have you seen Agent Santee?” Walcott glanced around.
“Right behind you, sir.” Santee shook hands with the officers.
Then Captain Walcott walked toward the podium.
“Now come the speeches.” Santee rolled his eyes.
They took their seats up on the dais, Sean’s gaze finding Eden, who sat with Maverick on her lap, her sisters, mother, and Baba sitting beside her.
Captain Walcott introduced Rear Admiral Marlow, who talked about the things rear admirals always talked about—excellence, mission readiness, and the proud tradition of saving lives that was the hallmark of the Coast Guard.
Sean watched as Maverick pointed to the H-60 in the hangar, wriggled, and tried to get down. Clearly, the boy wanted a closer look. Sean would make sure he got it.
Applause.
The rear admiral took his seat, and then the Master Chief spoke about dedication, sacrifice, and those who distinguish themselves by going above and beyond.
More applause.
In the front row, Eden pointed to Sean, tried to get Maverick to settle down.
Maverick saw him. “Sawn?”
Sean waved to him discreetly.
Then Captain Walcott stood at the podium once again. “On Four July of this year, a violent drug dealer who was associated with the deaths of two of our own—Aviation Survival Technician Second Class Justin Koseki and Lt. Junior Grade David Abbott—abducted AST Koseki’s widow at gunpoint in an attempt to evade capture.”
Walcott told the entire story, giving Eden credit for her cleverness and courage, then focusing on Santee’s actions that day. “Agent Santee hit a target area of no more than four inches on the deck of a rocking boat at a distance of approximately twenty yards while hanging out of the helicopter’s cabin in turbulent weather. His marksmanship neutralized a dangerous criminal, saving Mrs. Koseki’s life. For his courage and skill, the Coast Guard is proud to award Agent Santee the Silver Lifesaving Medal.”
The room was called to attention, and Sean saluted along with everyone else while Santee walked up to the podium and endured the Master Chief pinning the medal onto his chest.
When he had returned to his seat, Captain Walcott went on, describing how Eden, injured and dizzy, had fallen overboard. “As the flight crew prepared to recover Mrs. Koseki from the water, the helicopter was hit by a gust of wind that temporarily robbed the aircraft of tail rotor effectiveness and injured the rescue swimmer.”
Sean searched the rows of seated Coasties for Trey and found him near the back with his crutches. He grinned, gave Sean a thumbs-up.
Walcott went on. “At this point, there was one person in the water, one injured suspect on the Sea Nymph, and no rescue swimmer to recover either of them. Without hesitation, Aviation Electronics Technician Second Class Sean McKenna assumed the role of rescue swimmer—something I haven’t seen in more than thirty years with the Coast Guard. AET McKenna recovered both Mrs. Koseki and the suspect, and the crew returned safely to base. For his heroism, boldness, and courage, the Coast Guard is proud to award Aviation Electronics Technician Second Class Sean McKenna the Silver Lifesaving Medal.”
The room was called to attention again.
Sean stood, walked up to the podium, offered his best salute, and stood still while the Master Chief pinned the medal on his chest.
“Sawn!” Maverick’s voice rang through the cavernous hangar.
Laughter.
Sean glanced out and his gaze met Eden’s. There were happy tears on her cheeks and a smile on her lips, the Sister Posse applauding loudly as he made his way back to his seat.
Santee glanced at his ribbons and medal. “Nice rack.”
Afterwards, there was a reception with cake, and Sean searched the room for James. None of the helos were out, so he ought to be here.
