O.A.O.

My one and only (O.A.O.),

Today I thought of you. Not in the casual, everyday sense. I actually contemplated our bond. I thought we could find a way to see each other when all of this ends. I trained the Colored boys to be more than they expected of themselves. That’s what made me think of you. All of the time you’ve invested in me and my willingness to be the best, I’ve found it compelling to note just how much you mean to me. I know you feel the same about me.

Being a black brigadier general during this war is nothing short of amazing. It’s tough as iron and still exhilarating at the same time. It takes me back to my days at the Academy. I find small treasures in my mind, sparkling memories of solitude that rush into my consciousness. Whenever I see a cover out of place or a rank insignia not affixed properly, I still correct my men as if they had to start all over again and ensure that their attire and presentation stand up to the standards.

I’ve gone down to various places. Chief among them, Washington D.C. I had to lobby for my men to be in the air. I had to say if giving a clarion call that they’re prepared to fight and ready for any battle. It takes great courage to get in those planes and fly. My men are not better than the white man, they’re just the best. You’ve taught me to carry that sentiment. We’re not trying to beat our fairer skinned counterparts, just be excellent on our own terms.

I can’t wait to see you. Your warmth and intellect and strength all coalesce into a picture of perfect fortitude. As the forces enter places in Africa, Germany, Japan, and elsewhere, I’m driven to say that the Allies have got the enemy running scared. It’s rough. Don’t get my words twisted and tangled. I, however, know we will win this war. It took me a while to recognize that, but the men under my command inspire me. That’s part of the reason why I type up this missive to you. Well, actually, my secretary is doing that job! With all of this, nonetheless, I still call you my lady.

Whenever I have to see the remains of the lost members of my outfit, it’s infuriating, sad. These two emotions mixed up leads to a potent sensibility that is difficult to express. In a conflict on this scale, it is like a vice grip tightening in my mind. You relieve the pressure. You’re the reason why I even continue to do what I do. I’ve been alone like at the Academy, but I’m more focused on getting my men back to their wives and children. That propels me when I wake up at 0400 every morning. I still do my pushups and situps and pullups. The “three ups" remain a key component to my regimen.

I know that you remain at home and make greeting cards. We’re over here fighting for your safety and well-being. Your business is thriving I’m sure as warriors send and receive cards from all over the planet. I’m so proud of you. What you’ve done for me is make me the best general, the best husband, the best man compared to my own self. Thank you for being the absolute par excellence in all that you do.

I’ve been training all of these fighter pilots. They’re so confident and full of themselves. I love how they rebuke modesty, humility, and meekness. These traits can kill a man. By being self-interested, they’re able to continue on with their stations as proud black men fighting for their own selfish liberty. That’s the hallmark of a true warrior. To take the gall and transform that into assurance is a feat of the will. It casts a light on the sense that most of these men will be able to carry with them in the Jim Crow South or the spots of racist Northeast, Midwest, and the West when they return home. With me being a general, that’s going to just put a dent in the way Negroes will be treated throughout the US.

To combat the atrocities that have already taken place, we’re flying more and more Colored men across Europe. They get a kick out of it because they’re fighting the white man over here. They’re able to say they killed an oppressor in a foreign land that could very well be a constant burden in America. I take it all in stride.

How do you do it? How do you continually cross my mind and bring a smile to my face? I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t know you’d be busy with your staff. I know it’s a bit ironic that I’m not writing to you in the form of a card. I just had to say all of this in longer prose that could never fit on one of your pieces of correspondence. Just know that my duties as a brigadier general bring about immense responsibility. I know people think generals just sit around and smoke cigars…and we do. But the stars on our shoulders are heavy and imbued with the idea that thousands of men’s lives rest on our decisions. Just a single miscalculation can bring about a tsunami of grief and pain for dozens of families. That’s why I know you’re the beneficial rose that grows in my mind. Amongst all the damage and debris, you shoot upward and thrive like a blossom in the wind.

I cherish you, Audrey. Whatever happens to me, just know that I had you in my thoughts this whole time. Wars may arise but it is the vigilance and strength that sustain us through the most trying times. As we move further to that light of freedom, let us remember the brave men and even the women who have not sacrificed and died but fought and fell to secure a better future. This is the future for us to live in, darling.

Love,

Olivier