When I announced my decision to enlist, my father looked at me with the sting of betrayal in his eyes. \u201cThe army?\u201d<\/b> he\u2019d said, his voice low and incredulous. \u201cYou want to spend your life in barracks earning pennies when you could have a corner office overlooking the Potomac?\u201d<\/b> Brian, just 18 then, had shrugged. \u201cIf you want to play hero, go ahead.\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n
The distance between us grew. I poured myself into my work, climbing the ranks from Captain to Major General at 36, one of the youngest in history. I led Operation Sentinel Fire, thwarting a cyber-attack from a hostile nation. I founded Ghost Grid. I testified before Congress. I sent invitations to every ceremony, every promotion. The response was always silence. My mother would occasionally call, her voice a gentle prod: \u201cWhen are you coming to work for the company, Willie?\u201d<\/b> My father was blunter: \u201cWhen you\u2019re done playing soldier, let me know.\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n
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