I dread the summers due to all of the moves and this year was worse than most due to the high number of changes. It has been very busy with Change of Command ceremonies and subsequent moves. I, unfortunately, missed several due to prior commitments but did manage to make it to a few.
Amy, a good friend, asked me if I would be available to photograph her husband’s ceremony. If you don’t remember I photographed their family about a year and a half ago. You can see that session here.
I will miss Amy and her family as they head out to Virginia on their next adventure. I’m sure the kids will love the area and all that there is to offer. I wish them the best and hope that the Army brings us back together some day.
The change of command ceremony is a ceremony with a lot of tradition. There is a lot going on with friends and family all wanting your attention to spend a few last moments with you before you move on to your next job. That could be local or across the country (usually the case). Upon arrival preparations are made to make sure nothing is forgotten and everyone, meaning kids, is happy. In Amy’s case it was getting the kids covered in sunscreen and settled in their seats.
They are ready.
Once the kids are done Amy is able to visit with friends who will also have to say “see you later” to the Worthan family.
Ryan has been making the rounds as well.
His future?
Prior to the change of command there is an awards presentation. This is a time for the Brigade commander to thank LTC Worthan and Amy for all that they have done for the unit and families.
The spouses are the backbone and do more than most will ever know or understand. Amy was presented with the Yellow Rose of Texas award.
A few words from LTC Worthan.
Now it was time for all to go back to their seats so the change of command ceremony could begin. You can see the pride that Ryan has for the soldiers of 4-17 Infantry.
On behalf of the command, red roses are presented to Amy as a thank you.
A gift is presented to LTC Worthan’s daughter.
A gift was presented to LTC Worthan’s son.
He couldn’t wait to get into the bag.
It looks like he likes what he was given.
I love when it all begins and the Adjutant has to ping it halfway across the field marking the start of the ceremony.
Preparing for the playing of The National Anthem
LTC Mitchell (incoming commander) COL Higgins (brigade commander) LTC Worthan (outgoing commander)The National Anthem
Key to the change of command is the passing of the Unit’s Colors. They represent the heritage and history of the unit and the unity and loyalty of its soldiers. The colors are the commander’s symbol of authority representing his responsibilities to the organization. Wherever the commander is so are the colors. The Command Sergeant Major (CSM), the senior enlisted soldier of the battalion, is the custodian of the colors.
The CSM passes the colors to LTC Worthan and his expression says it all.
LTC Worthan will now pass the colors to COL Higgins (Brigade Commander), thereby relinquishing his responsibilities and authority.
COL Higgins passes the colors to LTC Mitchell charging the new commander with the same responsibility and authority.
LTC Mitchell will now pass the colors back to the CSM.
Now that this has gone full circle it’s time for the speeches. This is the outgoing commander’s time to thank all the soldiers for all of their accomplishments, the leadership for their support and mentorship, and his family for all of their support.
A picture is worth a thousand words.
COL Higgins will speak first about LTC Worthan and LTC Mitchell.
Speaking directly to LTC Worthan about the wonderful things that he has done with the unit during his time as their commander.
COL Higgins’ wife looks on as he speaks.
Once the brigade commander is done it’s time for LTC Worthan (outgoing commander) to speak. He was very emotional during his entire speech letting everyone know just how much his time as their commander has meant to him.
You can see the love and pride she has in her husband.
Speaking directly to the soldiers.
Getting rid of his military issue phone, the “other woman” .
A quick congratulations between the outgoing and incoming commanders.
MG (Major General) Twitty (Fort Bliss Division Commander) was in attendance for the ceremony.
No words to express what they are feeling.
Time for the Army song to end the ceremony.
End of the ceremony.
Now the outgoing commander and his family will say “see you later” on the field while the new commander and their family go to another location for their reception.
COL Rendon presented LTC Worthan with a Divarty challenge coin.
She finally opened her gift.
Time to head out and get ready for their cross country move.
Worthan family, you know you will be missed. I’m glad I had two years with y’all and wish it was more. Enjoy your time in Northern Virginia and I look forward to seeing all of your future adventures.
Don’t cry because it’s over.
Smile because it happend.
~Dr. Seuss~
