Service in War as an Equalizer

This novel evidences that people who have served in military combat together share a special bond not shared by those who are civilians. Serenity’s military experience not only surprises a good many people who met her but also earn her respect from those who have also been in the military. For all of their bad traits, even the Double Eagles and VK knew enough to have respect for people who had served in the military. During his testimony, Eklund tries to help Shad understand the closeness felt between men in combat but cannot because Shad has not been in the military.

Penn is among those surprised when he learns that Serenity spent time in combat. He is among those who were too young for the Vietnam War but too old to fight in the Gulf War. He commented he always...