1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:00,000 2 00:00:10,440 --> 00:00:12,607 Good morning ladies and gentlemen , on 3 00:00:12,607 --> 00:00:14,662 behalf of Major General Kimberly M . 4 00:00:14,662 --> 00:00:16,440 Colton and all the soldiers and 5 00:00:16,440 --> 00:00:16,410 civilians of the transatlantic 6 00:00:16,420 --> 00:00:18,510 expeditionary district . Welcome to 7 00:00:18,510 --> 00:00:20,840 today's ceremony I would like to extend 8 00:00:20,840 --> 00:00:23,007 a sincere welcome to our distinguished 9 00:00:23,007 --> 00:00:25,229 guests , bigger General Slaten burger . 10 00:00:25,229 --> 00:00:27,229 General parker commanders , command 11 00:00:27,229 --> 00:00:29,450 sergeant majors , family and friends . 12 00:00:30,140 --> 00:00:31,920 Thank you for attending . This 13 00:00:31,920 --> 00:00:33,587 afternoon . We will conduct a 14 00:00:33,587 --> 00:00:35,753 relinquishment of command ceremony for 15 00:00:35,753 --> 00:00:37,531 the transatlantic expeditionary 16 00:00:37,531 --> 00:00:39,364 district . Today's ceremony is a 17 00:00:39,364 --> 00:00:41,309 reflection of procedures practiced 18 00:00:41,309 --> 00:00:43,253 since the dawn of our nation . The 19 00:00:43,253 --> 00:00:45,253 ceremony is derived from our army's 20 00:00:45,253 --> 00:00:47,364 first manual of ceremonies . The blue 21 00:00:47,364 --> 00:00:49,476 book written by General von steuben . 22 00:00:49,910 --> 00:00:52,021 The ceremony that you're about to see 23 00:00:52,021 --> 00:00:53,910 includes honors to the commanding 24 00:00:53,910 --> 00:00:55,632 general , honors to our nation 25 00:00:55,632 --> 00:00:57,810 invocation , relinquishment of command 26 00:00:58,200 --> 00:01:00,422 and final remarks . We hope you enjoyed 27 00:01:00,422 --> 00:01:02,533 the ceremony . Ladies and gentlemen , 28 00:01:02,533 --> 00:01:04,478 please rise for the arrival of the 29 00:01:04,478 --> 00:01:06,644 official party and remain standing for 30 00:01:06,644 --> 00:01:08,811 the playing of our national anthem and 31 00:01:08,811 --> 00:01:10,867 invocation given by chaplain . Tracy 32 00:01:10,867 --> 00:01:12,811 Hudgins , The area support group . 33 00:01:12,811 --> 00:01:12,460 Kuwait chaplain . 34 00:01:19,740 --> 00:01:20,740 Yeah . 35 00:01:35,040 --> 00:01:38,760 Mm hmm . Yeah . Mm hmm , 36 00:02:34,040 --> 00:02:35,040 mm hmm . 37 00:02:50,040 --> 00:02:51,040 Mhm , 38 00:03:09,540 --> 00:03:10,540 mm hmm . 39 00:03:23,040 --> 00:03:24,040 Yeah , 40 00:03:32,540 --> 00:03:36,540 join me in prayer , all money 41 00:03:36,540 --> 00:03:39,720 gone . As we begin this relinquishment 42 00:03:39,730 --> 00:03:42,260 of command ceremony , we pause and 43 00:03:42,260 --> 00:03:44,038 thank you for this warm kuwaiti 44 00:03:44,038 --> 00:03:46,260 afternoon and to remember that the life 45 00:03:46,260 --> 00:03:49,350 we enjoy our profession , our freedom 46 00:03:50,340 --> 00:03:52,451 are all gifts and a blessing from you 47 00:03:53,340 --> 00:03:55,451 or we're grateful for Colonel Kenneth 48 00:03:55,451 --> 00:03:57,770 reed and his exceptional leadership of 49 00:03:57,770 --> 00:03:59,548 the transatlantic expeditionary 50 00:03:59,548 --> 00:04:02,470 district . His sincere care for people 51 00:04:02,470 --> 00:04:05,640 is infectious and is a reflection of 52 00:04:05,640 --> 00:04:07,830 your goodness . They are a better 53 00:04:07,830 --> 00:04:10,700 organization because of him . Today is 54 00:04:10,700 --> 00:04:12,978 a guide on and unit colors were passed . 55 00:04:13,740 --> 00:04:15,962 We pray for your hand of guidance to be 56 00:04:15,962 --> 00:04:18,073 upon Lieutenant Colonel Peter Amerman 57 00:04:18,073 --> 00:04:20,073 as he now assumes the authority and 58 00:04:20,073 --> 00:04:22,730 responsibility of command . Bless him 59 00:04:22,730 --> 00:04:24,730 with the wisdom to rightly lead the 60 00:04:24,730 --> 00:04:26,952 military and civilians entrusted to his 61 00:04:26,952 --> 00:04:29,174 care , enable him to build even greater 62 00:04:29,174 --> 00:04:31,063 strategic partnerships within the 63 00:04:31,063 --> 00:04:34,590 centcom area of responsibility . Lastly , 64 00:04:34,590 --> 00:04:36,590 I ask for your kind blessing on the 65 00:04:36,590 --> 00:04:38,257 soldiers and civilians of the 66 00:04:38,257 --> 00:04:40,423 transatlantic expeditionary district . 67 00:04:40,940 --> 00:04:43,162 Random the strength of body , the skill 68 00:04:43,162 --> 00:04:45,107 of hand and the clarity of mind to 69 00:04:45,107 --> 00:04:47,329 excel at the cause of freedom for which 70 00:04:47,329 --> 00:04:49,384 they so they served so magnificently 71 00:04:49,384 --> 00:04:52,310 for every day . Always forward and in 72 00:04:52,310 --> 00:04:53,990 your kind name . Amen . 73 00:04:58,140 --> 00:05:00,362 Ladies and gentlemen , please take your 74 00:05:00,362 --> 00:04:59,880 seats 75 00:05:05,040 --> 00:05:07,096 presiding over . Today's ceremony is 76 00:05:07,096 --> 00:05:09,207 Major General Kimberly Collett in the 77 00:05:09,207 --> 00:05:11,429 United States Army Corps of Engineers . 78 00:05:11,429 --> 00:05:13,429 Transatlantic division's Commanding 79 00:05:13,429 --> 00:05:15,429 general . We would like to begin by 80 00:05:15,429 --> 00:05:15,400 describing the history of the 81 00:05:15,400 --> 00:05:17,567 transatlantic expeditionary district . 82 00:05:18,140 --> 00:05:19,918 The transatlantic expeditionary 83 00:05:19,918 --> 00:05:22,180 district T A . Was established on may 84 00:05:22,180 --> 00:05:25,150 15th 2021 from the merger of the 85 00:05:25,150 --> 00:05:27,590 transatlantic Afghanistan district and 86 00:05:27,590 --> 00:05:30,410 task force essay on into a new district 87 00:05:30,420 --> 00:05:32,740 that is always forward and postured to 88 00:05:32,740 --> 00:05:34,796 continue to adapt as the environment 89 00:05:34,796 --> 00:05:37,530 changes district has formed effective 90 00:05:37,530 --> 00:05:39,740 and meaningful partnerships with our 91 00:05:39,740 --> 00:05:42,250 partners to include C J T . F . O . Ir 92 00:05:42,640 --> 00:05:46,320 A S G kuwait Task force Spartan US Army 93 00:05:46,320 --> 00:05:48,460 Central Command , Air force Central 94 00:05:48,460 --> 00:05:50,530 Command and the kuwaiti and Iraqi 95 00:05:50,530 --> 00:05:52,308 governments in support of their 96 00:05:52,308 --> 00:05:54,474 strategic goals within the centcom kor 97 00:05:54,530 --> 00:05:56,641 In the years since its creation , the 98 00:05:56,641 --> 00:05:58,697 transatlantic expeditionary district 99 00:05:58,697 --> 00:06:00,950 has closed out 388 contracts as part of 100 00:06:00,950 --> 00:06:02,839 the Afghanistan orderly close out 101 00:06:02,839 --> 00:06:04,980 program Completed designs worth 30 102 00:06:04,980 --> 00:06:07,260 million in construction And 53 103 00:06:07,260 --> 00:06:09,093 millionen completed construction 104 00:06:09,093 --> 00:06:11,260 projects in support of our partners in 105 00:06:11,260 --> 00:06:13,560 Kuwait Iraq , Syria and Central Asia . 106 00:06:14,340 --> 00:06:16,720 The district has also taken on 153 107 00:06:16,720 --> 00:06:18,810 million and foreign military funded 108 00:06:18,820 --> 00:06:21,490 foreign military sales projects for the 109 00:06:21,490 --> 00:06:23,601 government of Iraq and Kuwait as part 110 00:06:23,601 --> 00:06:25,323 of the transatlantic divisions 111 00:06:25,323 --> 00:06:27,379 initiative to have ta become the one 112 00:06:27,379 --> 00:06:29,490 door to the core in those countries . 113 00:06:29,740 --> 00:06:31,518 In addition , the expeditionary 114 00:06:31,518 --> 00:06:33,296 district is executing to global 115 00:06:33,296 --> 00:06:35,296 peacekeeping operation . Initiative 116 00:06:35,296 --> 00:06:37,462 projects in design and construction in 117 00:06:37,462 --> 00:06:39,573 Kazakhistan , valued at more than six 118 00:06:39,573 --> 00:06:42,080 million . The new expeditionary 119 00:06:42,080 --> 00:06:43,913 district combines our legacy and 120 00:06:43,913 --> 00:06:45,747 history of providing engineering 121 00:06:45,747 --> 00:06:47,802 solutions to one of the most complex 122 00:06:47,802 --> 00:06:49,969 construction environments in the world 123 00:06:49,969 --> 00:06:52,136 to deliver the program at the speed of 124 00:06:52,136 --> 00:06:54,247 relevance , moving us into the future 125 00:06:54,247 --> 00:06:54,160 and ensuring we are relevant , ready 126 00:06:54,160 --> 00:06:56,104 and responsive for years to come . 127 00:07:09,240 --> 00:07:11,184 The relinquishment of command is a 128 00:07:11,184 --> 00:07:13,184 traditional event that is rich with 129 00:07:13,184 --> 00:07:15,296 symbolism and heritage . The focus of 130 00:07:15,296 --> 00:07:17,240 the ceremony is the passing of the 131 00:07:17,240 --> 00:07:19,407 unit's colors . These colors represent 132 00:07:19,407 --> 00:07:21,573 not only the lineage and honors of the 133 00:07:21,573 --> 00:07:23,740 unit but also the loyalty and unity of 134 00:07:23,740 --> 00:07:25,518 its people . The colors are the 135 00:07:25,518 --> 00:07:27,518 commander's symbol of authority and 136 00:07:27,518 --> 00:07:27,390 represent his responsibilities to the 137 00:07:27,390 --> 00:07:29,940 organization wherever the commander is , 138 00:07:29,990 --> 00:07:32,940 the colors are present , the custodian 139 00:07:32,940 --> 00:07:35,051 of the colors is the Sergeant Major , 140 00:07:35,051 --> 00:07:37,218 the senior enlisted member of the unit 141 00:07:37,218 --> 00:07:39,496 and principal advisor to the commander . 142 00:07:39,496 --> 00:07:41,496 Passing of the color symbolizes the 143 00:07:41,496 --> 00:07:43,551 transfer of command and authority to 144 00:07:43,551 --> 00:07:45,662 the from the old commander to the new 145 00:07:45,662 --> 00:07:47,884 and demonstrates to its people that the 146 00:07:47,884 --> 00:07:50,051 old commander has passed the mantle of 147 00:07:50,051 --> 00:07:52,218 leadership to the new commander . With 148 00:07:52,218 --> 00:07:52,060 this also passes the loyalty of the 149 00:07:52,060 --> 00:07:54,210 unit to their new commander . At this 150 00:07:54,210 --> 00:07:56,266 time , Major General Kimberly Colton 151 00:07:56,266 --> 00:07:58,488 will preside over the relinquishment of 152 00:07:58,488 --> 00:08:00,488 command between Colonel Kenneth and 153 00:08:00,488 --> 00:08:02,599 Read and Lieutenant Colonel Peter M . 154 00:08:02,599 --> 00:08:04,821 Amerman , the senior enlisted advisor . 155 00:08:04,821 --> 00:08:06,988 Sergeant Major Tom again will pass the 156 00:08:06,988 --> 00:08:06,860 colors to Colonel Kenneth . Reed . 157 00:08:10,840 --> 00:08:12,896 Colonel Reid will pass colors to the 158 00:08:12,896 --> 00:08:14,673 commander of the trans atlantic 159 00:08:14,673 --> 00:08:16,562 division . Major General Kimberly 160 00:08:16,562 --> 00:08:18,729 Colton , signifying the relinquishment 161 00:08:18,729 --> 00:08:20,729 of his command and gratitude to the 162 00:08:20,729 --> 00:08:20,230 trans atlantic division for the 163 00:08:20,230 --> 00:08:22,341 opportunity to lead the expeditionary 164 00:08:22,341 --> 00:08:23,341 district . 165 00:08:28,040 --> 00:08:30,207 Major General Colton passes the colors 166 00:08:30,207 --> 00:08:32,262 to Lieutenant Colonel Amerman , thus 167 00:08:32,262 --> 00:08:34,262 demonstrating the confidence in his 168 00:08:34,262 --> 00:08:36,373 ability to lead the district with the 169 00:08:36,373 --> 00:08:38,540 interested responsibility and care for 170 00:08:38,540 --> 00:08:40,651 the district soldiers , civilians and 171 00:08:40,651 --> 00:08:42,540 its missions . Lieutenant Colonel 172 00:08:42,540 --> 00:08:44,596 Amerman will then pass the colors to 173 00:08:44,596 --> 00:08:44,440 his senior enlisted advisor , Sergeant 174 00:08:44,440 --> 00:08:46,430 Major Tom again by authority of 175 00:08:46,430 --> 00:08:49,740 paragraph 3-5 . Army Regulation 600-20 176 00:08:50,010 --> 00:08:52,177 The undersigned assumes command of the 177 00:08:52,177 --> 00:08:54,343 transatlantic expeditionary district . 178 00:08:54,343 --> 00:08:56,566 Trans atlantic division , United States 179 00:08:56,566 --> 00:08:58,566 Army Corps of Engineers affected 25 180 00:08:58,566 --> 00:09:00,820 april 2022 signed Peter M . Amerman . 181 00:09:00,830 --> 00:09:02,608 Lieutenant Colonel , Engineer , 182 00:09:02,608 --> 00:09:06,450 commanding . Mhm . 183 00:09:17,840 --> 00:09:18,840 Yeah . 184 00:09:33,240 --> 00:09:35,351 Ladies and gentlemen , the commanding 185 00:09:35,351 --> 00:09:37,629 general of the trans atlantic division . 186 00:09:37,629 --> 00:09:37,350 Major General Kimberly Colton . 187 00:09:41,740 --> 00:09:44,330 Mhm . So good afternoon and good 188 00:09:44,330 --> 00:09:46,386 morning for those who are joining us 189 00:09:46,386 --> 00:09:48,910 from overseas . And I want to start out 190 00:09:48,910 --> 00:09:52,120 just thanking the team over here the I . 191 00:09:52,120 --> 00:09:55,950 T . The A . V . The P . A . O . 192 00:09:55,960 --> 00:09:58,160 Less . Um And everybody that kind of 193 00:09:58,160 --> 00:10:00,700 came together um to get all these flags 194 00:10:00,700 --> 00:10:02,811 set up and to really just make this a 195 00:10:02,811 --> 00:10:06,730 special event and and recognize 196 00:10:06,740 --> 00:10:10,290 the transition of responsibility . Um 197 00:10:10,300 --> 00:10:12,356 There's a lot of work that goes into 198 00:10:12,356 --> 00:10:14,411 this behind the scenes to kind of be 199 00:10:14,411 --> 00:10:16,744 able to be here today to celebrate that . 200 00:10:16,744 --> 00:10:18,911 So thank you very much for all of that 201 00:10:18,911 --> 00:10:21,022 Chaplin . Uh Great invocation . Thank 202 00:10:21,022 --> 00:10:22,744 you all . I love that . We are 203 00:10:22,744 --> 00:10:25,078 leveraging the power that the A . S . G . 204 00:10:25,078 --> 00:10:27,244 And are sent . Um And the team that is 205 00:10:27,244 --> 00:10:30,610 here in theater brings to round out um 206 00:10:30,620 --> 00:10:32,953 what our district brings . So thank you . 207 00:10:32,953 --> 00:10:34,980 I feel very much like a family . So 208 00:10:34,980 --> 00:10:38,740 thank you for that . Um So thank 209 00:10:38,740 --> 00:10:41,210 you all of you for joining us at 210 00:10:41,210 --> 00:10:43,432 today's ceremony . And I know that many 211 00:10:43,432 --> 00:10:46,320 of you have multiple uh competing 212 00:10:46,320 --> 00:10:49,150 priorities um for your time . 213 00:10:49,640 --> 00:10:53,080 So I will start off with a quote from a 214 00:10:53,080 --> 00:10:55,302 former Chief of Engineers , General van 215 00:10:55,302 --> 00:10:57,302 antwerp . I'd like to quote him , I 216 00:10:57,302 --> 00:10:59,469 would definitely say for me uh this is 217 00:10:59,469 --> 00:11:01,870 one of those get to events not to have 218 00:11:01,870 --> 00:11:05,820 to uh do tasker . Uh I believe that God 219 00:11:05,830 --> 00:11:09,020 gave us uh life gave us this day , This 220 00:11:09,030 --> 00:11:11,370 hour to be here to celebrate the good 221 00:11:11,370 --> 00:11:15,050 works that are being done um across the 222 00:11:15,050 --> 00:11:17,161 world . The good works that are being 223 00:11:17,161 --> 00:11:19,383 done here by this team of teams . And I 224 00:11:19,383 --> 00:11:22,210 am very grateful to have this team with 225 00:11:22,210 --> 00:11:24,210 these leaders under my command . We 226 00:11:24,210 --> 00:11:26,099 also get to formally transfer the 227 00:11:26,099 --> 00:11:28,099 responsibility for the care and the 228 00:11:28,099 --> 00:11:29,599 direction of this unit . A 229 00:11:29,599 --> 00:11:32,310 responsibility that is not taken 230 00:11:32,310 --> 00:11:34,650 lightly between these leaders and why 231 00:11:34,650 --> 00:11:38,020 we do it uh publicly in a ceremony and 232 00:11:38,020 --> 00:11:41,130 to make sure that is documented and for 233 00:11:41,130 --> 00:11:43,420 those who are here in person 234 00:11:43,430 --> 00:11:45,597 specifically general slate and general 235 00:11:45,597 --> 00:11:48,120 parker . Um I know you both are very 236 00:11:48,130 --> 00:11:50,074 incredibly busy . So thank you for 237 00:11:50,074 --> 00:11:52,890 being here for this ceremony and for 238 00:11:52,890 --> 00:11:54,790 recognizing the transition of 239 00:11:54,790 --> 00:11:57,068 responsibility between Colonel Reading , 240 00:11:57,068 --> 00:11:59,234 Colonel Amerman and to the civilians . 241 00:11:59,234 --> 00:12:01,401 The Colonel's , the sergeants majors , 242 00:12:01,401 --> 00:12:03,179 the officers , non commissioned 243 00:12:03,179 --> 00:12:05,346 officers , the soldiers , the airmen , 244 00:12:05,346 --> 00:12:07,530 the sailors and the marines , the 245 00:12:07,530 --> 00:12:10,130 engineers , the sustain Urz , the team 246 00:12:10,130 --> 00:12:12,074 members from from the embassy from 247 00:12:12,074 --> 00:12:14,640 centcom from arson from absent from C . 248 00:12:14,640 --> 00:12:16,800 J . T . F . O . Ir from Task Force 249 00:12:16,800 --> 00:12:19,070 Spartan first TSC from the trans 250 00:12:19,070 --> 00:12:21,430 atlantic division , the Middle East 251 00:12:21,430 --> 00:12:23,152 District and our transatlantic 252 00:12:23,152 --> 00:12:25,950 expeditionary district including our 253 00:12:25,950 --> 00:12:29,220 critical platforms up in Iraq and back 254 00:12:29,220 --> 00:12:32,550 in America friends and family . We all 255 00:12:32,550 --> 00:12:36,380 value and appreciate your presence here 256 00:12:36,380 --> 00:12:39,420 today with us and to those from our 257 00:12:39,420 --> 00:12:41,587 Ohana , our family and friends back in 258 00:12:41,587 --> 00:12:44,400 the States . Good morning . I know that 259 00:12:44,400 --> 00:12:47,390 it is very early back in Texas right 260 00:12:47,390 --> 00:12:50,040 now it's 7:00 but thank you for joining 261 00:12:50,040 --> 00:12:52,500 us . And Texas is where Ken's wife , 262 00:12:52,500 --> 00:12:55,470 Karen and her and his family resides . 263 00:12:55,480 --> 00:12:57,536 And it's where he is heading back to 264 00:12:57,536 --> 00:12:59,690 tomorrow morning . And it's where at 265 00:12:59,690 --> 00:13:01,960 the end of next week if you did not 266 00:13:01,960 --> 00:13:03,904 know , he will put the rucksack of 267 00:13:03,904 --> 00:13:06,790 responsibility as I call it back on and 268 00:13:06,790 --> 00:13:08,957 assume command of the US Army Corps of 269 00:13:08,957 --> 00:13:11,420 Engineers , Southwest Division in 270 00:13:11,420 --> 00:13:14,480 Dallas texas and texas . Also happens 271 00:13:14,480 --> 00:13:17,230 to be where Colonel am Berman's wife is 272 00:13:17,240 --> 00:13:20,060 as peter came to join our team from the 273 00:13:20,060 --> 00:13:22,260 texas National Guard last november . 274 00:13:23,140 --> 00:13:25,890 And so got me thinking about texas and 275 00:13:25,890 --> 00:13:28,112 I used to think when I was stationed in 276 00:13:28,112 --> 00:13:30,168 texas that texas was hot . But since 277 00:13:30,168 --> 00:13:31,946 I've been in the trans atlantic 278 00:13:31,946 --> 00:13:34,112 division and have had the good fortune 279 00:13:34,112 --> 00:13:36,279 to visit our partners and our projects 280 00:13:36,279 --> 00:13:38,501 across the Middle Eastern region . I am 281 00:13:38,501 --> 00:13:40,723 reminded that there are varying degrees 282 00:13:40,723 --> 00:13:42,723 and definitions of hot and actually 283 00:13:42,723 --> 00:13:44,779 this time of year it doesn't get any 284 00:13:44,779 --> 00:13:47,560 better than being in texas on a spring 285 00:13:47,560 --> 00:13:49,580 morning when the bluebonnets are 286 00:13:49,580 --> 00:13:51,691 blooming all up and down the highways 287 00:13:51,691 --> 00:13:53,950 and although it's a a little less 288 00:13:53,960 --> 00:13:56,450 earlier in Winchester . I would say the 289 00:13:56,450 --> 00:13:58,561 weather there . Where are we ? I know 290 00:13:58,561 --> 00:14:00,228 we have folks joining us from 291 00:14:00,228 --> 00:14:02,228 Winchester . I'm not sure how it is 292 00:14:02,228 --> 00:14:04,561 because last week it snowed five inches . 293 00:14:04,561 --> 00:14:06,394 So we have had a variety of , of 294 00:14:06,394 --> 00:14:08,550 whether uh across all of the places 295 00:14:08,550 --> 00:14:10,494 where we have people , friends and 296 00:14:10,494 --> 00:14:12,661 family . So as we gather , people near 297 00:14:12,661 --> 00:14:15,810 and far from across the world in person 298 00:14:15,810 --> 00:14:19,020 and virtually um again , thank you for 299 00:14:19,020 --> 00:14:20,631 joining us and thank you for 300 00:14:20,631 --> 00:14:22,742 celebrating this moment with us . And 301 00:14:22,742 --> 00:14:25,470 I'd like to continue to start with a 302 00:14:25,470 --> 00:14:28,500 reflection and and reflect back on the 303 00:14:28,500 --> 00:14:31,240 incredible progress that has been made 304 00:14:31,250 --> 00:14:33,520 by this team of teams this year . And 305 00:14:33,520 --> 00:14:35,742 you heard it mentioned a little bit and 306 00:14:35,742 --> 00:14:38,380 major red cliffs opening uh comments . 307 00:14:38,390 --> 00:14:41,270 Um , but really the transition , the 308 00:14:41,270 --> 00:14:44,170 change , um the evolution that has 309 00:14:44,170 --> 00:14:46,059 occurred over the last year , the 310 00:14:46,059 --> 00:14:48,150 things that are going on um like no 311 00:14:48,150 --> 00:14:50,370 other . And so I want to recognize the 312 00:14:50,370 --> 00:14:52,592 strength and the sense of commitment in 313 00:14:52,592 --> 00:14:54,890 these team members that are all sitting 314 00:14:54,890 --> 00:14:57,190 out here and Colonel Reid mentioned it , 315 00:14:57,190 --> 00:14:59,570 your willingness to raise your hand and 316 00:14:59,570 --> 00:15:02,240 volunteer to serve this mission . We 317 00:15:02,240 --> 00:15:05,570 could not do it without you . I am 318 00:15:05,570 --> 00:15:07,681 extremely proud of all of you and how 319 00:15:07,681 --> 00:15:09,970 the team has demonstrated your 320 00:15:09,970 --> 00:15:11,970 readiness , your responsiveness and 321 00:15:11,970 --> 00:15:14,920 your relevance . You remained agile and 322 00:15:14,920 --> 00:15:17,087 you continued to deliver solutions for 323 00:15:17,087 --> 00:15:19,650 our partners through the friction that 324 00:15:19,650 --> 00:15:21,490 is often found when working in 325 00:15:21,490 --> 00:15:23,657 contingency environments or overseas . 326 00:15:24,440 --> 00:15:26,610 And it was further exacerbated by 327 00:15:26,610 --> 00:15:29,690 fluctuating um the fluctuating covid 328 00:15:29,690 --> 00:15:32,030 pandemic , the resetting and the 329 00:15:32,030 --> 00:15:34,300 retrograde from Afghanistan and the 330 00:15:34,300 --> 00:15:36,350 evacuations that occurred and the 331 00:15:36,350 --> 00:15:39,560 repeated disruption by malign actors 332 00:15:39,570 --> 00:15:42,660 and threats And it was only a little 333 00:15:42,660 --> 00:15:44,780 over a year and a half ago that after 334 00:15:44,780 --> 00:15:47,080 having looked at our uses district 335 00:15:47,080 --> 00:15:49,191 presence that had been in Afghanistan 336 00:15:49,191 --> 00:15:51,500 for over 18 years and how we're 337 00:15:51,500 --> 00:15:53,800 supporting O IR with a separate task 338 00:15:53,800 --> 00:15:56,840 force task force S AON's that had its 339 00:15:56,840 --> 00:15:59,200 headquarters in Taji , that we did some 340 00:15:59,210 --> 00:16:02,890 risk informed analysis and decided . Uh , 341 00:16:02,890 --> 00:16:04,890 and I actually made the decision to 342 00:16:04,890 --> 00:16:07,180 consolidate the two teams into one the 343 00:16:07,180 --> 00:16:09,402 Afghanistan district and the task force 344 00:16:09,402 --> 00:16:11,330 becoming the transatlantic 345 00:16:11,340 --> 00:16:14,470 expeditionary district . The reasons 346 00:16:14,470 --> 00:16:16,303 were to optimize our engineering 347 00:16:16,303 --> 00:16:18,470 efforts here in kuwait with the Middle 348 00:16:18,470 --> 00:16:20,192 East district in order to gain 349 00:16:20,192 --> 00:16:22,192 efficiencies and synergies with the 350 00:16:22,192 --> 00:16:24,359 resources and capabilities that we had 351 00:16:24,359 --> 00:16:26,526 to continue to deliver at the speed of 352 00:16:26,526 --> 00:16:29,100 relevance forward here in support of 353 00:16:29,100 --> 00:16:31,720 the region and the theater and you all 354 00:16:31,720 --> 00:16:33,980 did that gracefully 355 00:16:35,540 --> 00:16:39,510 deliberately and positively . Uh , 356 00:16:39,520 --> 00:16:41,850 and heading forward is very fitting for 357 00:16:41,850 --> 00:16:44,072 your motto because that's where we need 358 00:16:44,072 --> 00:16:46,440 to be , always looking forward . And my 359 00:16:46,440 --> 00:16:48,990 son plays hockey . So we got the little 360 00:16:48,990 --> 00:16:51,290 wayne Gretzky , quote , quote , always 361 00:16:51,300 --> 00:16:53,189 being stated around our offices , 362 00:16:53,189 --> 00:16:56,250 looked and go to where you think the 363 00:16:56,250 --> 00:16:58,250 puck is going to be , not where the 364 00:16:58,250 --> 00:16:59,972 puck is right now . We have to 365 00:16:59,972 --> 00:17:02,139 anticipate where we need to go , where 366 00:17:02,139 --> 00:17:04,139 we need to be and always forward is 367 00:17:04,139 --> 00:17:05,750 what we need to do with this 368 00:17:05,750 --> 00:17:07,861 organization that's here in theater . 369 00:17:07,861 --> 00:17:09,980 So when ken read came forward , um , 370 00:17:09,990 --> 00:17:12,101 and took command of the transatlantic 371 00:17:12,101 --> 00:17:14,310 expeditionary district last june , he 372 00:17:14,310 --> 00:17:16,660 was willing to take on the challenges 373 00:17:16,660 --> 00:17:18,970 that I laid out and he was more than 374 00:17:18,970 --> 00:17:22,050 ready uh to execute a mission that was 375 00:17:22,050 --> 00:17:25,220 in transition in a very unpredictable 376 00:17:25,220 --> 00:17:28,000 region . And at that time I saw the 377 00:17:28,000 --> 00:17:30,110 strength of that leader and what he 378 00:17:30,110 --> 00:17:32,332 would bring to the table and he was one 379 00:17:32,332 --> 00:17:34,221 that would not veer away from the 380 00:17:34,221 --> 00:17:36,332 challenges that we're going to be put 381 00:17:36,332 --> 00:17:38,554 upon him . He took them on head on with 382 00:17:38,554 --> 00:17:40,777 confidence and focus and I knew that he 383 00:17:40,777 --> 00:17:42,999 was the right person in the right place 384 00:17:42,999 --> 00:17:45,500 at the right time . And I reflect back 385 00:17:45,510 --> 00:17:48,050 on this past year with you at the helm , 386 00:17:48,060 --> 00:17:51,630 ken um you have proven that to be 387 00:17:51,640 --> 00:17:53,807 wholly true . So thank you very much . 388 00:17:54,340 --> 00:17:56,740 But it wasn't colonel read alone . The 389 00:17:56,740 --> 00:17:58,590 foundation for the expeditionary 390 00:17:58,590 --> 00:18:01,800 district was built over many years by 391 00:18:01,800 --> 00:18:03,967 the dedication , determination and the 392 00:18:03,967 --> 00:18:06,330 diligence of those military and 393 00:18:06,330 --> 00:18:08,600 civilian team members that have served 394 00:18:08,610 --> 00:18:11,320 in our ranks . The key leaders before 395 00:18:11,320 --> 00:18:13,542 him like kernels , Giraldi and Haas who 396 00:18:13,542 --> 00:18:15,431 passed him the baton actually two 397 00:18:15,431 --> 00:18:17,700 batons that became one and the key 398 00:18:17,700 --> 00:18:19,811 leaders like the D . P . M . S . Miss 399 00:18:19,811 --> 00:18:22,340 jones , Mr Newman , Sergeant majors , 400 00:18:22,500 --> 00:18:24,500 Sergeant major , Claire , ser major 401 00:18:24,500 --> 00:18:26,611 Marshall and Sergeant major Tom again 402 00:18:26,611 --> 00:18:28,833 all have brought everything they had to 403 00:18:28,833 --> 00:18:30,944 the table and have given it their all 404 00:18:30,944 --> 00:18:33,111 in one of the most complex engineering 405 00:18:33,111 --> 00:18:35,389 and construction environments on earth . 406 00:18:35,389 --> 00:18:38,250 The success of this past year is a 407 00:18:38,260 --> 00:18:41,800 testament to the team of teams that you 408 00:18:41,800 --> 00:18:45,210 all are , the expeditionary district 409 00:18:45,210 --> 00:18:47,210 will now begin a new chapter in the 410 00:18:47,210 --> 00:18:49,377 history of the Army Corps of Engineers 411 00:18:49,377 --> 00:18:52,160 books . As we go forward to support us . 412 00:18:52,160 --> 00:18:54,382 Central Command's mission in the region 413 00:18:54,382 --> 00:18:56,382 and we redefine what it means to be 414 00:18:56,382 --> 00:18:59,340 always forward as one example can under 415 00:18:59,340 --> 00:19:01,507 your leadership and it was mentioned , 416 00:19:01,507 --> 00:19:03,507 the explorers steering district has 417 00:19:03,507 --> 00:19:05,507 taken on a project in Kazakhstan to 418 00:19:05,507 --> 00:19:08,340 expand the capability of the Kazakhstan 419 00:19:08,340 --> 00:19:11,190 Ministry of Defense and enhance the 420 00:19:11,190 --> 00:19:12,930 capabilities of the Kazakhstan 421 00:19:12,930 --> 00:19:16,390 partnership for peace . And with that 422 00:19:16,450 --> 00:19:19,070 it's projects like that that we look 423 00:19:19,070 --> 00:19:21,360 forward to taking on those over the 424 00:19:21,360 --> 00:19:24,590 horizon , challenges that bring us to 425 00:19:24,600 --> 00:19:26,711 where we believe the puck is going to 426 00:19:26,711 --> 00:19:29,120 be and what we think we need to do for 427 00:19:29,120 --> 00:19:31,660 the region . Thank you , ken for your 428 00:19:31,660 --> 00:19:34,240 service , Thank for you for your family 429 00:19:34,240 --> 00:19:36,407 and what they have done to support you 430 00:19:36,410 --> 00:19:38,577 when you accepted this mission and how 431 00:19:38,577 --> 00:19:40,632 they have helped you along the way . 432 00:19:41,540 --> 00:19:44,090 You're steady leadership was key over 433 00:19:44,090 --> 00:19:46,980 the past year , especially as we 434 00:19:46,980 --> 00:19:49,740 conducted the retrograde off operations 435 00:19:49,750 --> 00:19:52,640 from Afghanistan and started the 436 00:19:52,640 --> 00:19:54,710 theater reset . We look forward to 437 00:19:54,710 --> 00:19:56,821 seeing you take command next week and 438 00:19:56,821 --> 00:19:59,170 know that your legacy will always be a 439 00:19:59,170 --> 00:20:01,570 part of history and you will always be 440 00:20:01,580 --> 00:20:03,691 part of the trans atlantic division . 441 00:20:03,691 --> 00:20:06,930 Ohana . The mission to lead this team 442 00:20:06,930 --> 00:20:09,097 forward has now been passed to Colonel 443 00:20:09,097 --> 00:20:11,850 Peter Amerman . Colonel Amerman , I 444 00:20:11,850 --> 00:20:14,530 mentioned joined us in november from 445 00:20:14,530 --> 00:20:17,150 the texas National Guard . I don't 446 00:20:17,150 --> 00:20:19,560 think you had any intentions of taking 447 00:20:19,560 --> 00:20:21,940 command at that point in time . But 448 00:20:21,940 --> 00:20:24,162 having been here now six months , Peter 449 00:20:24,162 --> 00:20:26,107 I know you're ready and you're the 450 00:20:26,107 --> 00:20:28,200 perfect person to fill in . Uh with 451 00:20:28,200 --> 00:20:30,311 Colonel reads early departure . Thank 452 00:20:30,311 --> 00:20:32,311 you for stepping in . Thank you for 453 00:20:32,311 --> 00:20:34,620 stepping up . Um you are also the right 454 00:20:34,620 --> 00:20:37,460 person at the right time to take 455 00:20:37,460 --> 00:20:39,516 command during this unexpected gap . 456 00:20:40,120 --> 00:20:42,231 You'll be here . Colonel Cameron will 457 00:20:42,231 --> 00:20:44,287 be here until Colonel Childers joins 458 00:20:44,287 --> 00:20:46,176 our team later in july . You have 459 00:20:46,176 --> 00:20:48,398 brought with you a wealth of experience 460 00:20:48,398 --> 00:20:50,453 and a calm , deliberate and decisive 461 00:20:50,453 --> 00:20:52,564 mindset . You have my full confidence 462 00:20:52,564 --> 00:20:54,787 and the support of the division to help 463 00:20:54,787 --> 00:20:56,787 you in taking care of the people of 464 00:20:56,787 --> 00:20:59,410 this team and provide the support to 465 00:20:59,410 --> 00:21:01,770 our partners and allies to the fullest 466 00:21:01,770 --> 00:21:04,440 of our abilities . Thank you very much . 467 00:21:04,620 --> 00:21:06,842 Always forward in it to win it building 468 00:21:06,842 --> 00:21:07,842 strong 469 00:21:18,240 --> 00:21:20,407 ladies and gentlemen , Colonel Kenneth 470 00:21:20,407 --> 00:21:21,407 and read , 471 00:21:26,740 --> 00:21:29,310 Hey , good morning . Uh first of all 472 00:21:29,310 --> 00:21:31,750 ma'am , I'm glad you didn't do to me 473 00:21:31,750 --> 00:21:33,806 what I'm planning to do to Peter and 474 00:21:33,940 --> 00:21:36,162 flip all the pages back so that when he 475 00:21:36,162 --> 00:21:38,510 gets to his remarks , he's fumbling 476 00:21:38,510 --> 00:21:41,710 around up here . Uh but I will echo the 477 00:21:41,710 --> 00:21:43,830 CGs comments for the folks that set 478 00:21:43,840 --> 00:21:47,510 this up today . Uh I really truly 479 00:21:47,520 --> 00:21:50,310 appreciate it . Uh and thank you for 480 00:21:50,320 --> 00:21:53,130 how this is set up and how things are , 481 00:21:53,140 --> 00:21:55,460 you know , it's turning out , you know , 482 00:21:55,460 --> 00:21:57,370 to the general officers , valued 483 00:21:57,380 --> 00:22:00,280 partners , fellow commanders , command 484 00:22:00,280 --> 00:22:03,770 sergeants , majors , family and friends , 485 00:22:04,240 --> 00:22:06,184 thank you for investing in time to 486 00:22:06,184 --> 00:22:08,910 attend . Today's ceremony . You know , 487 00:22:08,910 --> 00:22:10,577 there's a lot of folks that's 488 00:22:10,577 --> 00:22:12,799 responsible for these achievements that 489 00:22:12,799 --> 00:22:15,021 this district has accomplished over the 490 00:22:15,021 --> 00:22:17,354 last year and so I can't thank everyone . 491 00:22:17,354 --> 00:22:19,354 But it's a few folks that I need to 492 00:22:19,354 --> 00:22:22,110 take a little bit of time . First of 493 00:22:22,110 --> 00:22:24,166 all , Lieutenant General Spelman and 494 00:22:24,166 --> 00:22:26,620 General Carlton ma'am , thank you and 495 00:22:26,620 --> 00:22:28,231 the chief for giving me this 496 00:22:28,231 --> 00:22:31,000 opportunity . I remember getting ready 497 00:22:31,000 --> 00:22:33,000 to come out of command . You know , 498 00:22:33,000 --> 00:22:35,260 literally over a year ago talking to 499 00:22:35,260 --> 00:22:37,371 the assignments officer and trying to 500 00:22:37,371 --> 00:22:39,482 figure out , hey , what's out there ? 501 00:22:39,940 --> 00:22:41,884 And he said , hey man , you know , 502 00:22:41,884 --> 00:22:44,051 that's just another command that's out 503 00:22:44,051 --> 00:22:46,960 there . Are you interested ? Say , let 504 00:22:46,960 --> 00:22:50,660 me talk to my wife maybe . And then the 505 00:22:50,660 --> 00:22:52,993 next thing I knew from when he was like , 506 00:22:52,993 --> 00:22:55,216 hey man , General Carlson said , you'll 507 00:22:55,216 --> 00:22:57,216 be the great guy . And I got a call 508 00:22:57,216 --> 00:22:59,438 from you and I knew after that call , I 509 00:22:59,438 --> 00:23:01,604 was like , hey , I'm going to kuwait . 510 00:23:01,604 --> 00:23:03,771 Uh , but but ma'am , that was the best 511 00:23:03,771 --> 00:23:05,604 thing for us , You know , for me 512 00:23:05,610 --> 00:23:08,950 professionally , for my family , this 513 00:23:08,950 --> 00:23:11,180 opportunity has definitely allowed us 514 00:23:11,180 --> 00:23:13,402 to grow and I want to say thank you for 515 00:23:13,402 --> 00:23:16,200 that . But more importantly , is you 516 00:23:16,200 --> 00:23:18,256 have given me the opportunity to see 517 00:23:18,256 --> 00:23:20,144 what real leadership looks like , 518 00:23:20,440 --> 00:23:23,460 having the ability to watch you and 519 00:23:23,460 --> 00:23:25,900 aspire to emulate the things that 520 00:23:25,900 --> 00:23:28,270 you've done . I truly appreciate that . 521 00:23:28,800 --> 00:23:31,900 And I just hope that one day I can have 522 00:23:31,900 --> 00:23:34,760 that same Magic eight ball . So for 523 00:23:34,760 --> 00:23:36,830 those of you that don't know , john 524 00:23:36,830 --> 00:23:40,270 collison has like the sense of , she 525 00:23:40,270 --> 00:23:42,603 said , Hey , I need you to do this here . 526 00:23:43,040 --> 00:23:45,207 I promise it , it's gonna work out and 527 00:23:45,207 --> 00:23:49,200 you're like , not sure and sure enough 528 00:23:49,200 --> 00:23:51,450 it comes to pass and it's like after it 529 00:23:51,450 --> 00:23:53,561 happened the first time he was like , 530 00:23:53,561 --> 00:23:55,672 man , it's beginner's luck . After it 531 00:23:55,672 --> 00:23:57,783 happens the second time you're like , 532 00:23:57,783 --> 00:23:59,890 man , she may be on something . But 533 00:23:59,890 --> 00:24:02,040 then after that you start to realize 534 00:24:02,040 --> 00:24:03,984 that I'm like , man , I don't even 535 00:24:03,984 --> 00:24:05,984 question it anymore . Say if the CG 536 00:24:05,984 --> 00:24:08,151 said , look at it , look at it because 537 00:24:08,151 --> 00:24:10,484 it's going to come to pass . So ma'am I , 538 00:24:10,484 --> 00:24:13,000 I really appreciate that from you , you 539 00:24:13,000 --> 00:24:15,167 know , to my fellow District Commander 540 00:24:15,167 --> 00:24:17,111 Colonel flip secrets back there in 541 00:24:17,111 --> 00:24:20,090 Winchester . Um , you know , to get the 542 00:24:20,090 --> 00:24:22,312 opportunity to command , but really get 543 00:24:22,312 --> 00:24:24,534 the opportunity to command with someone 544 00:24:24,534 --> 00:24:27,020 that's truly respect with flip . I just 545 00:24:27,020 --> 00:24:29,131 want to say I have continued to learn 546 00:24:29,131 --> 00:24:32,090 from flip . Uh , I lean on flip for a 547 00:24:32,090 --> 00:24:34,210 lot and the things that him and his 548 00:24:34,210 --> 00:24:36,710 district does that allow us to be able 549 00:24:36,710 --> 00:24:39,120 to go forward . It's just tremendous . 550 00:24:39,130 --> 00:24:42,000 Uh , and so flip . I know you're not up 551 00:24:42,000 --> 00:24:44,056 yet . You're probably on your way to 552 00:24:44,056 --> 00:24:46,400 the office , but I just want public to 553 00:24:46,400 --> 00:24:50,220 say thank you To my corporate board . 554 00:24:50,230 --> 00:24:52,740 So in the Corps of Engineers , you know , 555 00:24:52,740 --> 00:24:55,240 you have a group of civilians that New 556 00:24:55,240 --> 00:24:58,360 Orleans , just 15 , just 15 to 14 , 557 00:24:59,140 --> 00:25:00,807 that's the brain trust of the 558 00:25:00,807 --> 00:25:03,460 organization . Uh and they really are 559 00:25:03,460 --> 00:25:06,560 the folks that gets to get things done . 560 00:25:06,770 --> 00:25:09,350 So I just want to take a minute uh to 561 00:25:09,350 --> 00:25:11,520 talk about something that past and 562 00:25:11,520 --> 00:25:15,150 present . Mr Margaret jones . Mr rob 563 00:25:15,150 --> 00:25:18,950 neumann mr Eddie Eddie , money Mario to 564 00:25:19,640 --> 00:25:23,350 Mr leon lee Mr Nathan cole Mr jake 565 00:25:23,350 --> 00:25:27,220 west Mr Ron good ian Mr paul loftis 566 00:25:27,560 --> 00:25:31,540 mr vet walker . All of these great 567 00:25:31,540 --> 00:25:34,620 americans have allowed us to accomplish 568 00:25:34,620 --> 00:25:37,170 the things that you heard . Uh let's 569 00:25:37,170 --> 00:25:39,281 talk about earlier and all the things 570 00:25:39,281 --> 00:25:41,503 that the CG talked about , none of that 571 00:25:41,503 --> 00:25:43,670 would have been possible . But without 572 00:25:43,670 --> 00:25:45,781 those corporate board members . And I 573 00:25:45,781 --> 00:25:47,837 just want to say , I've continued to 574 00:25:47,837 --> 00:25:50,600 learn from each and every one of you as 575 00:25:50,600 --> 00:25:52,790 we've gone forward . So thank you for 576 00:25:52,790 --> 00:25:56,040 your sacrifice then to my military 577 00:25:56,040 --> 00:25:57,818 deputies . Lieutenant Colonel , 578 00:25:57,818 --> 00:25:59,984 Stephanie Radford , Lieutenant Colonel 579 00:25:59,984 --> 00:26:02,151 rob Leonard . Lieutenant Colonel Peter 580 00:26:02,151 --> 00:26:04,580 Amerman . The deputies really run the 581 00:26:04,580 --> 00:26:06,191 day to day operations of the 582 00:26:06,191 --> 00:26:09,070 organization . They do all their normal 583 00:26:09,070 --> 00:26:11,181 duties and in my case they do all the 584 00:26:11,181 --> 00:26:13,770 stuff I don't want to do . Uh and which 585 00:26:13,770 --> 00:26:16,040 is represented today by Peter taking 586 00:26:16,040 --> 00:26:19,360 command . Uh he's doing the things I 587 00:26:19,360 --> 00:26:21,249 don't want to do for , you know , 588 00:26:21,249 --> 00:26:23,416 continue . But now Peter was the right 589 00:26:23,416 --> 00:26:25,471 guy uh and all you know , the formal 590 00:26:25,471 --> 00:26:27,900 deputies , they all did tremendous to 591 00:26:27,900 --> 00:26:29,956 allow us to do the things that we're 592 00:26:29,956 --> 00:26:32,700 doing . And then in every organization 593 00:26:32,700 --> 00:26:34,533 where you've got a commander and 594 00:26:34,533 --> 00:26:36,700 Sergeant major , uh , that commander , 595 00:26:36,700 --> 00:26:39,590 Sergeant Major relationship , uh , is 596 00:26:39,590 --> 00:26:42,230 huge . And for me , you know , when I 597 00:26:42,230 --> 00:26:44,130 was a senior enlisted advisors , 598 00:26:44,130 --> 00:26:47,590 Sergeant Major june see tom again for 599 00:26:47,590 --> 00:26:49,701 those that you're you that don't know 600 00:26:50,240 --> 00:26:54,240 the c stand for cletus and 601 00:26:54,240 --> 00:26:56,184 he know where I'm going on there . 602 00:26:56,184 --> 00:26:58,640 That's an inside joke . Uh , he's also 603 00:26:58,640 --> 00:27:02,100 known as the grill master , the domine 604 00:27:02,100 --> 00:27:06,020 ologists , the fashionista . But 605 00:27:06,020 --> 00:27:08,242 more importantly , he's just all around 606 00:27:08,242 --> 00:27:11,310 good dude . Uh , and you know , sorry 607 00:27:11,310 --> 00:27:13,143 major and I started this journey 608 00:27:13,143 --> 00:27:15,660 together with one vision in mind and 609 00:27:15,660 --> 00:27:17,771 that was taken care of folks , taking 610 00:27:17,771 --> 00:27:20,290 care of people . Uh , and I must say 611 00:27:20,290 --> 00:27:22,230 that I couldn't have thought of a 612 00:27:22,230 --> 00:27:24,540 better person to go on this journey 613 00:27:24,540 --> 00:27:26,960 with . And , and I know jenny and the 614 00:27:26,970 --> 00:27:29,192 kids aren't up because back on the west 615 00:27:29,192 --> 00:27:31,940 Coast , it is really early . But I also 616 00:27:31,940 --> 00:27:34,190 want just public say thank you to jenny 617 00:27:34,190 --> 00:27:36,190 for allowing Sergeant major to come 618 00:27:36,190 --> 00:27:38,301 here and serve with this about nobody 619 00:27:38,301 --> 00:27:40,730 has truly been a great ride . You know , 620 00:27:40,730 --> 00:27:43,900 to my family , my wife , Karen , my 621 00:27:43,900 --> 00:27:46,460 kids eve Kenny taylor and Nicholas , 622 00:27:47,440 --> 00:27:49,607 you all continue to be my foundation . 623 00:27:52,340 --> 00:27:54,960 You are the why and everything that I 624 00:27:54,960 --> 00:27:58,880 do . You know , they 625 00:27:58,880 --> 00:28:01,890 always love unconditionally and , and 626 00:28:01,890 --> 00:28:03,668 more importantly , they keep me 627 00:28:03,668 --> 00:28:05,834 grounded because as I get on the plane 628 00:28:05,834 --> 00:28:07,946 tomorrow morning and go home , I know 629 00:28:07,946 --> 00:28:10,130 y'all are probably washing 15 loads of 630 00:28:10,130 --> 00:28:12,352 clothes that's gonna be piled up for me 631 00:28:12,352 --> 00:28:14,750 to fold when I get home . Uh , so 632 00:28:14,760 --> 00:28:17,970 that's my job and I get told about that 633 00:28:17,970 --> 00:28:21,260 all the time . But more importantly , 634 00:28:22,140 --> 00:28:24,362 this year has been a tough year for the 635 00:28:24,362 --> 00:28:26,620 reed family . You know , for me to be 636 00:28:26,620 --> 00:28:29,270 gone this year when my oldest son is a 637 00:28:29,270 --> 00:28:32,690 senior . Um , it's really been tough on 638 00:28:32,690 --> 00:28:35,470 us and , and Karen , I will tell you is , 639 00:28:36,240 --> 00:28:38,960 I am so thankful for that blessing that 640 00:28:38,960 --> 00:28:42,320 blessing that is her as my wife . You 641 00:28:42,320 --> 00:28:44,542 know , Karen is the keystone that keeps 642 00:28:44,542 --> 00:28:47,570 the Reid family arts together . I just 643 00:28:47,570 --> 00:28:50,300 want you to know that I love you , I 644 00:28:50,300 --> 00:28:52,560 see you and I appreciate you . 645 00:28:54,240 --> 00:28:56,650 You know , almost a year ago as I 646 00:28:56,650 --> 00:28:58,761 assume command of this organization , 647 00:28:58,761 --> 00:29:02,420 we're a little over 30 days old . You 648 00:29:02,420 --> 00:29:04,587 know , we're doing all the things that 649 00:29:04,587 --> 00:29:06,930 new organizations do . We were trying 650 00:29:06,930 --> 00:29:10,060 to figure our way out . We're trying to 651 00:29:10,060 --> 00:29:13,230 establish systems and processes , but 652 00:29:13,230 --> 00:29:15,174 more importantly , we're trying to 653 00:29:15,174 --> 00:29:18,440 establish our identity , but I knew 654 00:29:18,440 --> 00:29:22,120 that the future was uncertain , but I 655 00:29:22,120 --> 00:29:24,064 also knew that the future could be 656 00:29:24,064 --> 00:29:27,210 bright if we could just develop a 657 00:29:27,210 --> 00:29:30,950 culture that believed , 658 00:29:32,540 --> 00:29:34,670 and not only did this family believe 659 00:29:35,640 --> 00:29:39,580 they understood their value , They 660 00:29:39,580 --> 00:29:42,850 bought in from day one and we continue 661 00:29:42,850 --> 00:29:46,230 to move forward . You know , I saw the 662 00:29:46,230 --> 00:29:48,452 family . I said , the only thing I need 663 00:29:48,452 --> 00:29:50,619 you to focus on is getting better each 664 00:29:50,619 --> 00:29:52,786 and every day and that was all part of 665 00:29:52,786 --> 00:29:54,897 our continuous improvement campaign . 666 00:29:55,710 --> 00:29:58,800 And I'll tell you , I was amazed how 667 00:29:58,800 --> 00:30:00,967 quickly the foundation came together , 668 00:30:01,640 --> 00:30:03,860 how quickly things began to shore up 669 00:30:04,440 --> 00:30:07,980 this brick by brick and then lo and 670 00:30:07,980 --> 00:30:11,320 behold . Our first test came , it was 671 00:30:11,320 --> 00:30:15,240 Afghanistan fall and at no 672 00:30:15,240 --> 00:30:17,670 point during that time to anybody panic , 673 00:30:19,040 --> 00:30:22,950 it was just business as usual . All of 674 00:30:22,950 --> 00:30:25,920 the family focused on taking care of 675 00:30:25,930 --> 00:30:28,770 people while continuing to deliver 676 00:30:30,140 --> 00:30:32,900 because no one got , you know upset or 677 00:30:32,910 --> 00:30:34,910 you know , say , hey , all frazzled 678 00:30:34,910 --> 00:30:36,910 because they say , hey , we're just 679 00:30:36,910 --> 00:30:39,990 focused on getting better and each day 680 00:30:39,990 --> 00:30:42,790 we got better and each day I was amazed 681 00:30:42,790 --> 00:30:45,012 and I just came in . I was like , man , 682 00:30:45,012 --> 00:30:47,179 I just thought something up , they are 683 00:30:47,179 --> 00:30:49,290 actually making this happen , this is 684 00:30:49,290 --> 00:30:52,430 happening each and every day . But then 685 00:30:52,430 --> 00:30:54,950 as we continue to go on , you know , as 686 00:30:54,950 --> 00:30:57,117 the city g mentioned , you know , that 687 00:30:57,117 --> 00:30:59,172 whole one door to the core thing , I 688 00:30:59,172 --> 00:31:01,394 remember one of the early discussions I 689 00:31:01,394 --> 00:31:03,728 had with joan Parker , an office called , 690 00:31:03,728 --> 00:31:05,839 you know , it's like , sir , will you 691 00:31:05,839 --> 00:31:07,950 have one door to the court , Is there 692 00:31:07,950 --> 00:31:10,061 something you need from the core come 693 00:31:10,061 --> 00:31:12,283 to us if I don't have it ? I know where 694 00:31:12,283 --> 00:31:14,810 to go get it and everyone bought into 695 00:31:14,810 --> 00:31:17,170 that . But it's all about the 696 00:31:17,170 --> 00:31:19,030 relationships that we have built 697 00:31:19,040 --> 00:31:21,040 throughout time and throughout this 698 00:31:21,040 --> 00:31:23,280 last year to where folks know is 699 00:31:23,490 --> 00:31:25,820 something you need from you say , hey , 700 00:31:25,820 --> 00:31:28,180 you can go to building 3 13 soon to be 701 00:31:28,190 --> 00:31:32,060 building 3 40 that's where you go . 702 00:31:32,120 --> 00:31:34,342 That's where you find the answers and , 703 00:31:34,342 --> 00:31:36,231 and they'll come back and they'll 704 00:31:36,231 --> 00:31:38,398 provide the answers for you . But more 705 00:31:38,398 --> 00:31:40,460 importantly they will deliver value 706 00:31:40,940 --> 00:31:44,940 back to you . You know , as we go and 707 00:31:44,940 --> 00:31:47,270 we talk about that whole one door to 708 00:31:47,270 --> 00:31:50,450 the core . It was all about delivering 709 00:31:50,450 --> 00:31:52,561 at the speed of relevance for all our 710 00:31:52,561 --> 00:31:56,300 missions partners . Oh , Ir Arson A S G 711 00:31:56,300 --> 00:31:59,670 Kuwait . That was our thing . That's 712 00:31:59,670 --> 00:32:02,120 what I want to do because it didn't 713 00:32:02,120 --> 00:32:05,270 matter if we deliver and we deliver it 714 00:32:05,280 --> 00:32:08,500 too late . It had to be delivered on 715 00:32:08,500 --> 00:32:12,450 time when it really matters . You 716 00:32:12,450 --> 00:32:14,260 know , as I was doing some self 717 00:32:14,260 --> 00:32:16,538 reflection here over the last few days , 718 00:32:17,140 --> 00:32:19,650 you know , it reminded me of a quote by 719 00:32:19,650 --> 00:32:23,510 my angelo . It says , I've learned 720 00:32:23,510 --> 00:32:26,260 that people will forget what you said , 721 00:32:27,840 --> 00:32:31,720 people will forget what you did , but 722 00:32:31,730 --> 00:32:35,210 people will never forget how you made 723 00:32:35,220 --> 00:32:39,120 them feel And that sunk in with 724 00:32:39,120 --> 00:32:42,590 me , You know , because over this last 725 00:32:42,590 --> 00:32:46,560 10-11 months , I've given you my all 726 00:32:47,540 --> 00:32:49,780 and I get ready to take my place on the 727 00:32:49,780 --> 00:32:52,380 wall as one of the past commanders 728 00:32:52,380 --> 00:32:55,850 today . I pray that I've done my part 729 00:32:56,170 --> 00:32:58,170 and have etched in your memories as 730 00:32:58,170 --> 00:33:00,960 someone that strives to make you feel 731 00:33:01,440 --> 00:33:05,380 that I know that I'm a better man and a 732 00:33:05,380 --> 00:33:07,080 better leader because of your 733 00:33:07,080 --> 00:33:10,460 investment in me now for peter 734 00:33:11,940 --> 00:33:13,996 man , you know , you got the keys to 735 00:33:13,996 --> 00:33:17,770 the car . Ah but you're ready . 736 00:33:19,640 --> 00:33:21,862 You got the right temperament . You got 737 00:33:21,862 --> 00:33:24,290 the right expertise and quiet as kept 738 00:33:24,300 --> 00:33:26,411 you've been doing it already anywhere 739 00:33:26,411 --> 00:33:28,633 as my death because I didn't do a whole 740 00:33:28,633 --> 00:33:32,540 lot . I like to empower the staff . 741 00:33:32,550 --> 00:33:34,772 That's what they call them , empowering 742 00:33:34,772 --> 00:33:37,630 the staff . Yeah . Really ? That's 743 00:33:37,630 --> 00:33:41,290 where me being lazy . Ah but no man , 744 00:33:41,290 --> 00:33:43,234 you you're the right leader at the 745 00:33:43,234 --> 00:33:45,930 right time and you know , as I leave 746 00:33:45,930 --> 00:33:49,630 here , I have no reservations that the 747 00:33:49,640 --> 00:33:51,820 district won't continue to go on and 748 00:33:51,820 --> 00:33:55,380 won't continue to do well under your 749 00:33:55,380 --> 00:33:58,190 leadership . Uh huh . Never questioning 750 00:33:58,190 --> 00:34:00,357 yourself . And if you do just turn the 751 00:34:00,357 --> 00:34:02,412 rob man , these civilians , they got 752 00:34:02,412 --> 00:34:05,080 multiple years of experience , They'll 753 00:34:05,080 --> 00:34:07,380 try you sometimes . But you know , you 754 00:34:07,380 --> 00:34:11,270 know what right looks . But ma'am , I 755 00:34:11,270 --> 00:34:14,360 am rounds complete . You know , this 756 00:34:14,360 --> 00:34:17,120 has truly been a blessing you know . 757 00:34:17,120 --> 00:34:19,850 And before I leave , because I heard 758 00:34:19,860 --> 00:34:22,000 there was words on the street on how 759 00:34:22,000 --> 00:34:24,470 many times I was gonna have roll tide 760 00:34:24,840 --> 00:34:28,020 in my speech uh , from some of these 761 00:34:28,020 --> 00:34:30,242 Georgia florida and you know , whatever 762 00:34:30,242 --> 00:34:33,510 you picked the school , ah , you should 763 00:34:33,510 --> 00:34:36,940 have took me under should have took me 764 00:34:36,940 --> 00:34:40,570 under . Ah but seriously . Uh , this 765 00:34:40,570 --> 00:34:43,230 has been a great ride and I've truly 766 00:34:43,230 --> 00:34:46,080 enjoyed this opportunity and just thank 767 00:34:46,080 --> 00:34:48,540 each and every one of you uh , for your 768 00:34:48,540 --> 00:34:52,260 investment for your sacrifice and for 769 00:34:52,260 --> 00:34:54,960 always understanding what are y truly 770 00:34:54,960 --> 00:34:57,750 is . And as protecting freedom 771 00:34:58,840 --> 00:35:01,420 ma'am . I am sounding often that always 772 00:35:01,420 --> 00:35:04,370 forward army . Strong essay eyes . 773 00:35:05,540 --> 00:35:07,580 Yeah . Mm hmm . 774 00:35:10,740 --> 00:35:11,740 Mhm . 775 00:35:16,810 --> 00:35:19,032 Ladies and gentlemen , the commander of 776 00:35:19,032 --> 00:35:20,810 the transatlantic expeditionary 777 00:35:20,810 --> 00:35:23,032 district . Lieutenant Colonel Peter M . 778 00:35:23,032 --> 00:35:22,170 Amerman 779 00:35:27,340 --> 00:35:30,920 sir . Mm hmm . I heard it the first 780 00:35:30,920 --> 00:35:32,809 time . So I got you on that one . 781 00:35:35,440 --> 00:35:37,551 Thank you to our distinguished guests 782 00:35:37,710 --> 00:35:40,440 and our family and friends on webex for 783 00:35:40,440 --> 00:35:43,550 joining us today , Major General Colton . 784 00:35:44,420 --> 00:35:46,531 It's an honor to assume the reins for 785 00:35:46,531 --> 00:35:48,309 the next couple of months . The 786 00:35:48,309 --> 00:35:50,400 positive trajectory has been set by 787 00:35:50,400 --> 00:35:53,770 Colonel Reid and the tv family . I look 788 00:35:53,770 --> 00:35:55,881 forward to continuing along that path 789 00:35:56,040 --> 00:35:58,180 and preparing our district for the 790 00:35:58,180 --> 00:36:02,000 challenges of our shared future to our 791 00:36:02,000 --> 00:36:05,360 valued partners and friends . Rest 792 00:36:05,360 --> 00:36:07,550 assured we are here to support your 793 00:36:07,550 --> 00:36:10,120 mission needs and continue with our 794 00:36:10,120 --> 00:36:13,440 exceptional relationships , dear your 795 00:36:13,440 --> 00:36:16,310 family , to the men and women of the ta 796 00:36:16,310 --> 00:36:18,900 family . Over the course of the past 797 00:36:18,900 --> 00:36:21,210 six months I have seen that your 798 00:36:21,210 --> 00:36:24,320 dedication drive and hard work is truly 799 00:36:24,320 --> 00:36:26,880 what makes T A . The cores greatest 800 00:36:26,880 --> 00:36:29,450 district . You amaze me every day . 801 00:36:30,910 --> 00:36:33,160 Colonel Reid thank you for your 802 00:36:33,160 --> 00:36:35,540 leadership , mentorship and friendship . 803 00:36:36,730 --> 00:36:38,952 I've really enjoyed being your deputy . 804 00:36:38,952 --> 00:36:41,063 I will carry on your forward thinking 805 00:36:41,830 --> 00:36:44,510 together the Ta family and I will 806 00:36:44,510 --> 00:36:46,770 continue to seek improvements in our 807 00:36:46,770 --> 00:36:50,180 processes and programs . A testament to 808 00:36:50,180 --> 00:36:53,550 your legacy , best wishes to you 809 00:36:54,290 --> 00:36:56,179 and good luck to you and the reed 810 00:36:56,179 --> 00:36:57,346 family . Thank you . 811 00:37:02,730 --> 00:37:03,730 Mm hmm . 812 00:37:14,110 --> 00:37:16,277 Ladies and gentlemen , please rise and 813 00:37:16,277 --> 00:37:18,443 join us in the singing of the engineer 814 00:37:18,443 --> 00:37:20,610 song and the army song . The words are 815 00:37:20,610 --> 00:37:22,721 located in the back of your program . 816 00:37:24,030 --> 00:37:26,350 Mm hmm , mm hmm . 817 00:37:46,730 --> 00:37:49,960 Right . Okay . 818 00:37:51,930 --> 00:37:52,930 Yes , sir . 819 00:38:02,220 --> 00:38:04,650 Yes , Yes . 820 00:38:10,520 --> 00:38:13,750 No . Yeah . 821 00:38:18,100 --> 00:38:20,750 Parts of all save us 822 00:38:20,750 --> 00:38:24,610 all with the army of the 823 00:38:24,620 --> 00:38:26,040 Free . 824 00:38:40,520 --> 00:38:40,990 Okay . 825 00:38:45,720 --> 00:38:48,480 Right . And we are we were holding 826 00:38:48,490 --> 00:38:49,650 along . 827 00:38:54,420 --> 00:38:57,150 Thank you . Holy , mm hmm . 828 00:39:15,390 --> 00:39:16,501 Man is conclusive . 829 00:39:19,520 --> 00:39:21,631 Ladies and gentlemen , this concludes 830 00:39:21,631 --> 00:39:23,853 today's ceremony on behalf of the trans 831 00:39:23,853 --> 00:39:26,076 atlantic division and the expeditionary 832 00:39:26,076 --> 00:39:25,300 district . We want .