For Your Amusement
When I thought you were asking for ideas, I was _going_ to suggest: Al get a vox populi/sensus fidelium elevation to leadership by the enclave inhabitants, for his past charity, leadership & service in peace, then leadership, performance & heroics in enclave defense. Many top American leaders have come off the battlefield. Then possibly the enclave gains, independent status. World-wide influential contacts Al has already made & favorably impressed (like COL Yang & Bert), & whom God has prepositioned (like Brendan) could make this plausible.
However, you are a master storyteller & a fine writer. I went ahead & sent this for your amusement only because I know you are confident enough in your abilities not to second guess yourself, or put too much emphasis on the opinion of those of US who are NOT writing your book.

I am sure whatever you have thought will be quite excellent, & most likely far superior to my amateur ideas as well.
Rick Snouffer