Commander, Captain Horn, reporting for duty

As I mentioned in a previous blog post, Nick and I are pretty notorious for making many big life transitions at once, and this time is no exception! On Wednesday, January 6th at 11:00 am Nick assumed the command of Bravo Company, 5th Battalion, 101 Brigade in the 101st Aviation Division. Many years ago, when Nick and I first began discussing our future in the Army, he told me that his ultimate goal would be to take on the role of a commander. At that time, the opportunity was still several years away. It's hard to believe that the time has come. Nick has left his position in the Special Operations community for one in the conventional Army to lead soldiers into combat. This is a leadership opportunity that allows him to make the greatest impact on these soldiers, their families and the mission at hand.

The Army has a very special way of celebrating milestones...There are many ceremonial traditions, deeply rooted in history, that are used to mark special occasions. Nick took over the command from his good friend, Ian, before a crowd of a couple hundred of his new soldiers, their families, the Hooter Brothers from his previous company, military dignitaries and his parents, who had flown in to help celebrate this huge achievement. He gave a brief 34 second speech (which he thought was still too long :-p) accepting his new role...I couldn't have been more proud!! After the meaningful ceremony, Nick dismissed his new company and invited the crowd to enjoy the BBQ lunch that we had arranged (it's tradition that the incoming commander provide a lunch reception after the change of command ceremony-thank you Whitt's BBQ for cooking!!)

That evening, Emmy got to spend some special two-on-one time with her grandparents! Nick had to pry me away from her (I hadn't been away from her since she was born!) to get all gussied up for the annual Brigade Ball. We joined his new soldiers and their spouses for a dinner and dance in Hopkinsville. I couldn't help but think to myself what a long way we've come since our very first military ball when I was 17 and Nick was a yearling (sophomore) at West Point...

So from here, Nick is in the final stages of preparing his troops for their deployment in March. There is a lot of work to be done-it'll be a bit like taking a drink of water from a fire hose for the next few months. But I have faith (and so do his superiors) that he is up for the job--if anyone can handle it, it's my Nick. Because of his new position, I have also assumed some responsibility as Nick's Command Teammate. I will be working with his soldiers' spouses preparing them for the deployment as the Family Readiness Group leader. Fortunately, my girlfriend, Katie, held this job previously and has so graciously offered up lots of advice to ease the transition. We are definitely embarking on a big new adventure...This next 15 months or so promises to be a very wild ride, but from what I hear, it will be a positively life-altering experience.

The Bravo Company flag was passed from the First Sgt. Williams to Captain Fuller, the previous Bravo Company Commander, to Colonel Taylor, the 5th Battalion Commander, to my Nick, the new Bravo Company Commander!

Nick and Captain Fuller standing on each side of Col. Taylor. They rotated their positions partway through the ceremony. When Nick "took" command, he moved to Col. Taylor's right.

Emmy sleeping like an angel during the ceremony. She got a shout out from Col. Taylor in his speech!

Nick's record-breaking short and succinct acceptance speech!

My Nick standing in front of his troops at the end of the ceremony.

My Nick and Bravo Company in formation.

Family portrait in front of one of Nick's aircraft (he has several that he is responsible for in his company). Emmy was trying to stay warm-it was a balmy 21 degrees outside!

Horn family portrait!

The Brigade Ball was the evening of Nick's change of command. I bought the only dress I could find in (sort of) my size two days before...Thank goodness Emmy was patient with me as I scoured Governor's Square mall between feedings! Have I mentioned that shopping is miserable in Clarksville?? :-/

SNOW!! This is apparently enough snow to shut down Clarksville--none of the kids had school!

Molly and Darla LOVE the snow!

A couple of pictures that we just received:

Emmy cuddling with her "Grammy" Horn (please excuse the disaster area that is my house!)

Gettin' some grub from "Poppy" Horn.