The conflict in Iraq has created a demand for young soldiers to join the troops in combat. This unpopular war has not elicited the same response as others in the past. That is why people like Mike Donley, a man whose life was changed when he joined the army, is asked to be the spokesman in trying to get as many young people to come and help their country. The signing bonus of $20,000 is a big attraction for those without jobs, or whose lives are going nowhere.
One of Mike's biggest successes, as a motivator, is Bobby Kerns, a black youth whose life is changed dramatically when he decides to enter the armed forces. As the death of Mike is brought over to the attention of the Cold Case team, the usual suspects are interviewed. Mike's wife Kristen, has had to deal with being left behind when her husband was fighting in Iraq. Mike's superior Daniel Gomez is also interviewed because he seems to have something to do with Kristen.
There is also a young soldier, Victoria Montero, a poor woman with a lot of problems that is recruited by Donley. She went to make a good soldier, but she is the key to solving the problem. The clue that brings the detective to Victoria is a piece of jewelry that was stolen from a jewelry store the night that Mike died.
Christopher Silber wrote the screenplay in which this chapter of the series was based. Gwyneth Horder-Payton directed the episode, getting good all around performances from the cast. Jamie Martz appears as Mike Donley, the murdered recruiter. Veronica Diaz is Victoria Montero, and Jaime Gomez plays Donley's superior.
Lilly's life is also referred to when Paul Cooper, her father, comes to ask for help. Lilly has no love left for this man, who she blames for abandoning her. Paul wants to make amends and the episode ends when Lilly goes to a dinner at her father's and Celeste Cooper, her step-mother tells the detective that for better, or worse, they are family.
