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2008
Kris Graham
Change of Command Ceremony |
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The "Change of
Command Ceremony" is nearly as old as history
in one fashion or another. This time it was Kristin's
time to give up company command. Kristin had been a
company commander working on her 26th month. This is an
unusually long time as Company Command is a particularly
demanding, all time consuming and challenging period. A
year in command is the usual standard.
It gave me
pleasure as Kristin's father to see the genuine respect
the soldiers had for her contribution ... from the officers
to the enlisted men and women. The impromptu
presentations at the Company level by her first sergeant
were touching.
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First Sergeant Azucena presents
Kristin with a few souvenirs of her 26th month
experience. |
A smiling Kristin addresses her
company
for the last time as commander.
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One of Kris's most treasured
mementos: the unofficial flag of her company signed by
her leadership team.
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Left to Right: Lt. Col. Peterson,
Captain Kristin and Col. Jones |
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A first Sergeant is referred to as
a commander's "battle buddy" and mutual loyalty was
obvious. |
Major General Mason & Captain
Kristin
pose for a picture. MG Mason presented Kristin with his "Challenge Coin"
which was well received.
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Lt. Col. Peterson stands between
the incoming and outgoing commanders |
Lt. Col. Peterson delivered a
thought
provoking and warm speech at
the ceremony. |
CLICK to view the passing of the Guidon!
This ceremony marks the official change of command
moving the "Guidon"
from one Captain to another and passing through the
hands of the
overseeing officer ( Lt. Colonel Peterson in this case )
and the
Company's First Sergeant ( FSG. Azucena ). |
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Kristin will miss one of her
favorite North Shore Haunts. why is it my daughters love
Pizza so much... because I do?
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The two princesses
in my Sheraton hotel. |
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Over 30 years ago, I went to my
first "Hatsuhana" Sushi Bar. There were much more of
them in the old days: two in Tokyo, one in Washington
D.C., two in New York and one in Chicago ( now closed to
the public). I first discovered it when I asked members
of the Japanese Embassy where they ate their lunch... I
have never been disappointed.
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Kristin took me to the famous
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse!
Kristin's generosity & warm company
was much appreciated! |
Kristin with one of her 10
pound 'bars' of
Peters Chocolate! Nothing better! |
Laura and I
wanted to offer my own gifts of respect to Kristin for
her accomplishments in command. Here's what we did:
PETERS
CHOCOLATE: you cannot buy Peters, this
exquisite Chocolate comes in 10 lb. blocks and is used
as a 'coating' for other exotic deluxe chocolates. It is
beautifully smooth and luxurious. Sorry Kris, Mom and I
diverted one block for our uses ... a chocolate
cheesecake enrobed
in Peter's hocolate ... the best I have ever eaten!
KEN ONION CHEF KNIFE:
there are many great knives used in cooking... but the
best for you depends on how you use it. This unusual
knife is fun for both chopping and slicing.
CORNELIUS
MILLER'S BUTTONS: Cornelius Miller served
in the
Massachusetts 37th Infantry and died
of his wounds traveling back home toward the end of the
war. The 37th fought in many of the famous battles of
the Civil war including: Gettysburg, Fredericksburg,
Appomattox, and Brandy Station among many others. |
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Congratulations, Kris!
New Horizons &
Challenges Await!
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