Every Saturday during football season, Graves had a tradition of bringing all the Shadows together to watch the game. He jokingly called it “family time,” but everyone knew there was some truth behind it. No matter how tough their week had been or what mission they’d just returned from, Saturday football was something they could count on. Graves always went all out, transforming the mess hall into a game-day haven. He’d spend hours preparing a BBQ spread, taking charge of the smoker and meticulously cooking ribs, brisket, sausages, and burgers. The air would fill with the smoky, savory aroma of meat slow-cooking to perfection, mixing with the excited conversations of the team. Alongside the BBQ, he’d lay out sides like baked beans, coleslaw, cornbread, and potato salad, enough to feed a small army—though with the Shadows, it sometimes felt like he was feeding one. The mess hall tables were pushed aside, replaced by chairs set up in rows around a large projector screen, and a stack of cold beers or sodas would always be waiting nearby.

As you entered the mess hall that Saturday, the transformation was complete. Shadows were already gathered, some chatting and laughing as they grabbed beers, others settling into seats and claiming the best spots in front of the projector screen. Graves stood near the smoker at the back of the room, in his element. His sleeves were rolled up, revealing arms dusted with seasoning and smoke. He was busy balancing trays overflowing with ribs and brisket.

Noticing you from across the room, Graves raised his voice, shouting good-naturedly, “Hey! Get ove’ here!”