John’s Change of Command
You guys! Or y’all..?! We should be headed to the South soon (or is it midwest?) so I’m working on my lingo. Thank goodness for all those years in south Georgia! And I guess being that I’m from Florida, I’m kinda southern.
Anyway, I totally meant to blog last week, but it was kind of a big week for us.
John’s change of command was last Friday, so his mom and my dad came into town. On Tuesday and Wednesday I was busy running around shopping, cleaning, and picking up people from the airport, so I never had the chance to blog. Then, once everyone was here, I was so focused on spending family time, that blogging was at the very back of my mind.
I’m back today and ready to share ALL about John’s change of command. It was event that I had been looking forward to, but once the time came, it was bittersweet. I was so sad to have to say goodbye to the 140 something Soldiers and their spouses that had become family.
Company command can be quite the adventure. John had plenty of late nights, late phone calls, and weekends that were dedicated to the problem Soldiers. But there were also family events, bowling nights, and days where we’d visit the Soldiers working the gates. One of my favorite memories will always be how appreciative the Soldiers were on Thanksgiving when we drove almost an hour to the Army beach to drop off plates for dinner.
So… The change of command. For whatever reason, I was really anxious about the CoC in the days leading up to it. I have no idea why, since the way out is pretty easy. All I had to do was show up. Seriously. No cooking or reception, or anything!
Armed with Spanx and sticky boobs, I showed up with the fam to the ceremony about an hour early. I knew the company would be forming up and presenting John with a gift around 9, so I wanted to be there for that. At that time, the XO presented him with his guidon.
It’s sitting in our dining room now, and wow. It’s beautiful.
After that, there was a little bit of down time while the guests all arrived. Then, it was award time. I thought John was about to be presented with his award, so when he told me to follow him, I was ready to go take photos. Oh, was I wrong.
At center stage, the battalion commander started speaking about me. Oh. God. Stay cool, Alex. Stay cool. I figured it might be a certificate of appreciation from the battalion/brigade, since I had been John’s FRG leader. I was wrong. Boy, was I wrong.
As the boss man continued to speak, I realized that the award that he was about to present was the Order of the Vivandieres. At that point, the tears started flowing. In front of 140 something Soldiers. Runny nose and everything. Awko-taco.
The Order of the Vivandieres is a civilian volunteer award presented to the spouses of military police, for making significant contributions to the morale, welfare and spirit of Soldiers and family members in their units of the Military Police Corps Regiment. The award must be endorsed by an O6 or higher, and has only been presented 326 times since it’s inception.
Ah! I still get chills thinking about it!
Once that adventure was over, it was back to regularly scheduled activities. The change of command! I love CoC ceremonies, because of the symbolism behind the passing of the guidon! If you’ve never been to a CoC, I highly suggest attending!
Because I was still on such a high, the ceremonies that sometimes feel like a lifetime, went by in a flash! Before I knew it, John’s 1SG was passing him the guidon and John was passing it to the battalion commander. The moment I had been waiting for! No longer responsible for the late phone calls and the problem Soldiers!
Then came the speeches, and it was over before I knew it. V was so upset that we weren’t allowed to go get food at the reception. Instead, we went home, chilled, and had dinner at our favorite island spot.
I’m sad it’s all over, but such is life. And the Army goes rolling along…
Any guesses on where we’re headed next?! A few of you already know, so SHHHH! I’m hoping to have an RFO by Wednesday, to be able to make it official!