Memoir | The Pentagon | Part VI of VI

As a young woman with limited experience, I decided to leave my position at the Department of Prominence. After my resignation, I began seeking opportunities with federal government contracting companies. It wasn’t long before I secured a position with Consolidated Analysis Center, Incorporated, commonly known as CACI. They brought me on board to work at the Pentagon, the central hub for the U.S. Department of Defense.

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On my first day at the Pentagon, I was utterly amazed by its colossal exterior and the vastness of its interior. The sheer scale of the building was overwhelming, leaving me breathless with awe.

In that instant, a surge of patriotism made me eager to enlist in the United States Armed Forces. I was ready to take on any role within the intelligence and espionage sectors they needed, whether as an intelligence officer, recruiter, special agent, double agent, spy handler, or analyst. I felt a strong urge to contribute to the military’s efforts in any capacity possible.

As I stepped into the stunning architecture, I was drawn to the men and women moving briskly through the expansive corridors. They were clad in the district uniform of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Witnessing their dedication stirred a deep sense of pride and emotion within me, reinforcing my pride in being an American.

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Navigating the Pentagon proved challenging, as I lost my way a few times. The corridors seemed endlessly long, adding to the complexity of finding the right offices.

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Working at the Pentagon significantly enhanced my maturity and boosted my confidence.

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The day after my contract at the Pentagon concluded, the tragic events of 9/11 unfolded, with terrorists crashing an airplane into the building.

The renowned poet Maya Angelou once remarked, “We may encounter defeats, but we must not be defeated.”

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I eventually went back to the Department of Prominence as a contractor, and it was during this time that I discovered I had “reinstatement eligibility rights” due to my status as a former government employee.

My contractor supervisor recommended that I apply for an office secretary position as a government employee. Thanks to my reinstatement eligibility rights, I was successfully rehired.

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(Copyright © 2025 by Mia Z. Edwards. All rights reserved.)