A few months ago I was asked by Rhonda about photographing her husband’s Battalion Change of Command Ceremony. They still didn’t have a date but knew sometime in October. Fast forward a couple of months and I receive a message from Sara asking the same thing and with no date. I immediately put two and two together and realized that they were both asking about the same ceremony.
I didn’t want to leave them without so I spoke to my good friend, Alice, who also happens to be a great photographer. She offered to be my second shooter and this way we would be able to cover both families and all angles. Needless to say, I was thrilled and looking forward to shooting with Alice.
Our next obstacle was the location. For those who have never been at Fort Bliss it is huge. I have no idea how to navigate the buildings on West Bliss much less having to figure our East Bliss. Luckily, my neighbor was going to be there so we followed her to the hanger. Oh, did I forget to mention that they are Army Aviators?
3-501st Assault Helicopter Battalion “Apocalypse”
Once we arrived we started shooting as we waited for friends and family to arrive.
The companies are in formation and waiting for it all to begin.
LTC Arriaga and his daughter checking out the amazing 1AD band.
COL O’Connor and LTC Rice heading into the hanger for the awards presentation.
The spouses of these men do more than most will ever know. It is done selflessly to make sure that the soldiers are able to focus on the mission without worrying about those at home. Rhonda took care of her family and made sure that the families of the unit were cared for, as well. She made sure that the information flow was smooth and got to everyone. She organized functions to keep the spouses together and was the adviser to the company level leaders.
COL O’Connor had some very kind words to say.
Commander’s Award for Public Service
Trying to get the medal ready to place on her.
The Meritorious Service Medal
His chance to thank everyone.
Now it was time to go back outside to start the Change of Command Ceremony. I will attempt to guide you through their photo journey of this special occasion.
LTC Arriaga’s children and family.
Friends and family of LTC Rice.
The battalion companies are ready and waiting for the ceremony to begin.
On behalf of the command red roses are presented to Rhonda as a thanks for all she has done.
A unit coin is presented to their son.
On behalf of the command yellow roses are presented to Sara to welcome her to the unit.
It was a windy day.
A single yellow rose is presented to their daughter.
A unit coin is presented to their son.
Everyone is in position and rises for the National Anthem.
Heading out for the passing of the colors.
Key to the change of command is the passing of the Unit’s Colors. They represent the heritage and history of the unit and the unity and loyalty of it’s soldiers. The colors are the commander’s symbol of authority representing his responsibilities to the organization. Wherever the commander is so are the colors. The Command Sergeant Major (CSM), the senior enlisted soldier of the battalion, is the custodian of the colors.
The CSM passes the colors to LTC Rice for the last time.
This is an emotional time for all as they have spent one to two years together as a unified team.
LTC Rice will now pass the colors to COL O’Connor (Brigade Commander), thereby relinquishing his responsibilities and authority.
COL O’Connor passes the colors to LTC Arriaga charging the new commander with the same responsibility and authority.
LTC Arriaga will now pass the colors back to the CSM.
Now that this has gone full circle it’s time for the speeches. This is the outgoing commander’s time to thank all the soldiers for all of their accomplishments, the leadership for their support and mentorship, and his family for all of their support.
COL O’Connor speaks first about both the outgoing and incoming commander.
LTC Rice waiting as his Senior Commander speaks.
His shoes were very distracting.
One last thank you from his commander.
Currently thanking his family for their undying love and support.
It is a very emotional time when one leaves command. You have become a family and it is very sad to leave.
A quick hug before LTC Arriaga speaks.
Proudly looking at her husband as he speaks.
This concludes the ceremony.
Now friends, family, and the soldiers say their last farewells to LTC Rice and his family before heading in to LTC Arriaga’s reception.
Thank you for your dedication to the “Apocalypse” soldiers and families.
Welcome to the “Apocalypse” family.
Thank you for asking me to document this special day. Dan and Rhonda, always remember the wonderful memories you have from this time and all that you have accomplished. Jason and Sara, enjoy every minute because it will go by quickly.
**A special thanks to Alice for her assistance during all of this. I love shooting with you and hope that we get to do it again.
