Military Ceremonies and Briefings

Photographs showcasing various military personnel addressing audiences during change of command and assumption ceremonies, highlighting formal uniforms and official venues.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jose Reyes, the adjutant general of the Puerto Rico National Guard, delivers his remarks during the 156th Wing change of command ceremony at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Carolina, Puerto Rico, Dec. 10, 2022. The change of command ceremony is a time-honored tradition, symbolizing the transfer of responsibility from one officer to another and this ceremony was held during the December regularly scheduled drill.

U.S. Army Col. Bryan M. Harris, commander of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, speaks about the current state of the brigade at a casing ceremony held at King Field House Fitness Center on Fort Riley, Kansas, Nov. 16, 2022. 2nd ABCT held the ceremony as a tradition where the Army cases the brigade colors prior to deployment.

The U.S. Army Reserve 319th Expeditionary Signal Battalion (ESB), conducted a change of command and uncasting of the colors ceremony at Fort Hood, Texas on June 1, 2022. The presiding official, Brig. Gen. Michael J. Dougherty, Deputy Commanding General, 335th Signal Command (Theater), participated in the ceremony with the outgoing Commander, Lt. Col. Douglas Ullrich, and the incoming Commander Lt. Col. Stephanie Lee.

Army Reserve Brig. Gen. Christopher W. Cook addresses soldiers during the 78th Training Division's Assumption of Command Ceremony at Muscatatuk Urban Training Center, IN. April 27, 2022.

U.S. Army Master Sgt. Andrew R. Colburn, Senior Enlisted Advisor with U.S. Army Medical Materiel Center-Europe delivers his remarks during an assumption of responsibility ceremony, Sep 15, 2022 in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Colburn assumed responsibility from Master Sgt. Charles W. Douglas.

Brig. Gen. Justin Osberg gives his remarks during the retirement ceremony for Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Mollusky at Camp Lincoln in Springfield, IL April 3, 2022. Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Mollusky Jr. is the Command Sergeant Major of the 108th Special Troops Battalion in Chicago and is a native of Kincaid, Illinois. He entered the U.S. Army in 1990, before eventually transitioning to the Illinois Army National Guard in 1998.

U.S. Air Force Col. Chris Richardson, 347th Rescue Group commander, claps during an awards ceremony at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, May 31, 2022. During the ceremony, Moody leadership presented three Bronze Star Medals, 12 single event Air Medals and more than 18 Air Force Commendation Medals with combat devices, and 21 Afghanistan Campaign and Humanitarian Service Medals to the Flying Tigers in attendance.

Blanchfield Army Community Hospitals Medical Department Activity (MEDDAC) company held a Change of Command ceremony June 15, 2022, at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where Capt. Huy T. Nguyen relinquished command to Capt. Joshua J. Lockwood.

Brig. Gen. Richard W. Corner, II, Commanding General, 85th United States Army Reserve Support Command, addresses staffs during the 85th USARSCs Brigade Command Team Training at Arlington Heights, Illinois, October 15, 2022. The 85th USARSC conducted their annual BCTT, 15-16 October 2022, to prepare incoming First Army brigade commanders as they assume command of their active component and reserve component battalions. Command teams were trained on how to effectively integrate their active and reserve battalions within their brigade formations.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Mark Kelly, commander, Air Combat Command, speaks at the 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) building rededication at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, July 22. The building is named in honor of 1st Lt. Raymond Knight, a Medal of Honor recipient and U.S. Army Air Forces P-47 Thunderbolt pilot who flew 82 combat missions over four months of flying in Italy in World War II, also earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and six Air Medals, destroying 14 grounded enemy aircraft before being hit by ground fire and dying in a crash while returning to base.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jose Reyes, the adjutant general of the Puerto Rico National Guard, delivers his remarks during the 156th Wing change of command ceremony at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Carolina, Puerto Rico, Dec. 10, 2022. The change of command ceremony is a time-honored tradition, symbolizing the transfer of responsibility from one officer to another and this ceremony was held during the December regularly scheduled drill.

U.S. Army Lt. John S. Kolasheski, commanding general of V Corps, delivers remarks officially welcoming his newest deputy commanding general for maneuver, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. David B. Womack, at the Victory Honors Ceremony at Camp Kosciuszko, Poznan, Poland, Sept. 30, 2022. Womack becomes the first deputy commanding general to join V Corpsthe American command and control army element in the European Theaterin Poland since the base renaming to Camp Kosciuszko. V Corps works alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, executes joint and multinational training exercises, while building local community relationships.

Maj. Gen. Mark T. Simerly, Combined Arms Support Command and Fort Lee commanding general, welcomes visitors to the inaugural Meet Your Army Event Aug. 27 at Fort Lee, Virginia. Today is all about helping you understand who we are, what we do and what the Army means to our nation, Simerly explained to the crowd. Everybody wearing a uniform or associated with the military has a responsibility to help educate our nation about their Army. Thats what were doing here today, and Im really grateful for all of you taking part in that.

U.S. Army Capt. Stephen Magyar, the 2nd Battalion, 174th Air Defense Artillery Regiment commander, speaks during the call to duty ceremony for the 2-174th at Morgan High School in McConnelsville, Ohio, May 14, 2022. The 2-174th are deploying in support of the European Deterrence Initiative.

U.S. Air Force Col. Nathan Colunga, Special Warfare Training Wing commander, addresses the audience at the SWTW all-call on Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Sept. 27, 2022. At the all-call, the SWTW command team outlined its expectations and priorities for the wing.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert Skinner, U.S. Defense Information Systems Agency commander, talks with Airmen of the 374th Communications Squadron during a commanders All-Call at Yokota Air Base, Japan, July 20, 2022. Commanders regularly tour facilities and engage with Airmen under their command to assess the accomplishments, challenges, and state of readiness at bases worldwide.

U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Barnes, commander of the 407th Air Expeditionary Group, speaks during a redesignation and change of command ceremony at the base theater at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, April 2, 2022. The 61st Expeditionary Airlift Squadron was deactivated and redesignated as the 41st EAS.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. John S. Kolasheski, V Corps commanding general, gives his opening remarks to senior leaders of the Polish Armed Forces during the start of the Abrams Operation Summit at Oleszno, Poland, April 26, 2022. Working alongside Allies in the European theater remains an integral part of demonstrating alliance readiness, interoperability, and capability.

U.S Army Maj. Gen. Van McCarty, adjutant general for South Carolina, speaks to attendees at a suicide prevention proclamation signing, Sept. 7, 2022, at the Adjutant General Complex Auditorium in Columbia, South Carolina. The signing of the proclamation by the adjutant general proclaims Sept. 7, 2022 as Suicide Awareness and Prevention Day in the South Carolina National Guard, and calls upon all National Guard, civilian personnel and their families to increase their participation in efforts to prevent deaths by suicide, thereby strengthening the National Guard community. Every day, in the U.S., 130 Americans take their own lives through suicide, about 20 of those are veterans. September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness of suicide prevention, treatment and recovery. This years national theme is Creating Hope Through Action.

U.S. Army Lt. Colonel Sean Donahoe, Commander, 39th Transportation Battalion, bids a welcome to U.S Army Capt. Elijah Eyoto and a farewell to U.S. Army Capt. Brenda Rodriguez, during the Change of Command at, Kleber Kaserne, Kaiserslautern, Germany, on Jan. 8, 2024.

U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major Javier Solivan-Rodriguez, senior enlisted advisor of Headquarters & Headquarters Battalion, Americas First Corps, addresses battalion Soldiers at the 2022 warfighter exercise award ceremony, on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Nov. 5, 2022.

Col. Thomas A. McMahan, commander, 3rd Medical Command (Forward), speaks during the Transfer of Authority Ceremony Jan. 8, 2024, at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. During his speech he thanked outgoing Col.Tracy J. Ostrom, commander, 528th Hospital Center, for her hard work and dedication and welcomed incoming Lt. Col. Sylvia A. Hill, commander, 348th Field Hospital, to the team. The 3rd Medical Command (Forward) provides comprehensive health service support throughout the theater. They possess a deep portfolio of specialties that includes expeditionary surgical, dental, optometry, preventive medicine, and veterinary services that offers fly-away capability anywhere in theater.

Blanchfield Army Community Hospitals Medical Department Activity (MEDDAC) company held a Change of Command ceremony June 15, 2022, at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where Capt. Huy T. Nguyen relinquished command to Capt. Joshua J. Lockwood.

Maj. Gen. Rodney Faulk, commanding general of the U.S. Army Reserves 99th Readiness Division, delivers remarks as Command Sgt. Maj. Subretta L. Pompey becomes the senior-enlisted leader of the 99th RD April 8 during an assumption-of-responsibility ceremony at division headquarters on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. Pompey is the first African American and the first woman to serve in this position throughout the 99th's 80-year history, dating back to the 99th Infantry Division in World War II.

Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Stephen Messenger spoke to members of the garrison workforce during his Town Hall sessions on October 27, 2022. He discussed his assessment from his first 90 days in command, results from the command climate survey, and his vision and goals for the future. The installation held two sessions for the workforce, and recorded the event for those who could not attend. Col. Messenger assumed command on July 14, 2022.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Joseph P. McGee, commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division, gives a speech during the unveiling of a stele dedicated to the 2nd Armored Division at Carentan, France, June 2, 2022.

Washington National Guard Lt. Col. Steve Hobbs, commander of the 122nd Theater Public Affairs Detachment, 96th Troop Command, addresses the command team of the 141st Military History Detachment during a pre-deployment ceremony on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Sept. 6, 2022. The 141st MHD will soon deploy to the Middle East to collect historically significant documents, photos, and primary source material for use by future writers of the Army's history.

Col. Jeffrey Holland, 75th Air Base Wing commander, gives the closingremarks during the 9/11 Memorial Ceremony Sept. 9, 2022, at Hill Air ForceBase, Utah. The Sept. 11, 2001, attacks were one of the darkest days in U.S.history, with nearly 3,000 people killed.

U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Chambers speaks to the audience after assumming command of the 449th Air Expeditionary Group, during a change of command ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 31, 2022. During the ceremony, Col. Jason Chambers assumed command of the 449th AEG from Bartlett in a ceremony presided over by Powell.

US Army Support Activity Fort Dix, New Jersey celebrates the 247th Birthday of the US Army at Infantry Park on ASA Fort Dix on June 14, 2022. The US Army is the nation's oldest military service having been founded by the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1775. CSM James W. Van Zlike, Command Sergeant Major of ASA Fort Dix addresses the crowd at the 247th Army Birthday celebration at Infantry Park on ASA Fort Dix, New Jersey on June 14, 2022. Retired Sergeant Major of The Army Kenneth O. Preston delivers the keynote speech at the ASA Fort Dix 247th Army Birthday celebration at Infantry Park on ASA Fort Dix, New Jersey on June 14, 2022. Sergeant Major of the Army Preston served as the as the 13th Sergeant Major of the Army from January 15, 2004 to March 1, 2011. His seven year tenure as Sergeant Major of the Army is the longest in the 247-year history of the US Army. Sergeant Major of The Army Retired Kenneth O. Preston, Colonel Jon A. Brierton, Commander ASA

U.S. Army Lt. Col. John McAllister, incoming 344th Military Intelligence Battalion commander, speaks during the 344th MI BN change of command ceremony at Fort Concho, San Angelo, Texas, June 21, 2022. The ceremony was held at Fort Concho, which was established in 1867, and is a National Historical Landmark.

NJ Army National Guard State Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Leonard meets with Albanian military leaders in Tirana May 16, 2022. State Command Sgt. Maj. Leonard travels to Tirana along with other prominent Senior Enlisted of the NJ Army National Guard to help promote the development of the Albanian NCO Core. (NJ Army National Guard photo by SSG Jacqui Robinson)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Duke A. Pirak, deputy director, Air National Guard, addresses Airmen during a wing all-call, September 10, 2022 at the 177th Fighter Wing, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. Pirak congratulated the Airmen on their willingness and ability to implement new processes that were recommended after the first ANG Production Assessment Team visit in February, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Duke A. Pirak, deputy director, Air National Guard, addresses Airmen during a wing all-call, September 10, 2022 at the 177th Fighter Wing, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. Pirak congratulated the Airmen on their willingness and ability to implement new processes that were recommended after the first ANG Production Assessment Team visit in February, 2022.

U.S. Army National Guard 1st. Sgt. Daniel Schaab is advanced to sergeant major, at the Ike Skelton Training Site, Jefferson City, Mo., Sept. 15, 2022. Gathered by family, friends and many teammates, Sgt. Maj. Schaab has made a significant positive impact on the lives and careers of his Soldiers over the years.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Chad B. Harness, outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. of the 1st Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, gives a speech during change of responsibility ceremony at Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy Oct. 20, 2022. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army Contingency Response Force in Europe, capable of projecting ready forces anywhere in the U.S. European, Africa or Central Commands' areas of responsibility.

Members of the 117th participate in a professional development program called Speed Mentoring at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Birmingham, AL, Jan. 6, 2024.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Duke A. Pirak, center, deputy director of the Air National Guard (ANG) meets with the leadership of the 158th Maintenance Group, 158th Fighter Wing, at the Vermont ANG Base, South Burlington, Vermont, Sept. 11, 2022. Pirak, who assists the ANG director in managing the 108,300 members in the ANG, made the visit during a Vermont National Guard open house, a complimentary event demonstrating the capabilities of the Vermont Air and Army National Guard.

Maj. Gen. Jami C. Shawley, commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), delivers comments during a transfer of authority ceremony between the 712th Engineer Support Company (ESC) and the 319th ESC at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June 14, 2022. The engineering company works on a variety of construction projects with partner nations throughout CJTF-HOAs area of interest.

Lt. Col. Stephen Addington, previous 509th Bomb Wing Security Forces commander, gives his closing speech during a change of command at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, July 29, 2022. Change of commands are a tradition dating back hundreds of years, with the U.S. Air Force adopting it from the U.S. Army.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Rodney Wionowsky with the 336th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, speaks to Command Sgt. Maj. Kevin Gaiser, the senior enlisted advisor to the commander of the 1st Theater Sustainment Command, as Gaiser discusses managing the force with senior enlisted advisors assigned to Task Force Hellfighter, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Nov. 18, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. John Silva, 5th Force Support Squadron first sergeant, speaks to the attendees of the First Sergeant Symposium at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Feb. 22, 2024. Silva emphazised the different qualities required to be an effective first sergeant.

FORT CARSON, Colo. Col. Sean M. Brown, commander, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Carson, gives his remarks during a change of command ceremony at Founders Field July 19, 2022. (Photo by Scott Prater)

Maj. Gen. Torrence Saxe, adjutant general of the Alaska National Guard and commissioner of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, speaks to Cama-i Dance Festival attendees during a special recognition event at the Bethel Regional High School in Bethel, Alaska, March 25, 2023. About 20 members of the Alaska National Guard and Alaska State Defense Force attended the celebration where they were honored by festival organizers.

Brig. Gen. David Samuelsen, commanding general of the 98th Training Division, introduces Lt. Gen. (ret) Ricky Waddell to Soldiers during the Dislocated Civilian Operation Training Exercise here in Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst, New Jersey. Soldiers from the 200th Military Police Command and the 353rd Civil Affairs Command spent three days on the importance of planning in taking care of refugees.

Brig. Gen. Bryan Grenon, Land Component Commander, Washington Army National Guard addresses the audience during the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Thurston County Readiness Center in Tumwater, Wash. on June 25, 2022. The new readiness center will be the home of 2nd Battalion, 146th Field Artillery Regiment and serve as the hub for the Washington National Guards operations in Southwest Washington.

Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Thomas Solhjem, the U.S. Armys 25th Chief of Chaplains, gives a presentation at Fort Stewart, Georgia, July 20, 2022. Solhjem discussed the science of spirituality, noting that overall well-being is due to the five pillars of health; physical and mental health, spiritual health, diet, nutrition, and sleep.

U.S. Air Force Col. Joseph Zingaro, 165th Mission Support Group commander, gives a speech highlighting both Lt. Col. Puanani Miller and Lt. Col. Ilena OShea prior to a change of command ceremony for the 165th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Georgia Air National Guard, on August 6, 2022 in Savannah, Georgia. OShea will take command of the 165th LRS and Miller will become the chief of staff for the 165th AW.

Chaplain (Col.) Kevin Forrester, First Army command chaplain, discusses large-scaled mobilization operations, or LSMO, which refers to preparing and validating large numbers of reserve component units for contingency operations through Mobilization Force Generating Installation, or MFGI, expansion, with the support of Army mobilization enterprise partners. Currently, First Army operates two active MFGIs at Fort Hood, Texas and Fort Bliss, Texas to chaplain teams with units across First Army participating in an annual symposium to strengthen partnerships, talk resource management, systems requirements, and facilitate observer coach/trainer development in preparation for large-scale mobilization operation contingencies at Fort Bliss, Texas Sept. 12-15.

U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., speaks with Airmen at an all-call during his stop at Travis Air Force Base, California, Aug. 4, 2022. Brown stopped by The Gateway to the West on his way to visit bases throughout the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of operations to help reinforce the United States commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Space Force Gen. John "Jay" Raymond, Chief of Space Operations,discusses the importance of space and the cruciality of the Guardians thatmake assured access to space possible on Oct. 11, 2022, at Vandenberg SpaceForce Base, Calif. Gen. Raymond spoke about these matters during an all-calllocated on base.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Joey D. Blacksher, assigned to 5th Ranger Training Battalion, speaks during his retirement ceremony on Stringer Drop Zone, Dahlonega, Ga., February 2, 2024. Command Sgt. Maj. Blacksher served 22 years of dedicated serve to the U.S. Army and the United States of America. Army Reserve

Brig. Gen. Patrick R. Michaelis gives opening remarks during Fort Jacksons Days of Remembrance ceremony. Days of Remembrance was established to remember the survivors, those who lost their lives and the liberators of the Holocaust.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. William Kale, commander, Air Force Civil Engineer Center, Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center, Air Force Material Command, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, speaks at the 10th AFCEC anniversary celebration at JBSA-Lackland, Oct. 12, 2022. This event honors the AFCEC mission to deliver civil engineering expertise and services to strengthen installations and enhance combat power.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. William Kale, commander, Air Force Civil Engineer Center, Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center, Air Force Material Command, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, speaks at the 10th AFCEC anniversary celebration at JBSA-Lackland, Oct. 12, 2022. This event honors the AFCEC mission to deliver civil engineering expertise and services to strengthen installations and enhance combat power.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Kevin Gaiser, the senior enlisted advisor to the commander of the 1st Theater Sustainment Command, speaks to senior enlisted advisors assigned to Task Force Hellfighter, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Nov. 18, 2022.

Col. Christopher G. Batterton, 192nd Wing commander, speaks to Airmen about current events and his priorities at one of the 192nd Wing All Calls on May 14, 2022, at the 203rd RED HORSE, State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Batterton and Chief Master Sgt. Richard Roberts, 192nd Wing command chief, hosted the various All Calls during May's regularly scheduled drill along with other leadership. Several Airmen were recognized for recent accomplishments with the presentation of a coin.

U.S. Army National Guard Gen. Daniel Hokanson, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, visits the Arkansas National Guard's 77th Aviation Brigade, Camp Robinson, North Little Rock, Ark., on April 2, 2022.

051117-A-9419D-034. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Lansing State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Col. Wilbur Hsu, incoming commander of 41st Field Artillery Brigade, delivers his remarks during a Change of Command ceremony at the 7the Army Training Command's Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Aug. 3, 2022. Col. Daniel Miller relinquished command to Col. Wilbur Hsu.

Financial officers from units around the Indo-Pacific Command area of operation to include the 25th Infantry Division, 8th Theater Sustainment Command, and the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command gathered at the United States Pacific Command (UARPAC) building for a Finance Symposium at Fort Shafter, Hawaii, July 25, 2022. The Finance Symposium is an event that helps bring knowledge of the financial state of the United States Army and the operational advantage of knowing how to properly use each of the finance options that are supplied to each unit over the course of the fiscal year.

U.S Air Force Col. Scott Coradi, 171st Medical Group Commander, 171st Pennsylvania Air National Guard, gives his final remarks during a change of command ceremony Jan. 7, 2024, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III tells Soldiers to always be a professional, and says a Soldier should "live the Warrior ethos," during a Town Hall meeting at the Grafenwoehr Physical Fitness Center in Grafenwoehr, Germany, March 6. Chandler and his wife, Jeanne, met with Soldiers and families in the community, while meeting with community leaders. Grafenwoehr hosts the U.S. Army's largest Army presence in Europe, and is home to the Joint Multinational Training Command (JMTC), the U.S. Army's only forward-based training command, which regularly trains U.S. and multinational forces for contingencies around the world.

U.S. Army Col. Christopher J. Kirkpatrick, commander of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team (2 ABCT), 1st Cavalry Division (1 CD), Black Jack Brigade, operationally controlled by the 4th Infantry Division (4 ID), delivers a speech during the Transfer of Authority ceremony in Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, Feb. 4, 2023. The 2 ABCT, 1 CD is among other units assigned to the 4 ID, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

070121-A-8359B-013. Base: Fort Buchanan State: Puerto Rico (PR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Brig. Gen. Paula C. Lodi, deputy commander (support), U.S. Army Medical Command, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, speaks during the ribbon cutting ceremony for the MEDEVAC aircraft 26995 capability development tool at Fort Rucker, Alabama, April 14, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Col. Benjamin Jonsson, 6th Air Refueling Wing commander, addresses a group of airmen before a prayer at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, May 19, 2022. Jonsson spoke about the importance of unity and resiliency to airmen who gathered to pray after recent violent events took place across the nation.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Andrew J. Kulas, the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, outgoing commander delivers a speech during the Change of Command Ceremony on May 12, 2022, on Fort Riley, Kansas. Kulas reflected on his time as commander and thanked his troops and family for their dedication and hard work.

Brig. Gen. Joe D. Hargett, director of joint staff for the Mississippi National Guard, addresses the audience during a change of responsibility ceremony in the Mississippi Armed Forces Museums Grand Gallery, Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, June 9, 2022.

Command Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Brian Bertazon, speaks during a change of responsibility ceremony held at Fort Belvoir, Va., Jan. 21, 2024. U.S. Army Reserve Command Sgt. Maj. Edward Bailey assumed responsibility as Military Intelligence Readiness Command command sergeant major from outgoing command sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Brian Bertazon.

U.S. Army Col. Seth Morgulas, the commanding officer of the New York Army National Guard's 369th Sustainment Brigade, speaks to the Soldiers in his organization at Fort Indiantown Gap National Guard National Training Center, Jonestown, PA, July 7, 2022. Soldiers with the brigade started their annual training for the year 2022 and leaders provide purpose, direction and motivation to the force.

Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 12 Combat Aviation Brigade, Soldiers and family gathering the Change of Command Ceremony, COL Patrick G. Schuck speaks to the families, audience and Soldiers.The ceremony took place at Katterbach Army Airfield, Ansbach, Germany, July 1, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Col. Jason R. Barnes, outgoing commander of the 407th Air Expeditionary Group, gives remarks after receiving the Legion of Merit from Col. Clinton M. Wilson, commander of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, during an inactivation ceremony at the base theater at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, June 30, 2022. The 407th AEG executed tactical airlift and airdrop, remotely piloted aircraft launch and recovery for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and was responsible for all airfield operations at two coalition airfields.

U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major Shawn Carns, 2nd Infantry Division Command Sergeant Major, stopped by the AFN Humphreys radio studio for his last on-air peninsula wide show, April 6 2022. Carns was a regular guest interviewee for the Warrior Wednesday radio show and offered words of wisdom and leadership for the listeners.

Senior Master Sgt. Stephanie Zengerle, the 88th Force Support Squadrons Airmen development adviser, interacts with attendees during the Womens History Month Professional Development Seminar on March 21, 2023, at the Air Force Institute of Technology on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The seminar was among a variety of events that took place in March to celebrate Womens History Month.

Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG) Col. Tyson Y. Tahara, outgoing commander of the 103rd Troop Command, gives a speech during the change of command ceremony, Pearl City, Hawaii, April 3, 2022. Tahara relinquished the position of commander to Col. Barbara P. Tucker.

Lt. Col. Thomas Carver, Battalion Commander of 3rd Battalion, 409th Regiment, Mustang Battalion, 4th Cavalry Brigade, 1st Army Division East, gives a speech during his Change of Command Ceremony where he relinquished command to Lt. Col. Michael Caldwell.

Maj. Gen. Michael E. Stencel, Adjutant General, Oregon, addresses guests and local officials as the host during the official renaming ceremony at the Raymond F. Rees Training Center, Umatilla, Oregon, on Sept. 29, 2022. Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Raymond F. Rees is a retired Oregon Guardsman and served as The Adjutant General, Oregon for more than 16 years, retiring from military service in 2013, and later worked as a civilian as the Deputy Secretary of the Army. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. James T. Bardo, commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 14, addresses the audience during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Jan. 11, 2024. The ceremony represented a transfer of responsibility, authority, and accountability from Sgt. Maj. Paris E. Mintz to Sgt. Maj. Christopher D. Battle. MAG-14 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Lt. Col. Clemente Berrios, Emergency Operations Center director and 902nd Civil Engineer Squadron commander, addresses staff of the Crisis Action Team during a Major Accident Response Exercise, Mar. 30, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. MAREs demonstrate JBSAs Disaster Response Forces ability to assess and respond to an aircraft mishap. The 502nd Air Base Wing worked alongside the Schertz Fire Department, 12th Flying Training Wing and the 59th Medical Wing validate the necessary support during a simulated accident.

Adm. Charles Richard, U.S. Strategic Command commander, addresses Airmen during the presentation of the Joint Meritorious Unit Award that was given to AFGSC in recognition of the commands efforts and achievements during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. AFGSC ensured mission success across three intercontinental ballistic missile wings and 495 remote facilities across the nations northern tier, enabling U.S. Strategic Command to meet mission readiness capabilities.

New Armed Forces Seserve Center & 63rd Regional Support Command Headquarters, Moffett Field, CA ribbon cutting ceremonies.

Captain Ryan Parker, chief of the 117th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs office, speaks during the graduation ceremony for the Community College of the Air Force on Nov. 6, 2022, at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Alabama. As the largest community college in the world, the CCAF has awarded more than 580,000 associate in applied science degrees and has graduated more than 480,000 students since it issued its first degree in 1977.

Col. David R. Lands, 192nd Mission Support Group commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Sean Fretwell, 192nd MSG superintendent, hold an All Call for the group May 15, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. The leadership highlighted unit accomplishments and recognized outstanding MSG Airmen for their individual accomplishments.

Lt. Gen. Daniel L. Karbler, commanding general of U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, speaks with local media on Jan. 3 at the command's Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, headquarters. Karbler will retire on Jan. 9 after more than 36 years of military service in the U.S. Army.

U.S. Army Maj. David Derienzo, 16th Sustainment Brigade, Brigade Chaplain, gives the Invocation during the MLK ceremony

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Eli Adams, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District, speaks to USACE team members during an annual awards town hall in Buffalo, New York, June 6, 2022. Each year and throughout the year, Buffalo District team members are recognized for excellence and dedication in accomplishing the USACE mission in the Great Lakes region.

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers with the 2nd Battalion 263rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, South Carolina National Guard, conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the renovation of Battery B, Sept. 10, 2022, Easley, South Carolina. In attendance were U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, South Carolina State Senator Thomas Alexander, South Carolina State Representative Neal Collins, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. R. Van McCarty, the adjutant general for South Carolina National Guard, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Frank Rice, commander, 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jaime Febus, 86th Maintenance Group Airframe and Powerplant program manager, poses for a photo at the Ramstein Airframe and Powerplant Facility at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Nov. 16, 2022. Febus partnered with the Federal Aviation Administration to open the facility because of his desire to help those in the Ramstein maintenance community.

Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson, chief of the National Guard Bureau, delivers remarks as the Keynote Speaker to guest and local officials during the official renaming ceremony at the Raymond F. Rees Training Center, Umatilla, Oregon, on Sept. 29, 2022. Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Raymond F. Rees is a retired Oregon Guardsman and served as The Adjutant General, Oregon for more than 16 years, retiring from military service in 2013, and later worked as a civilian as the Deputy Secretary of the Army. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

Today marks the completion of the inaugural class of Camp Buehring's Basic Leader Course, a blended course effort from TRADOC, NGB, ARCENT, and NCOLCOE, which prepares enlisted Soldiers to step forward as non-commissioned officers. Guest Speaker Sgt. Maj. Brian Disque, G-3/5/7 NCOIC, US Army Central offers these 63 graduates congratulations and words of wisdom following 10 weeks of BLC, which covers everything a junior leader needs from tactical weapon and hand-to-hand skills to planning convoy operations. Camp Buehring, Kuwait, January 25, 2023.

Chief Warrant Officer (4) Peggy Bates gives her remarks during her retirement ceremony at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Il Aug. 7. Peggy Bates, the Command Property Accounting Officer for Joint Force Headquarters, retired after 38 years of military service. She enlisted in the ILARNG in August of 1984 as a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic with 3637th Maintenance Company in Springfield, IL. CW4 Bates spent the next 22 years as an enlisted Soldier serving in numerous positions to include Parts Clerk, Technical Inspector, Maintenance Control NCO, Operations NCO, and First Sergeant for 3637th Maintenance Company and the 65th Troop Command. She began her Warrant Officer career in 2006 as an Engineer Equipment Maintenance Warrant Officer for B 634th Brigade Support Battalion and converted to a Property Accounting Warrant Officer in 2008. She has served as a Federal Technician for over 37 years. Bates dedication to the ILARNG and the technician program enhanced the log

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael A. Grinston discusses Army initiatives during a town hall with Soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division on Schofield Barracks, Oahu, Hawaii, May 18, 2022. Grinston also inquired about the Soldiers' concerns, and their thoughts on Army policies while answering questions and providing feedback.

US Marine Corps (USMC) General (GEN) Michael W. Hagee, Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) speaks to USMC III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) Marines inside the Camp Foster theater during his visit to Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Smedley D. Butler, Okinawa, Japan. (Substandard image). Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Foster State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Army Chaplain (COL) Chul W. Kim, U.S. Forces Korea and United Nations Command chaplain, gives remarks during the inaugural Clergy Day at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Nov. 8, 2022. Kim is a Seoul, Republic of Korea, native and has served since 1989, starting out as a finance officer and later attending seminary to become a chaplain for the U.S. Army.

Col. Christopher Hesse, 155th Air Refueling Wing commander, recites the oath to Lt. Col. Jan Martin, executive officer with the 155th Air Refueling Wing, Feb. 23, 2024, at the National Guard air base in Lincoln, Nebraska. Martin assumed the role as the 155th ARW executive officer after serving in the same position at the 136th Airlift Wing in Texas. Air National Guard

U.S. Army Chaplain (Maj.) Erik Alfsen with the Unit Ministry Teams for Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield speaks during a UMT training event at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Jan. 18, 2024. During these training events, Chaplains and Religious Affairs Specialists learn the proper ways to transport the Soldiers who have fallen, and comfort fellow Soldiers who have to continue the fight.

Adm. Charles Richard, Commander, U.S. Strategic Command, and Gen. Glen VanHerck, Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, address the Pentagon Press Corps virtually from Anchorage, Alaska, May 5, 2022. Both commanders addressed the strategic importance of the Arctic for homeland defense and value of like-minded nations working cooperatively to address shared challenges and maintain a rules-based international order. (Department of Defense photo by Chuck Marsh)

U.S. Army Special Special Forces Lt. Col Michael Penn speaks at a monument reveal ceremony honoring French Resistance fighters during WWII in Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, France, June 5, 2022. Project Jedburgh was a joint Allied program, with the OSS Special Operations (SO) branch, the British Special Operations Executive (SOE), and the French Bureau Central de Renseignements et dAction (BCRA) and is widely considered the origins from which all modern special operations draw their lineage from.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Caleb Webster, Senior Enlisted Advisor of 41st Field Artillery Brigade (41st FAB), delivers his remarks during his assumption of responsibility ceremony at Tower Barracks, Grafenwoehr, Germany, Jan. 24, 2024. The 41st FAB is the only European based Fires brigade. The "Rail Gunners!" Brigade provides strategic, operational, and tactical-level fires and support throughout the U.S. European Command.

Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Kenneth M. Bruce, Jr., the 16th Air Force command chief, held a town hall meeting for members assigned to the 181st Intelligence Wing at Hulman Field Air National Guard Base in Terre Haute, Ind., Oct. 18, 2022. Bruce discussed various military topics, including National Security Strategy and National Defense Strategy, to help airmen grow professionally and organizationally.

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