Coming To An End, And A New Beginning
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Today I held my Change of Responsibility Ceremony. It marks the end of the highlight of my career as a Soldier in the United States Army. As a First Sergeant I was able to help Solider's both personally and professionally and it was a real rewarding feeling. Here is my speech that I gave.
Today I am saying my goodbyes and doing it in the best military tradition. I could, of course, spend hours saying my thanks to individuals who have helped me during the period I have been the Detachment SGT. If I did thank everyone individually I would be here all day because since I took over I have been given support and encouragement from everyone I have met. So please accept my gratitude for all you have done for me. Granted sometimes it was tough love, but I am sure LTC Parson's had my best interests in mind. And when he challenged me to come to the Detachment and take care of Soldiers I gladly accepted. Sir I hope, in your eyes, that I have accomplished that mission.
Encouragement is also very important and let's face it, we all have down days. We all have times when we feel we are doing nothing right. It is at times like this that the encouragement and support of your comrades is critically important. CPT Joliet you are with out a doubt one of the best officers I have ever known. Your genuine concern for Soldiers and how our decisions affect them has always encouraged me to be better and do more. And though we may have not always agreed, we certainly learned a lot about leadership from each other.
I am leaving you and that makes me sad. I will miss you and the camaraderie here. However, I know that I leave you in very safe hands because SFC Mitchell is taking over and his reputation precedes him. He has vast experience and expertise and he will, I know, be a wonderful replacement for me. SSG Duff you have given 100% as the Operations SGT. More often than not, filling in for me when I had other missions to accomplish. A 1SG couldn't ask for a better NCO to have his back. I am sure that you will give SFC Mitchell the support and help you have always given me and for that I thank you.
In a little over a month I will be retiring. I won't be marching any more. I won't be saluting any more. I won't carry a rifle with me anymore. I don't know yet what I will do in retirement but there are plenty of options open to me.
I might write a best seller but judging by how long it took me to write these few words, that's unlikely. I might appear on America's Got talent, study Chinese or go deep sea diving. The world is full of opportunities and I look forward to sampling some of them with my wife Kimberly who has stood by my side for the past 19 years. Anyone who really knows me knows that she's certainly earned a vacation. Kimberly for that I thank you and I love you.
Although I am going I am bringing many memories with me. I will always remember the fun and laughter we shared on occasions. I will remember when times were tough but we did our duty regardless. I will remember the Soldiers that gave their all and more. Above all I will remember you as the individuals you are, with your different talents and skills. My life has been enriched by knowing you.
It's time for me to move on. I know that I will face new challenges, new experiences. I will tackle those as I have tackled mine here. I will give it my all. And I hope you will be able to say some day. "He cut his teeth on us and that's what makes him the leader he is."
Enforcer 7 Out
Join me on my journey to financial and personal freedom.
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