Greeting her boss as he entered the oval office, the President’s personal secretary said, “Good morning sir, did you sleep well?”

“Yes I did thank you. How are you feeling today Mrs. Dawson?”

“Very well sir, thank you. Before we go over your schedule for the day, I have just received a phone call from the office of the Commandant at the Naval Academy.”

While glancing at the files that had been laid upon his desk, President Jordan Harwell inquired, “Yes, and what does she and Annapolis want from me this morning?”

“It seems they are extending an invitation to you sir.”

“Well that’s nice I suppose, but what for?”

“Yes sir. They are asking you to attend a football game.”

Now looking toward his secretary of many years, the President asked, “A football game?”

“Yes sir.”

President Harwell understood that the woman currently serving as the commandant of the Naval Academy, who had extended said invitation, was never what one would classify as a sports enthusiast. With that knowledge he sarcastically questioned, “A football game? The Admiral does know that March twelfth is actually in the heart of basketball season doesn’t she?”

“Yes sir, I’m sure that she does. Well perhaps not the basketball aspect, but she’s assuredly familiar with the current date. I think that the Admiral probably just wanted to beat the others to it.”

As Christopher Westin entered the oval from his own office, he heard his boss ask Mrs. Dawson, “Beat the others to it? I’m afraid that I don’t know what you are talking about. Could you please elaborate for me?”

“Yes sir. It’s concerning the celebration planned at each of the service academies this coming fall. They have all agreed to host a football game with a simultaneous kickoff on the Saturday following Veterans day in mid-November, and I’m sure that each of them will invite you to attend as the Commander and Chief.”

Turning to his old friend and current White House Chief of Staff, the President asked, “Did you know about this Chris?”

“Yes sir. Apparently the academies arrived at the decision a few days ago. I just heard about their collective agreement last evening, and I was planning on bringing the matter to your attention today. I agree with the assessment of Mrs. Dawson. Each of the commandants will probably want you to attend their game, and by calling so early this morning, the Admiral has just proven that she believes the same.”

“Yes, so it would appear.”

“Unfortunately you can only choose one of the academies, and that will most probably upset each of the other two.”

After a few seconds of silent thought, the President responded, “Well that’s true, but there could be an easy way to eliminate the problem.”

“What’s that sir?”

“If I do receive an invitation from all three, I will simply decline all of them. I can send the representative of each military branch from the Joint Chiefs in my place.”

“Decline them sir? But the event is scheduled for a few days after Veterans Day. As the Commander and Chief of all military forces, you should make a public appearance on that day.”

“I agree whole heartedly Chris, but I have a better idea as to where that public appearance should be. I will need Mrs. Dawson to check on something first to see if it’s possible, and if so, then we will move forward.”

Stepping closer to her boss, Patricia Dawson asked, “What can I do to help sir?”

“Please look up the football schedule of my alma mater for the upcoming season, and if they are hosting a game on that Saturday, then that is where I will make a public appearance.”