Originally Posted by
TheBelly
I just changed out of Company Command. All names have ben changed. Here's my speech:
BDE6, BN6, BDE DCO, BDE5,
BDE7, BN7,
Distinguished Guests, Fellow BN NICKNAME, HellRaisers, and Friends:
So... Here it is... The last hour of the last day...... Truth be told, I am not known for being succinct, so to keep this ceremony going I’ve written down a few words to commemorate this event.
If any person says that they have done it all by themselves, then they’re lying. I won’t stand here and pretend that I’ve done anything without help.
I’d first like to express my gratitude to the God of Heaven for providing me with such an abundance of strength and hope, each and every time I showed my earnest need and quieted myself to hear Your still small voice. You were always right on time.
To my lovely and amazing wife Mrs. The Belly: although you can’t be here in person, I’m so very glad that you chose me. I’m sure there have been even more folks that have asked you why you married me since the last time someone asked you why you married me. I honestly have no idea, but I’m certainly glad that you gave me the chance to spend this last year with my best friend. I love you with all of my heart.
To BRIGADE COMMANDER: thank you, sir, for the opportunity to lead America’s sons and daughters, both in the garrison as well as here in MY CURRENT LOCATION. I’ve been inspired by your leadership, and I look forward to being on your staff.
To BATTALION COMMANDER: thank you, sir, for taking a chance on me, for being so very patient, and for taking everything I said with the appropriately sized grain of salt, as needed. You’re a good man and an outstanding leader; I will certainly miss your perspective, and I hope that I can continue to learn from you in the future.
1SG *********, you have surpassed every expectation and fulfilled every role, and then some. You have shown me what it truly means to be a battle buddy; a true friend. Loyal, Reliable, steadfast, and selfless... Every day has been an adventure, and honestly….You just can’t make this stuff up
The NCOs of (COMPANY) have certainly been superb. I have always had faith that you will take care of the Soldiers through your skill and tenacity. SGT ********, I will miss our conversations about the most random topics.
If you noticed a certain lack of presence here of the Soldiers, it’s because of them that we have the freedom to conduct our daily lives here at (MY CURRENT LOCATION). They put on their armor and form that constant barrier that lets us know that we needn’t fear, ever. Their posts are manned 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I’ve been there when you needed a ride home from the bar, and I’ve been there when you’ve felt that life as a Soldier was not for you. I gave you back the rank that you cut off your uniform and told you to hike up your britches. I have thoroughly enjoyed trying to think up new and interesting ways to give a safety brief so that it felt less like a safety brief, even though there’s no escaping the fact that it’s always going to be a safety brief...
I will miss the Forum, Jess, Dan, Mike, and Aaron.... Thank you for everything that you have done to keep me together through times so harsh that they defy explanation, as well as those times that rendered us all speechless, which, in my case, has always been quite the achievement.
To (INCOMING COMMANDER):If I had one piece of advice to give, it would be that it’s never about the Commander. It’s about the Soldiers. The greatest sense of accomplishment I’ve ever felt as a Commander is when I knew that the Soldiers were being taken care of. . Never be too proud to hike up your sleeves and get to it. I’ve given you everything that I can, but if there’s something that I can help with, please don’t be a stranger.
If there’s someone I’ve forgotten, please understand that it’s not on purpose. I remember you all, and I’ll gladly share a story or two if you’ve got the time to spare.
BRIGADE MOTTO
BATTALION MOTTO
Hell Raiser 6.... signing off the net.
