"It really is," George said, smile going a little dreamy for a second before he came back to reality. "I'm working at a veterans' center now, run through the VA. I am an official government employee." He pretended to preen a little. "It's been pretty good. I can still help my soldiers out."
Unable to help himself, he reached out and ruffled Patrick's hair. "I am just so glad to see you! What about you, man? What're you up to these days?"