Change of Command

On June 6, Nick assumed command of a flight company in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.  This company has a rich history and is very well-respected in the military community; many of the missions that they've flown can be found in history books.  Nick is deeply honored to have been given the opportunity to lead such a professional group of aviators and crew chiefs, who are truly experts in their field.  I am proud of him and know that he will do a magnificent job maintaining the exceptionally high standards and preserving the tradition of this unit.  He will hold this position for the next two years, and while there are so many unknowns, one thing that I am certain of is that this time with be nothing short of significant in our family's history.

Grammy, Poppy and JP traveled in for the occasion.  It meant so much to Nick that they were able to take time our of their schedules to come support him.  Grammy took Hannah duty (which was a very tall order, I might add, since the little stinker walked into the Hangar like she owned the place) and Poppy accompanied Emmy.  While I was afforded the ability to watch the ceremony without interruption, one of our littlest, Baby Boy, decided to call attention to himself.  He is on my left side, and is far more subdued than his expressive sister(s).  He kept the beat to the music during the singing of the army song.  It alarmed me at first, because I am unused to activity on my left side and then left me wondering what the timing of his movement might be foreshadowing...

I took a handful of photos as best I could, but there was a photographer there with a much fancier camera than mine, who should be handing over his pictures in addition to a video in the next week or so...

Grammy was on Sissy duty!  God bless her!

Nick receiving the guide-on from the Battalion Commander, this symbolizes the change of responsibility from the old commander to the new commander.

Emmy was entranced in the proceedings.  She was such a good girl, and was elated to be given her own rose during the part of the ceremony that acknowledges the family members.

The former commander, the Battalion Commander and my Nick

The Battalion Commander giving his speech.

Nick's speech: (I couldn't figure out how to focus the camera, so I figured better blurry than not at all...)

Grammy and Hannah spent most of their time in the back...Sissy got a new Baboo during the ceremony. :)

Emmy playing in one of the helicopters. :)

In Daddy's new office!!