Good morning, Commanding General Davis, Command Sergeant Major Edwards, Command Sergeant Major Rainey, fellow commanders, leaders, friends, family, and of course the Soldiers of Bravo Company 2nd Battalion, 379th Regiment. Thank you for being here today to show your sincere support.
First, I would like to thank COL Anderson and LTC Velez for entrusting me in leading Bravo Company and COL Ramos and LTC Hamilton before them. Under each of your influences and esteemed leadership, I am leaving having been made better by the positive impact of serving here. Both the 95th Training Division and the First Brigade are power organizations that execute with consummate professionalism, and I am proud to have been able to lead one of your teams.
My time in Bravo Company has been a humbling and grateful journey. From the first moment, I realized that the responsibility I had been entrusted with was one of great privilege. From our flawlessly executed Reception missions, field exercises, ranges, organizational days, and more, I have had a lot of fun in this unit. Outside of educating you how to red pen some out of compliance AR 25-50 memorandums and NCOERs, I feel that my greatest accomplishment as a Commander was unconsciously waiting to lead this unique and special group, because both the expected and unexpected lessons taught me so much. Having transitioned to the Reserves from Active Duty, I had not yet had the honor to Command a unit. Then to lead a unit of both full-time staff and TPU Soldiers was an unexpected gift. The balance required to be successful was inspiring. To have been witness to those of you taking time off from your full-time jobs to assist another Soldier when he or she was struggling was moving. The strength and courage extended to you for the fulfillment of your duties from your families was also inspirational.
To my full time staff – your work ethics are impeccable. Truly, when I attempted to write this, I realized very quickly that I could not adequately quantify nor qualify what you have done for me or this unit. Several weeks ago, I asked you for your home addresses and it was for this reason. I knew that I could only express my sincere gratitude through handwritten sentiments that you will find in your mailboxes later this week. I have always believed there is no greater gift for one to find than a handwritten card in their mailbox. For the essence of time, and on this platform, I will simply say THANK YOU, and tell you that words cannot express how much I have enjoyed getting to know you, learning from you, and being internally and externally motivated and inspired by you DAILY.
I would like to take this time to thank a few mentors that could not be present today, Colonel Retired Joseph McCallion, Colonel Shawn Geib, Colonel Tom Petrini, and Major Brandon Thompson, whom are of the top four most genuine leaders I had the honor to serve with during my Active Duty time. To my family and friends who are present with me in spirit today, I love you and thank you for your unwavering support.
Now I would like to speak specifically to the men and women of Bravo Company. Your dedicated work is commendable and truly appreciated. Building our skillsets and enhancing our capabilities is at the forefront now more than ever. This is a unique command, and you flex and amend with the most grace I have ever witnessed. Your resilience never ceased to amaze me. It is because of you all, enabling the esprit de corps, your loyalty to this organization, the families and country you serve and to each other that allowed for mission success and for this I appreciate your selfless efforts. I implore you all continue to do the right thing, be lifelong learners, and always remember what you are serving for. But most importantly, continue to take care of one another.
Paola, although no stranger to this unit, I will tell you that you’ve got a great time to look forward to leading in this new capacity, and an opportunity to lead not only amazing Soldiers, but equally amazing PEOPLE. I could not be happier to hand the unit off to anyone else.
As we come to the end, I could not be prouder and more humbled to have been your commander during what is still a complex and consequential time. I will miss you and appreciate the experiences that you gifted me with. Thank you for your patience and understanding with me. Thank you for putting up with me and my career as a District Manager for Love’s. And remember, Love’s is hiring so I look forward to seeing you apply! Thank you for your selfless contributions and hard work day in and day out.
-“Victory Then, Victory Always”
-“Always First”
-“Support the Force”
-Baron 6 signing out
