The Adventures of George Lee: A Race Against Time

By Orville Mann

First Lieutenant George Edward Lee, a devout, Christian soldier of humble, rural origins, has been tasked with drafting a report for his superiors regarding the use of a compound on a remote island for research and development purposes. George's life takes a dramatic turn when, in presenting his report, he is promoted to the rank of Captain and

• Language: English
• Publisher: Authors' Tranquility Press
• Release date: Mar 16, 2023
• ISBN: 9781960675057

Orville Mann

Orville Mann, born near a small town in Indiana, his grandparents raised him. He attended Kent grade school and went to Hanover High School, Hanover, Indiana. His senior year, he attended Mount Carmel High School, Lawson, Kentucky. He got his High School diploma from there. In 1957, he became a member of the Indiana Army National Guard, and in 1965, they commissioned him as a second lieutenant. He resigned his commission as the first lieutenant in 1969 to go to Bible College. In the interim, three years after graduation, after a short romance in 19 60, he married his wife of 62 years, Nena Hayes. To this union were born two children, five grandchildren and six great grandsons He attended a variety of military schools during his time in the Army National Guard. He went to Fort Knox; he got branch-qualification training. After being called into the ministry, in 1971, he enrolled in God's Bible school and college in Cincinnati, Ohio. From there, he transferred to Kansas City College and Bible School in Overland Park, Kansas. During his time in college there, he pastored the First Wesleyan Church, Kansas City, Kansas. The churches of Christ in Christian Union ordained him in 1983 by. In 1996, he received Bachelor's degree in Pastoral Counseling degree from Lael College Graduate school in 1999. For the last 30 years, he has pastored the Mount Tabor Wesley church of Bedford Kentucky. After aiding his cousin to finish a book, he was writing. He enjoyed writing, and this prompted him to write "The Adventures of George Lee" series.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Positive Rewards, Hopeful Planning

First Lieutenant George Edward Lee was leading his platoon on patrol in Afghanistan when suddenly the enemy ambushed them. He commanded, Take cover!

Unfortunately, enemy fire hit three of his men when the attack began. Soon, Sgt. Collins low crawled to his side. Sir, it looks bad. I brought your radio man’s radio up. I don’t know if he is going to make it. The medic was working on him when I retrieved the radio from him.

Thanks Sgt. Collins, I’ll call for artillery fire, Lt. Lee replied.

Romeo 25, this is Charlie 23. We are under attack. Requesting fire support on these coordinates. He gave the coordinates to the Fire Direction Center and ended with Over.

Charlie 23, this is Romeo 25, roger on the request to fire support on hill 525. Charlie 23, stand-by for the first volley of rounds. Over.

Within two minutes, they bombarded the hill where the enemy attacked from with both explosive and air burst artillery rounds.

It wasn’t long before the firing from the hill stopped. Lt. Lee requested the Artillery to cease-fire.

When the rounds stopped falling, Lt. Lee ordered, Attack!

His platoon ran from cover to cover up to where the enemy had originally begun their attack. They found many were dead, and others suffered wounds. Several were alive, but willingly surrendered. There were some who still fought, but Lee’s platoon either wounded or killed them as they advanced.

The Company Commander heard of the attack. Soon after the skirmish was over, a backup platoon arrived. Trucks and ambulances hauled the prisoners and wounded to headquarters. The wounded, friendly, and enemy troops alike went to the make-shift hospital tents for treatment.

Later that week, Lt. Lee and Sgt. Collins both received orders for transfer back to the states.

First Lt. was a career soldier, after being transferred to the US. was assigned as a special projects officer for the Ninth Army Headquarters Division. He had finished a week of reconnaissance and returned to Fort Orb.

He prepared to report his findings to Maj. Larry Rankin the following morning.

After a restful night’s sleep, he awoke refreshed. After a shower, he went into the bathroom. He checked his image, combed his black hair, and adjusted his tie. A six-foot, medium-built, and deeply tanned man, he wore an army dress blue uniform with several service ribbons.

He went to the kitchen, prepared, and ate breakfast. Afterward, he walked outside to where Sgt. Harry Collins, his assigned driver for the past year, waited by the staff car.

Lieutenants rarely have chauffeurs, but because of the importance of his mission, the division commander arranged it. Harry Collins snapped to attention and saluted as George approached. Of course, George returned the salute before he got into the back seat of the vehicle.

Sergeant Collins was a stocky man with a pleasant smile and a muscular build. His light brown burr haircut appeared red next to his light tan. As they pulled away, he looked in the rearview mirror and greeted George, Hello, Lieutenant Lee, how are you doing this morning? I hope you had a pleasant flight back from your recon.

As they turned left on Broadway, George answered, I’m fine. The flight was enjoyable, and the recon was worthwhile. How are you doing, Sergeant Collins?

Collins answered, I’m tired. Pam and I had a rough night. The baby kept us up complaining of a stomachache.

George remembered Pamela’s features. She was shorter than Harry; five feet tall, with long black hair that hung to her waist. She had a reddish complexion; likely because of her American Indian heritage, the Navajo tribe.

That’s too bad Harry. I suppose children do that, though. How old is Tommy now? Two, I’d guess, George responded.

Sir, you have an excellent memory, Harry commented.

George responded, Thanks Harry, I hope Tommy gets better before they send us on assignment.

Harry looked serious. Let me remind you, your meeting with Major Rankin is at 10:00 hours. He sounded serious when he talked with me yesterday.

In the office, George tweaked his report. He recommended the remote Pacific Island he referred to as Pantos. During the Vietnam Era, The Army used it as a refueling stop. He checked it out as a potential research-and-development site. The plan was that a research unit should work there if they approved his recommendation. At 0940 hours, he headed into the latrine, and checked his hair and tie. Then he went to report to Major Rankin, head of the Special Projects section.

He knocked on the door, entered, approached the desk, and saluted. Lieutenant Lee, reporting as ordered, Major Rankin.

Maj. Larry Rankin, a tall, balding, seasoned veteran, returned the salute and said with a deep baritone voice, Good morning, Lieutenant Lee. Have a seat, George. What do you think about Pantos Island?

George responded, The location will work well. The runway camouflage is acceptable. The underground compound should hold our equipment and personnel. It will conceal us adequately. Here’s my report.

The major’s bright smile showed his appreciation. That’s great, Lieutenant. I have good news for you too, George. He picked an envelope lying on his desk and handed it to George. I received these orders while you were away. Congratulations. They promoted you to captain.

George was so surprised it took a second to register. No way?

The captain walked over to George with an extended hand and said, It sure is, and congratulations again.

George stood; Captain Rankin gave him a hug and a pat on the back. We have assigned you the formidable task of leading this new unit. They want you to be fresh when you begin the job. So, take a couple of weeks’ leave and spend time with your family. Do you have questions?

George answered, Major Rankin, it has been a great pleasure to serve under your command. I do not have questions, but I have a request.

The major responded, Sure, George. What is it?

George replied, Major Rankin, Sergeant Collins has been with me since long before I took the position here at Headquarters and Headquarters. Because of his skills and our ability to work well together, I’d appreciate it if you promoted him to the rank of the first sergeant assigned to my unit, sir.

The Commanding Officer walked to a cabinet, opened a drawer. He retrieved Sergeant Collins’s records. After an examination, he looked at George, smiled, and said, We can arrange that, Captain Lee. Sergeant Collins has an exemplary record, and you work well together. Thanks for the report, Lieutenant. I mean, Captain Lee. Please join me for lunch.

George smiled and agreed. The light conversation made lunch a delight. An occasional greeting and congratulations by the division staff interrupted their lunch.

How many know of my promotion, Major?

I think our first sergeant saw the orders and spread the good news, George, the major responded.

George asked, Will Sergeant Collins’s promotion go through soon, sir?

Oh, it’s a sure thing. We should have the approval before you take your leave this weekend, George, the captain answered.

That is great, sir. I will let him know as soon as I get the news.

Major Rankin told George, Better yet, you can tell him. Just a reminder, make sure you have those captain’s bars on your uniform before you leave today. I think the supply room has a couple of sets. After that, you can buy more at the PX.

George responded, Yes, sir. I will, Major. And thanks for allowing me to have lunch with you. Please excuse me. I need to get things in order before I leave.

The captain stood, and they shook hands, and Rankin congratulated George once more and wished him the best of luck in his new command as he left.

Sergeant Collins took George back to his BOQ (Bachelor Officer’s quarters). He smiled when he saw the captain’s bars. Wow, sir, congratulations. I’m not that surprised, though, because you are an excellent officer. Besides, I heard the scuttlebutt around HQ.

Harry, you are a rascal, but thank you, George responded with a grin. Collins returned the smile and shook his hand. You deserve it, sir.

George asked, Harry, will you be my first sergeant in the new unit?

It’d be an honor to serve under you, Harry said. My wife will be thrilled.

Congratulations, George said, but then warned, please don’t spread this until it’s made official. The CO assured me that there will be no problem with it but that it’d be best not to tell anyone, except Pam, until it’s confirmed.

Sure thing, Captain. I understand, Harry responded.

There was happy silence on the way to George’s BOQ. After leaving Captain Lee, the soon-to-be 1st Sgt. Harry Collins hurried home. Pamela met him at the door and hugged him and kiss. Harry asked, How did your day go? And how is Tommy?

Pam answered, He is doing better. His fever has dropped to normal. Tell me, how was your day, hon?

Harry got a sheepish look as an impish smile formed. Guess what happened on the way home? He tried but could not wait for her guess. He blurted out, I’m being promoted to first sergeant.

Pam acted like a young child when she heard. She giggled and jumped with glee. She gave Harry a big hug, her dark eyes aglow. Oh, honey, that’s wonderful.

Harry added, And Lieutenant Lee has made captain. After the CO told him he was to command the unit, he requested that I be assigned to the newly designated unit as his first sergeant. He asked me not to tell anyone but you before it’s made official. So please, honey, do not tell anyone until it happens.

Pam answered, I’m so excited. Now we can afford to buy that new crib for Tommy. So, a new unit is being formed. What is its purpose?

Harry’s face went blank before he answered, Pam, I’m sworn to secrecy. I can’t discuss it with anyone, including you. In fact, only a few of the upper-echelon officers know that it’s being formed. I’m sure that after it gets underway, news will be released. But for now, it’s top-secret and it should not be discussed. Captain Lee will take charge after he has a couple weeks’ leave. I certainly believe that he is the man for the job.

As they continued talking, Harry became excited too. Hey, here’s an idea. Let’s get Tommy dressed, and you get dolled up. We will go out and celebrate.

As Harry and Pam happily readied to go celebrate, Captain Lee planned to visit home. He gave his parents a heads-up he was on his way.

When his father answered, George said, Hello, Dad, George here. How are you doing?

The conversation was light for a few minutes, then George told him the news: I’ll head home this weekend.

Mom heard and picked up an extension. She quietly screamed, George, honey, is it true? Are you coming home this weekend? That’s great news, son. We’ll be so glad to see you. Now you have a safe trip. We have been praying that we’d see you soon. I love you. Bye, son.

George heard his mother say as she hung up the phone, Thank you, Jesus!

George was happy to have heard the voices of his parents. The conversation with them brought memories of his childhood pouring back.

He thought, I remember riding bareback on Beauty, our black workhorse we had at the Indiana family farm. When Beauty headed for the barn, she often went into racing mode. I had to be careful, or I’ d lose my seating on sharp turns. I came near to falling twice. Had I not been clinging to her long mane for dear life, I most surely should have.

George remembered more. Beauty had a mean streak. When I harnessed the team for farm chores, Beauty often tried to bite me on the shoulder. My reaction likely made matters worse. I ducked and swung my elbow upward into her nose. Once the animosity began, there was no resolving it. Fortunately, Beauty acted with loyalty in every other way.

He was so involved with his memories that he called home again. Mom answered this time.

George asked, Do you remember the team that I used back on Grandpa’s farm when he was a kid?

Mom Lee replied, Yes, why?

George asked, Do you remember how mean Beauty was?

Mom answered, Yes.

George said, Unlike Beauty, Maude was always gentle and caused no problems. They worked well together and pulled tremendously heavy loads. We harvested lots of farm crops using them. After years of faithful service, the horses are gone. It’s sad that tractors replaced them.

Mom said, Yes, horses were nice, and it was sad to see them go. But tractors get most things done faster.

They talked longer, then said their goodbyes. Before they stopped, he reminded her, I’ll see you on Saturday.

On Saturday morning, Sergeant Collins took George to the airport.

Pam decided she would go shopping in the city after they dropped George at the airfield. So, Harry arrived with Pam and Tommy to pick up George on Saturday morning. George, dressed in civvies (civilian clothing), stowed his luggage in the trunk of Harry’s vehicle. George insisted Pam sit up front with Harry while he sat in the back with Tommy.

By the time they traveled the fifty miles to the terminal, the two-year-old Tommy and he played together like old friends. George told Tommy goodbye and thanked Harry and Pam for the ride. He gave Harry a fifty-dollar bill.

Now you take your family out to lunch on me.

It flabbergasted Harry. Pam’s eyes welled with tears.

She said, Thank you, Captain George. This is the second great surprise I have had this week. Have a wonderful time with your parents.

He said, You do not need to wait with me. Enjoy your day together, Harry. Please do not forget to pick me up. I’ll call you and let you know when.

Harry said, George, have a safe flight. I’ll pick you up when you return.

George entered the terminal and headed for the airline’s boarding section. Security checked him through without a problem. But he waited for forty-five minutes before they announced his boarding. Boarding was slow, but George had something to read and it helped him stay patient. He entered the plane and took his assigned seat.

The 707-jetliner had comfortable seats. The flight was smooth, except for minor turbulence over the Rocky Mountains. As George looked from the plane’s window, he thanked God for creating such a lovely world. The tiny mountain lakes with cabins along their shoreline that looked no larger than specks. He identified them by the smoke rising from their chimneys. He left responsibilities of the post behind. After three hours, the fasten-seatbelt light came on. The pilot announced they were making their approach for landing.

As they taxied toward the terminal, the pilot thanked them for flying with Conway Airlines. Then he wished them an enjoyable stay in Sioux City.

George made his way to the baggage carousel and waited for his bags. He verified the bags were his and retrieved them.

At the top of the escalator, Charlene, his sister, greeted him with a hug.

He asked, Where are Mom and Pop?

Charlene answered, The trip might have tired them too much, and so they asked me to come, and I happily agreed. It’s so great to see you, and you look well.

George put in, Sis, you look as lovely as ever. Tell me, do you have a serious relationship with Al?

She replied, Al and I had a fight a couple of weeks ago, and I stopped seeing him. I found he was not a Christian. He was just acting, so I’d keep going out with him. Just think, I was considering marrying him. Well, let’s head to the farm.

George followed her. As they approached her car, he remarked, My, but someone is getting up in the world. That is a nice vehicle, Charlene. How long have you had this?

She answered, A couple of weeks. I love it, though. It’s a dream-drive and gets good gas mileage, considering the power it has. Hop in. On second thought, do you want to drive?

No, thanks. I have gotten used to being chauffeured. I’ll try to sit back and enjoy the ride, he replied.

Mom and Dad were sitting on the porch, awaiting their arrival. They jumped to their feet when Charlene turned her convertible onto the lane. By the time they pulled up to the house, Mom and Dad were waiting in the yard. They rushed over and welcomed George with a handshake and a hug from Dad and a hug and kiss from Mom.

Dad told George, Son, you look good. The army must be good for you. Mom learned they had promoted you to the rank of captain. Congratulations, son.

Charlene added, Congrats from me too, George. And you accused me of getting up in the world. Captain Lee! Wow!

Dad chimed in, Does this mean Mom and I can borrow enough money to fix up the house now?

They had a good laugh as George grabbed his bag from the backseat and they headed into the house. Man, it’s good to see you guys. And seeing Charlene, that’s a special treat, George commented.

With a gleam in her eye, Mom said, Supper’s on the table. I fixed everything just the way you like it. I can’t believe it. You are home. After supper, we will go out to the barn and see the new babies. There’s a new litter of pigs old Sally had the other day. Martha has a new colt out there, too.

Bossy has twins, Dad said.

I have been busy caring for all these new babies, Mom added.

Supper was good, and as Mom had said, she had the nice things that George liked to eat growing up. She’d fixed them during his visits as a youth.

He bragged about Mom’s cooking. Mom, this grub tastes great. If I were home, I’d weigh 240 pounds. in no time.

Charlene laughed, Are you saying you don’t weigh that much now?

Thank you, sis, George tried to look hurt, but knew she was joking.

Mom looked happy with the compliment from her son. The conversation remained light until Dad asked, "What are you doing for the army?

George tried to ignore the question until everyone at the table joined the quiz.

Hey, you guys. I’m sorry, but I am not at liberty to discuss my job with anyone. I can’t even tell you because it is all top secret, George explained.

That satisfied everyone, for which George was grateful.

Later, up in his room, after looking at the new babies, George thought of Sally’s brood of pigs. While living with Grandma and Grandpa back in Indiana, they got mash from a local distillery. It worked well as slop for the hogs. The mash, leftovers from liquor brewing, was not supposed to be fermented,