When BG Lanza returned to the room a few minutes later, LTC Ignacio Perez, the 314th PAOC Commander and CPIC Director, called the room to order, but BG Lanza instructed everyone to relax as he said a few things.
What he said next is what every commander hopes to hear about his Soldiers. BG Lanza spoke about the achievements of each of the five Soldiers in the front row — how they were indicative of the entire unit — which he called “high-performing.” When he finished his comments, he told LTC Perez it was time to proceed. With LTC Leela Dawson, former 314th PAOC Commander, at his side, each of the five Soldiers was called forward to receive their much-deserved promotion.
The follow pictures from the promotion ceremony were taken by SGT Kellena Leech, 314th PAOC.
Shortly before they entered the CPIC conference room, the five Soldiers posed for a picture with their current rank -- waiting for the promotion to the next higher one.
BG Stephen Lanza shares some comments with the Soldiers of the 314th PAOC shortly before the promotion ceremony.
While BG Lanza lists some of the achievements of each promotees, SFC Benari Poulten captures the moment on video (to be posted soon).
Before they begin to promote Soldiers, BG Lanza shakes hands with LTC Leela Dawson, former 314th PAOC Commander.
After CPT Joseph Thames was called forward, but before he was promoted, BG Lanza asked him to face the crowd and reminded him of the gravity of this step in his career as he became a field-grade officer.
BG Lanza removed the captain rank and replaced it with major.
Next to be promoted was SSG Paul Roberts, one of the newest arrivals into the units.
Newly-promoted SSG Roberts salutes BG Lanza before returning to the formation.
SSG Jeremy Fowler may not look like it on the outside, but he is very excited on the inside about his promotion (and that nice tax-free pay raise).
See, I told you he was happy!
SGT Bryan Tull got a "thump" for good luck as BG Lanza promoted him -- to make it stick.
SGT Tull and BG Lanza pose for the "grip and grin."
SGT Autumn Hope stands at attention while BG Lanza formally makes her an NCO.
BG Lanza shakes SGT Hope's hand while the remainder of the 314th PAOC look on.
BG Lanza asks everyone in the audience to join him in congratulating the Soldiers promoted today.
After the ceremony finished, it was time for some handshakes...
...and some hugs. Congratulations to all five of these fine "high-performing" Soldiers from the 314th PAOC.
Thursday, 30. July 2009
We are so proud of Major Thames, SSGT Fowler, SSGT Roberts, SSGT Tull (Way to go son!) and Sgt Hope and Sgt Thurston. And we are proud of all the 314 soldiers and all our servicepeople!
Thursday, 30. July 2009
I am so proud of all of you! Congratulations!!!
Friday, 31. July 2009
The Thunder Run has linked to this post in the blog post From the Front: 07/31/2009 News and Personal dispatches from the front and the home front.
Friday, 31. July 2009
SWEET!
Friday, 31. July 2009
Congratulations to all who got promoted!
Wow the 314th are real go getters!
I am so proud of all of you and keep uo the good work!
Monday, 3. August 2009
Hooah!