My mother-in-law shaved my head while I slept on the very night the United States Army promoted me into one of the most important commands of my career.

was a leash.

They had no idea fear could become evidence.

That afternoon, I stood before my new senior staff. Twelve officers and civilian analysts waited around a conference table, some curious, some carefully neutral, all aware of the shaved head they were too professional to mention.

I placed both hands on the table.

“My name is Colonel Mara Ellison,continue reading …