WEBVTT

00:04.169 --> 00:07.634
- Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Redstone Arsenal

00:07.634 --> 00:10.507
and the Army Materiel Command's parade field

00:10.507 --> 00:14.150
where today, the US Army Security Assistance Command

00:14.150 --> 00:17.253
will conduct a change of responsibility ceremony

00:17.253 --> 00:20.210
in which the outgoing Command Sergeant Major,

00:20.210 --> 00:23.181
Command Sergeant Major Dana S. Mason, Jr.

00:23.181 --> 00:25.203
will relinquish responsibility

00:25.203 --> 00:28.551
to Command Sergeant Major Gene E. Canada.

00:28.551 --> 00:32.162
At this time please allow me to extend a special welcome

00:32.162 --> 00:33.768
to some of our distinguished guests

00:33.768 --> 00:35.882
that we have with us today.

00:35.882 --> 00:39.336
We are honored to have with us today Mrs. Debbie Farmen,

00:39.336 --> 00:43.482
wife of our host, Major General Stephen E. Farmen.

00:43.482 --> 00:46.030
Other officers, senior enlisted soldiers

00:46.030 --> 00:48.987
and our great civilian workforce, a special thanks

00:48.987 --> 00:52.631
to all who came to witness this change of responsibility.

00:52.631 --> 00:55.048
A warm welcome to all of you.

00:56.738 --> 00:59.008
Before the official party enters,

00:59.008 --> 01:01.258
I would like to provide a brief overview

01:01.258 --> 01:04.325
of the mission and organization of USASAC.

01:04.325 --> 01:07.261
The United States Army Security Assistance Command

01:07.261 --> 01:11.428
implements approved US Army security assistance programs,

01:11.850 --> 01:15.317
including foreign military sales of defense articles

01:15.317 --> 01:18.984
and services to eligible foreign governments.

01:18.984 --> 01:22.340
Security assistance has been part of international relations

01:22.340 --> 01:25.323
for as long as man has been engaging in war.

01:25.323 --> 01:27.969
Even the American war of independence was supported

01:27.969 --> 01:30.552
by military assistance from France.

01:30.552 --> 01:34.158
Initially the United States focused on foreign relations

01:34.158 --> 01:37.768
for only commercial interests, but the safety of the country

01:37.768 --> 01:41.112
and its allies needed a policy of greater scope.

01:41.112 --> 01:44.128
In the 20th century, our security was challenged,

01:44.128 --> 01:46.185
and we found ourselves participating

01:46.185 --> 01:49.341
in a growing international munitions trade.

01:49.341 --> 01:52.924
The Truman Doctrine in 1947 set the pattern

01:53.126 --> 01:54.820
for security assistance

01:54.820 --> 01:57.981
to help war-ravaged nations economically,

01:57.981 --> 02:00.607
and to foster democratic ideals.

02:00.607 --> 02:03.884
Congress passed the Marshall Plan in 1948,

02:03.884 --> 02:08.051
which became a model for distributing foreign aid.

02:08.294 --> 02:12.160
The US Army played a major role in that effort.

02:12.160 --> 02:15.735
The origins of this command date back to 1965,

02:15.735 --> 02:17.597
when the functions of supply maintenance

02:17.597 --> 02:19.046
and the logistics merged

02:19.046 --> 02:21.384
at the former New Cumberland Army Depot,

02:21.384 --> 02:23.896
to evolve under several name changes

02:23.896 --> 02:28.063
and organizational designations into which we know today

02:28.480 --> 02:32.647
as the United States' Army Security Assistance Command.

02:32.666 --> 02:35.464
USASAC headquartered at Redstone Arsenal,

02:35.464 --> 02:39.078
and with the support of the entire AMC family, leaves the

02:39.078 --> 02:43.046
United States Army Materiel Command Security Assistance

02:43.046 --> 02:45.558
enterprise, and manages the life cycle

02:45.558 --> 02:47.780
of security assistance programs

02:47.780 --> 02:51.947
and foreign military sales cases to be of partner capacity,

02:52.632 --> 02:56.199
support combat and command, engagement strategies,

02:56.199 --> 02:59.616
and to strengthen US global partnerships.

02:59.719 --> 03:03.719
Today, USASAC manages more than 5,300 FMS cases,

03:04.333 --> 03:07.583
valued at more than 172 billion dollars

03:07.822 --> 03:11.815
for a wide variety of material, services and training

03:11.815 --> 03:15.915
in support of our country's national security objectives.

03:15.915 --> 03:18.425
The Command also plays a critical role

03:18.425 --> 03:21.726
in supporting US government emergency assistance,

03:21.726 --> 03:25.893
humanitarian relief, and operations other than war programs,

03:26.601 --> 03:30.684
including United Nations peacekeeping operations.

03:31.502 --> 03:34.272
After more than 50 years of growth and change,

03:34.272 --> 03:38.064
the US Army Security Assistance Command remains proud

03:38.064 --> 03:42.231
to be known as USASAC, the Army's face to the world.

03:43.028 --> 03:44.719
At this time I would like

03:44.719 --> 03:48.346
to introduce the other participants in today's ceremony,

03:48.346 --> 03:49.954
today's Color Guard is provided

03:49.954 --> 03:53.768
by the US Army Security Assistance Management Organization,

03:53.768 --> 03:56.160
from Fort Bragg, North Carolina,

03:56.160 --> 04:00.327
the Color Guard NCOIC is Sergeant First Class Promotable

04:01.104 --> 04:04.340
Timothy Shepherd, the Color Sergeant is

04:04.340 --> 04:07.917
Sergeant First Class Promotable Rodney Kendrick.

04:07.917 --> 04:09.295
Our music today is provided

04:09.295 --> 04:13.035
by the US Army Materiel Command Band under the direction

04:13.035 --> 04:16.035
of First Sergeant Daniel J. Shannon.

04:16.261 --> 04:18.120
The presence of the colors at the center

04:18.120 --> 04:20.994
of the formation represents their presence

04:20.994 --> 04:24.033
at the front of the unit during the heat of battle.

04:24.033 --> 04:26.189
Since the days of the American Revolution,

04:26.189 --> 04:29.717
flag bearers have been an important element in ceremonies

04:29.717 --> 04:32.541
as soldiers adjust their position of formation

04:32.541 --> 04:34.708
by dressing on the colors.

04:35.052 --> 04:37.036
At the center of today's formation

04:37.036 --> 04:39.560
and bearing our national colors is the

04:39.560 --> 04:41.533
US Army Security Assistance

04:41.533 --> 04:45.283
Training Management Organization Color Guard.

04:46.630 --> 04:50.638
Ladies and gentlemen, continue to remain standing,

04:50.638 --> 04:52.868
oh, you guys have sat down, I'm sorry.

04:52.868 --> 04:55.927
Please rise again for the arrival of the official party,

04:55.927 --> 04:58.851
rendering of honors, the national anthem,

04:58.851 --> 05:03.018
and the invocation by Sergeant Major Aldon C. Whooten.

05:03.121 --> 05:04.975
Our host for today's ceremony is

05:04.975 --> 05:07.878
Major General Stephen E. Farmen, Commanding General

05:07.878 --> 05:11.253
of the United States Army Security Assistance Command.

05:11.253 --> 05:14.575
He is accompanied by the Second Command Sergeant Major

05:14.575 --> 05:17.282
of the United States Security Assistance Command,

05:17.282 --> 05:21.065
Dana S. Mason, Jr., the outgoing Sergeant Major,

05:21.065 --> 05:24.086
and Command Sergeant Major Gene E. Canada,

05:24.086 --> 05:26.419
the incoming Sergeant Major.

05:30.240 --> 05:33.240
(upbeat band music)

05:59.247 --> 06:02.414
(loudspeaker mumbles)

06:07.002 --> 06:10.002
(upbeat band music)

06:32.816 --> 06:35.983
(loudspeaker mumbles)

06:38.792 --> 06:41.959
(loudspeaker mumbles)

06:57.941 --> 07:01.108
(loudspeaker mumbles)

07:09.724 --> 07:12.891
(loudspeaker mumbles)

07:34.052 --> 07:38.219
("The Star Spangled Banner" by John Stafford Smith)

08:51.152 --> 08:54.319
(loudspeaker mumbles)

09:13.847 --> 09:15.014
- Let us pray.

09:16.441 --> 09:20.171
Heavenly Father, thank you for your love, grace

09:20.171 --> 09:24.338
and mercy that you provide for us every day and night.

09:24.824 --> 09:27.262
Lord, continue to bless our military,

09:27.262 --> 09:29.541
our chain of command and leaders,

09:29.541 --> 09:33.708
give them direction, hope and a renewed sense of purpose.

09:33.998 --> 09:38.030
Please remind us to turn to you for help and comfort.

09:38.030 --> 09:40.290
Thank you for being with us today during this change

09:40.290 --> 09:42.310
of responsibility ceremony between

09:42.310 --> 09:45.727
Command Sergeant Major Dana S. Mason, Jr.

09:45.798 --> 09:48.413
and Command Sergeant Major Gene E. Canada.

09:48.413 --> 09:50.610
Bless Command Sergeant Major Mason and his family

09:50.610 --> 09:52.874
as they transition to their next assignment,

09:52.874 --> 09:55.355
and as Command Sergeant Major Mason turns over his duties

09:55.355 --> 09:58.509
and responsibilities to Command Sergeant Major Canada,

09:58.509 --> 10:01.333
Lord, continue to provide your shield of protection

10:01.333 --> 10:04.640
for Command Sergeant Major Mason and his family.

10:04.640 --> 10:07.575
Bless Command Sergeant Major Canada and his family

10:07.575 --> 10:09.764
as they begin a new chapter in their lives here

10:09.764 --> 10:12.181
at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.

10:12.804 --> 10:15.535
We pray that you will strengthen and guide each one

10:15.535 --> 10:18.782
of them as they move forward to do your will.

10:18.782 --> 10:21.205
Bless our leaders, our troops, family members,

10:21.205 --> 10:23.093
DA civilians and contractors

10:23.093 --> 10:26.738
throughout Redstone Arsenal and our country.

10:26.738 --> 10:30.905
Thank you for your continued love, comfort, and hope.

10:31.191 --> 10:34.941
In his loving name, all things we pray, amen.

10:36.881 --> 10:41.048
- [Announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated.

10:43.967 --> 10:46.122
The presentation of the bouquet of roses

10:46.122 --> 10:47.501
to the outgoing and incoming

10:47.501 --> 10:49.635
Command Sergeant Majors' spouses

10:49.635 --> 10:52.552
is an ongoing ceremonial tradition.

10:52.610 --> 10:55.269
At this time, a bouquet of red roses is presented

10:55.269 --> 10:58.447
by Captain Christopher Fields to Miss Javanca Mason,

10:58.447 --> 11:02.197
the daughter of Command Sergeant Major Mason.

11:04.104 --> 11:07.104
(audience applauds)

11:10.432 --> 11:12.695
And now a bouquet of yellow rosebuds,

11:12.695 --> 11:15.164
representing the beginning of new relationships soon

11:15.164 --> 11:16.619
to be realized in the command

11:16.619 --> 11:18.975
and the community is being presented

11:18.975 --> 11:21.481
by Captain James Greene to the spouse

11:21.481 --> 11:25.648
of Command Sergeant Major Canada, Mrs. Lewanda Greene.

11:25.746 --> 11:28.746
(audience applauds)

11:32.717 --> 11:34.821
The official party will now take the field

11:34.821 --> 11:37.321
for the passing of the colors.

11:44.300 --> 11:46.394
The custodian of the USASAC colors is

11:46.394 --> 11:48.729
Command Sergeant Major Mason.

11:48.729 --> 11:50.301
When the colors are not displayed

11:50.301 --> 11:52.965
for the Commanding General, the colors are always

11:52.965 --> 11:55.869
in the care of the Command Sergeant Major.

11:55.869 --> 11:58.553
Throughout history, military leaders have often

11:58.553 --> 12:01.542
used a visible symbol of authority around which

12:01.542 --> 12:03.414
to rally their command.

12:03.414 --> 12:05.762
The organizational colors embody the spirit

12:05.762 --> 12:07.674
and essence of the unit.

12:07.674 --> 12:10.349
The ceremonial passing of the organizational colors

12:10.349 --> 12:12.157
has existed in our Army since the days

12:12.157 --> 12:14.574
of General George Washington.

12:14.575 --> 12:17.220
Today, the passing of the USASAC colors

12:17.220 --> 12:20.861
symbolize the transfer of responsibility for the unit

12:20.861 --> 12:22.800
from Command Sergeant Major Mason

12:22.800 --> 12:25.550
to Command Sergeant Major Canada.

12:25.585 --> 12:27.043
The passing of the unit colors

12:27.043 --> 12:29.200
from Command Sergeant Major Mason

12:29.200 --> 12:32.352
to Major General Farmen represents his final act

12:32.352 --> 12:34.685
of service to his Commander.

12:34.690 --> 12:37.864
The passing of the unit's colors from Major General Farmen

12:37.864 --> 12:40.996
to Command Sergeant Major Canada represents his trust

12:40.996 --> 12:43.498
and confidence in passing the responsibility

12:43.498 --> 12:47.496
for the command to Command Sergeant Major Canada.

12:47.496 --> 12:49.166
Acceptance of the unit's colors

12:49.166 --> 12:52.829
by Command Sergeant Major Canada symbolizes the

12:52.829 --> 12:56.996
Command Sergeant Major's allegiance to the Commander.

13:48.510 --> 13:50.220
Ladies and gentlemen, the Commanding General

13:50.220 --> 13:52.853
of the United States Army Security Assistance Command,

13:52.853 --> 13:55.520
Major General Stephen E. Farmen.

13:55.876 --> 13:58.554
(audience applauds)

13:58.554 --> 14:01.387
- Well, good afternoon, everybody,

14:01.416 --> 14:03.999
and a glorious afternoon it is.

14:04.856 --> 14:08.574
We are in Armed Forces Week, so we're getting ready

14:08.574 --> 14:10.576
to celebrate our nation's birthday,

14:10.576 --> 14:13.100
coming up here on the fourth of July,

14:13.100 --> 14:14.952
and did the weather not turn out perfect

14:14.952 --> 14:17.172
for this great event that we have here today

14:17.172 --> 14:18.896
for these two Command Sergeant Majors?

14:18.896 --> 14:22.355
Just simply outstanding, and most thankfully,

14:22.355 --> 14:23.948
in light of events this morning,

14:23.948 --> 14:26.628
thankful, at least to everything I've heard,

14:26.628 --> 14:29.942
nobody was hurt, and that is just great news

14:29.942 --> 14:32.775
for the team Redstone family here,

14:33.080 --> 14:35.463
and I'm very, very happy that we were able

14:35.463 --> 14:38.337
to continue to proceed with this ceremony,

14:38.337 --> 14:40.507
so important for our organization

14:40.507 --> 14:43.892
and for these two fine leaders over here to my left,

14:43.892 --> 14:46.645
and thank you all for coming out here.

14:46.645 --> 14:50.812
Distinguished guests, friends, members of team USASAC,

14:51.194 --> 14:52.776
it is indeed my pleasure to welcome you

14:52.776 --> 14:56.113
to today's change of responsibility ceremony.

14:56.113 --> 14:57.399
I'd like to thank you all for coming

14:57.399 --> 14:59.816
to share this moment with us.

15:00.171 --> 15:02.981
A change of responsibility is a significant moment

15:02.981 --> 15:05.231
of transition for any unit.

15:05.534 --> 15:09.327
Fundamentally, as the narrator described in so many words,

15:09.327 --> 15:11.733
with the transfer of the colors,

15:11.733 --> 15:14.703
the unit's legacy is passed as a building block

15:14.703 --> 15:17.953
for future performance and achievement.

15:18.194 --> 15:21.347
For a purpose this important, it is entrusted

15:21.347 --> 15:23.404
to the Command Sergeants Major

15:23.404 --> 15:27.427
to be the keeper of the colors, the standard-bearer.

15:27.427 --> 15:30.282
In him and through him, the bloodlines

15:30.282 --> 15:32.771
and the DNA of the lineage and history

15:32.771 --> 15:36.364
of the unit are protected, and the intangibles

15:36.364 --> 15:40.531
of loyalty, trust and teamwork are kept, and run deep.

15:41.291 --> 15:43.739
Yet this change of responsibility is significant

15:43.739 --> 15:46.690
on multiple levels, not only for marking a period

15:46.690 --> 15:49.280
of transition for our team USASAC,

15:49.280 --> 15:51.151
but for Command Sergeant Major Mason,

15:51.151 --> 15:54.821
this triggers his transition to another CSM opportunity

15:54.821 --> 15:58.536
within the AMC team of teams, with surface deployment

15:58.536 --> 16:01.036
and distribution command SDDC,

16:01.161 --> 16:05.230
and the privilege of continuing to lead and serve,

16:05.230 --> 16:07.480
and serve AMC and our Army.

16:08.429 --> 16:10.493
For Command Sergeant Major Canada,

16:10.493 --> 16:13.804
it triggers a new opportunity to continue leading,

16:13.804 --> 16:15.668
serving, and making a difference

16:15.668 --> 16:18.418
for our Army and now team USASAC.

16:18.836 --> 16:21.928
In all counts, both Command Sergeants Majors

16:21.928 --> 16:24.988
have worked very hard to be standing here today.

16:24.988 --> 16:26.956
For Command Sergeant Major Mason,

16:26.956 --> 16:28.638
we have been incredibly fortunate

16:28.638 --> 16:31.388
to have a leader of his character

16:31.473 --> 16:34.801
and competence serving as the keeper of our colors,

16:34.801 --> 16:36.718
and as my battle buddy.

16:36.799 --> 16:40.109
Command Sergeant Major Mason was here before I got here,

16:40.109 --> 16:42.373
and I was truly honored to assume the privilege

16:42.373 --> 16:43.570
of command with a leader

16:43.570 --> 16:47.737
of Command Sergeant Major Mason's caliber, already in place.

16:48.830 --> 16:50.422
From the beginning it was clearly evident

16:50.422 --> 16:52.694
that Command Sergeant Major Mason was the kind

16:52.694 --> 16:55.488
of leader who cares and leads from the front.

16:55.488 --> 16:58.713
As soon as you see Command Sergeant Major Mason you think,

16:58.713 --> 17:01.801
"That is what a CSM should look like."

17:01.801 --> 17:03.297
His impeccable military bearing

17:03.297 --> 17:06.081
and relentless pursuit and expectations

17:06.081 --> 17:08.904
of high standards resonates through him

17:08.904 --> 17:11.219
to all the people he touches.

17:11.219 --> 17:13.612
Command Sergeant Major Mason always pitched

17:13.612 --> 17:15.891
to his strengths, making it a point

17:15.891 --> 17:18.933
to link into our Security Assistance Teams,

17:18.933 --> 17:22.999
on point in over 40 countries, either permanently assigned,

17:22.999 --> 17:24.835
or conducting mobile training teams

17:24.835 --> 17:27.585
in support of COCOM mission sets.

17:28.281 --> 17:29.419
I have been immensely impressed

17:29.419 --> 17:32.077
with his mature experience, expertise,

17:32.077 --> 17:35.135
sage counsel and caring, compassionate concern

17:35.135 --> 17:39.302
for our people and the readiness of our entire organization.

17:39.483 --> 17:42.557
Our command is predominately made up of DA civilians

17:42.557 --> 17:46.076
and our footprint extends globally, as well.

17:46.076 --> 17:49.563
Yet Command Sergeant Major Mason deftly served

17:49.563 --> 17:52.736
and made clear to all that he is the workforce

17:52.736 --> 17:55.911
Command Sergeant Major, and he took this responsibility

17:55.911 --> 17:57.866
to care for the health and welfare

17:57.866 --> 18:00.949
of our dispersed formation seriously.

18:01.089 --> 18:02.625
He has proven he is well-equipped

18:02.625 --> 18:05.265
to adapt his style and leadership focus

18:05.265 --> 18:07.343
to enhance readiness, regardless the nature

18:07.343 --> 18:10.814
of the formation and those who serve in it.

18:10.814 --> 18:13.217
As he takes his talents to SDDC,

18:13.217 --> 18:16.484
he and Michelle will certainly be missed,

18:16.484 --> 18:19.504
but leave knowing they made a positive impact

18:19.504 --> 18:21.787
and are sure to make similar impacts

18:21.787 --> 18:24.204
at SDDC in the years to come.

18:24.975 --> 18:27.846
I want to acknowledge his daughter Javanca,

18:27.846 --> 18:29.923
here with us today, who is a senior

18:29.923 --> 18:32.598
at University of Alabama Birmingham,

18:32.598 --> 18:35.164
how about a big round of applause for Javanca?

18:35.164 --> 18:38.164
(audience applauds)

18:38.518 --> 18:41.789
She's here representing the rest of the Mason clan,

18:41.789 --> 18:45.387
if you will, not here but with us in spirit,

18:45.387 --> 18:47.804
their two daughters, Jocelyn,

18:47.928 --> 18:51.376
who's 25 and living in Fayetteville, North Carolina,

18:51.376 --> 18:54.126
Sinca, who's 22 at Georgia State,

18:54.394 --> 18:57.623
and Dana IV, who's 23 at Georgia Southern,

18:57.623 --> 19:00.873
and of course, Michelle is a reservist,

19:01.180 --> 19:04.002
so she's actually on active duty right now,

19:04.002 --> 19:07.335
taking care of missions in that respect.

19:07.478 --> 19:09.574
Debbie and I want to extend our personal thanks

19:09.574 --> 19:13.087
to you and Michelle for your great support,

19:13.087 --> 19:15.204
trust, friendship, and teamwork.

19:15.204 --> 19:16.959
We look forward to seeing you both in the future

19:16.959 --> 19:20.815
as we remain on the same AMC team in transition,

19:20.815 --> 19:23.691
all the best to you and your new assignment,

19:23.691 --> 19:25.661
thank you both for your service,

19:25.661 --> 19:27.744
and please stay in touch.

19:29.291 --> 19:31.390
And now it is time to turn our lens

19:31.390 --> 19:33.611
to another stellar leader to build

19:33.611 --> 19:37.778
on the lineage of former USASAC senior enlisted advisors

19:38.049 --> 19:39.714
and now budding generation

19:39.714 --> 19:42.631
of USASAC Command Sergeants Majors.

19:43.562 --> 19:46.004
Command Sergeant Major Canada is every bit

19:46.004 --> 19:50.171
as talented and qualified as Command Sergeant Major Mason.

19:50.226 --> 19:52.517
He comes with esteemed credentials,

19:52.517 --> 19:55.471
an impeccable reputation, and an outstanding level

19:55.471 --> 19:58.486
of performance built over a 30 year career,

19:58.486 --> 20:01.286
all of which have brought Command Sergeant Major Canada

20:01.286 --> 20:04.536
to this moment, he is definitely ready.

20:04.820 --> 20:07.022
Only the best of the best reach this privilege

20:07.022 --> 20:10.594
and opportunity to serve and make a positive difference.

20:10.594 --> 20:12.447
I have every bit of trust and confidence

20:12.447 --> 20:16.174
in Command Sergeant Major Canada in this regard.

20:16.174 --> 20:17.691
Command Sergeant Major Canada

20:17.691 --> 20:20.737
and I have not served together before,

20:20.737 --> 20:23.793
but the moment I interviewed him, we connected,

20:23.793 --> 20:25.190
and I knew he was the right person

20:25.190 --> 20:27.622
and leader to serve as the Command Sergeant Major

20:27.622 --> 20:31.205
of team USASAC, and as my new battle buddy.

20:31.876 --> 20:33.825
For this reason, I am pumped and enthused

20:33.825 --> 20:36.329
that it worked out the way it did.

20:36.329 --> 20:39.901
This is an important time for our Army and nation,

20:39.901 --> 20:42.468
in light of world affairs, and our ability

20:42.468 --> 20:45.537
to build strategic readiness and partner capacity

20:45.537 --> 20:47.736
with our international mission partners

20:47.736 --> 20:50.403
is more important now than ever.

20:50.942 --> 20:52.648
I am so excited to get the opportunity

20:52.648 --> 20:55.013
to serve with Command Sergeant Major Canada

20:55.013 --> 20:58.168
as my battle buddy during this important time.

20:58.168 --> 21:01.180
Command Sergeant Major Canada lives Army values

21:01.180 --> 21:03.965
in all he does, and is the consummate professional

21:03.965 --> 21:06.407
who earns everyone's respect and admiration

21:06.407 --> 21:09.074
through his conduct and actions.

21:09.331 --> 21:11.937
The fact is, he is known for making a difference

21:11.937 --> 21:15.476
and making things better wherever he leads and serves.

21:15.476 --> 21:17.863
Just a quick look at his bio shows you,

21:17.863 --> 21:20.123
he has all the right stuff and right experiences

21:20.123 --> 21:23.975
to make him the difference-maker our team deserves.

21:23.975 --> 21:26.011
Team USASAC is fortunate to have a leader

21:26.011 --> 21:28.478
of Command Sergeant Major Canada's caliber

21:28.478 --> 21:31.109
to represent them, and resonate the spirit

21:31.109 --> 21:35.276
of our team as we stay true to operationalizing ourselves

21:35.465 --> 21:37.782
to be laser focused on meeting the

21:37.782 --> 21:40.260
Chief of Staff of the Army's priorities

21:40.260 --> 21:42.177
and COCOM requirements.

21:42.624 --> 21:44.811
Debbie and I want to welcome you,

21:44.811 --> 21:47.843
and what we are sure is the real backbone

21:47.843 --> 21:50.260
of your success, your family.

21:50.626 --> 21:54.002
And we have with us today his wife, Lawanda,

21:54.002 --> 21:56.506
and their four children, but one of their children

21:56.506 --> 21:59.686
with us today, that's Shalise, who's their daughter,

21:59.686 --> 22:02.479
who's 16 and will be attending high school here

22:02.479 --> 22:03.883
at Loyola locally.

22:03.883 --> 22:06.012
How about a big round of applause for those two?

22:06.012 --> 22:09.012
(audience applauds)

22:10.934 --> 22:13.209
And not here with them but certainly part

22:13.209 --> 22:16.876
of the family, integral, are their two sons,

22:17.164 --> 22:21.164
Devon, 24, and Darrien, 19, and daughter Armani,

22:21.685 --> 22:25.852
who's 22, and all are attending college in San Antonio.

22:26.351 --> 22:29.403
Thanks for all you have done to inspire

22:29.403 --> 22:31.831
Command Sergeant Major Canada along the way

22:31.831 --> 22:33.161
so he could get to this point,

22:33.161 --> 22:35.546
we know what that takes, and we are all excited

22:35.546 --> 22:39.713
to have team Canada at the helm of our USASAC team of teams.

22:41.073 --> 22:44.495
Command Sergeant Major Canada, it is now your time

22:44.495 --> 22:46.393
and opportunity to continue building

22:46.393 --> 22:50.010
on the great legacy of excellence embedded in USASAC

22:50.010 --> 22:53.652
as we look towards the future with great optimism.

22:53.652 --> 22:54.941
We welcome you and your family

22:54.941 --> 22:56.308
and know you are looking forward

22:56.308 --> 22:58.744
with great anticipation to the challenges

22:58.744 --> 22:59.994
that lay ahead.

23:00.268 --> 23:03.248
Once again, I want to thank everyone for coming,

23:03.248 --> 23:04.665
I also want to just acknowledge

23:04.665 --> 23:06.589
before I step off, our color guard,

23:06.589 --> 23:08.268
how about a big round of applause for them,

23:08.268 --> 23:09.553
they look great out there.

23:09.553 --> 23:12.553
(audience applauds)

23:14.876 --> 23:16.967
And in closing, I just want to say,

23:16.967 --> 23:19.050
as we say in team USASAC,

23:19.679 --> 23:23.846
trust plus teamwork equals strength and cooperation.

23:24.587 --> 23:26.837
Thank you, and Army strong.

23:27.365 --> 23:30.365
(audience applauds)

23:38.764 --> 23:39.773
- [Announcer] Ladies and gentlemen,

23:39.773 --> 23:41.167
Second Command Sergeant Major

23:41.167 --> 23:44.064
of the United States Army Security Assistance Command,

23:44.064 --> 23:47.481
Command Sergeant Major Dana S. Mason, Jr.

23:48.834 --> 23:51.167
- Good afternoon, everybody.

23:51.888 --> 23:56.055
Alright, Major General Farmen, Miss Farmen, Chief,

23:56.269 --> 23:58.553
distinguished guests, other Command Sergeant Major,

23:58.553 --> 24:00.793
Sergeant Majors and their honored guests,

24:00.793 --> 24:03.960
soldier civilians of Redstone Arsenal,

24:05.021 --> 24:07.335
and I want to give a special thanks

24:07.335 --> 24:10.142
to my daughter, as well, my battle buddy,

24:10.142 --> 24:11.658
my ride or die daughter rode down

24:11.658 --> 24:13.882
from Illinois with me to keep me awake during the drive,

24:13.882 --> 24:16.594
thank you, baby, I appreciate you.

24:16.594 --> 24:19.927
Today for me is about thanks to the team

24:21.622 --> 24:24.872
and welcome the Canada family to USASAC

24:25.394 --> 24:29.159
and Redstone Arsenal, so first off I want to thank God,

24:29.159 --> 24:32.222
for without him, none of this would have been possible.

24:32.222 --> 24:36.389
To the workforce, which includes all my command teams,

24:36.478 --> 24:40.062
all the G sections, just the entire workforce.

24:40.062 --> 24:42.214
There's too many people to thank, I can't go by name,

24:42.214 --> 24:44.783
so I'm just gonna thank the whole workforce.

24:44.783 --> 24:48.130
Entering this job two and a half years ago,

24:48.130 --> 24:49.154
I told you the accomplishments

24:49.154 --> 24:52.192
of this organizational mission and welfare of its soldiers,

24:52.192 --> 24:56.358
civilians and Army families will always be my top priority.

24:56.358 --> 24:59.296
I told you also that I had no hidden agenda.

24:59.296 --> 25:02.383
My Commander's priorities were my priorities.

25:02.383 --> 25:04.585
To serve as a competent professional,

25:04.585 --> 25:07.743
treat people the way you want to be treated,

25:07.743 --> 25:09.826
with dignity and respect,

25:10.603 --> 25:12.268
and understand that the Army is a profession

25:12.268 --> 25:14.644
of arms that is based on standards and discipline

25:14.644 --> 25:18.504
to officers, NCOs and civilians are charged to enforce.

25:18.504 --> 25:21.213
I tried my best to live up to those standards,

25:21.213 --> 25:23.678
I hope I did not let you down.

25:23.678 --> 25:27.345
My journey here was far from a one-man show.

25:27.705 --> 25:29.290
It is not lost on me that the hard work

25:29.290 --> 25:32.871
and dedication of my former soldiers has catapulted me

25:32.871 --> 25:36.288
to all my successes throughout my career.

25:36.698 --> 25:39.686
However, seeing as this is the first time

25:39.686 --> 25:41.402
that I have been given the opportunity

25:41.402 --> 25:43.414
and privilege to serve so closely

25:43.414 --> 25:46.424
with our DA civilians and contractors,

25:46.424 --> 25:48.396
I have been truly impressed,

25:48.396 --> 25:50.446
you guys are great professionals.

25:50.446 --> 25:53.224
Without your staff as support and dedication

25:53.224 --> 25:54.953
to the Commander and myself,

25:54.953 --> 25:58.040
this organization would be dead in the water.

25:58.040 --> 25:59.984
Thank you for your support.

25:59.984 --> 26:02.109
You are, in addition, you are the fuel

26:02.109 --> 26:04.150
that makes this engine run, thank you

26:04.150 --> 26:06.299
for all you have done and what you have continued

26:06.299 --> 26:08.466
to do for the team USASAC.

26:08.944 --> 26:11.861
To the AMC leadership, General Vai,

26:12.402 --> 26:15.332
Command Sergeant Major Sims, General Purna,

26:15.332 --> 26:17.177
and Command Sergeant Major Masker,

26:17.177 --> 26:18.831
thank you for your guidance and mentorship

26:18.831 --> 26:22.030
throughout my tenure as the USASAC Command Sergeant Major.

26:22.030 --> 26:23.549
No doubt I will continue to receive it

26:23.549 --> 26:27.716
as I am moving only to SDDC, and will remain on team AMC.

26:29.361 --> 26:32.528
To the headquarter section, Mr. Moore,

26:32.688 --> 26:35.168
Colonel Fuller, Colonel Chambers,

26:35.168 --> 26:37.751
Captain Greene, Captain Fields,

26:38.348 --> 26:39.931
Rose, Rosy, Brenda,

26:41.230 --> 26:43.563
Curt, Candace, Sandy, Nancy,

26:44.714 --> 26:48.191
and special thanks to my EAs, Kim and Terry,

26:48.191 --> 26:49.565
it has been a pleasure to serve

26:49.565 --> 26:51.892
with you each and every day during my tenure

26:51.892 --> 26:54.632
as a USASAC Command Sergeant Major.

26:54.632 --> 26:55.739
When the Mason family was going

26:55.739 --> 26:58.909
through some dark times last year, you all really stepped up

26:58.909 --> 27:02.623
to assist my family through those trials and tribulations.

27:02.623 --> 27:05.540
For that I will be forever grateful

27:06.043 --> 27:08.543
and thankful for your prayers.

27:09.067 --> 27:12.595
To my battle buddies, luckily I had two of them.

27:12.595 --> 27:16.762
First off, General McDonald, even though he's not here,

27:17.031 --> 27:19.109
first and foremost, thank you for selecting me

27:19.109 --> 27:21.272
to serve as your Command Sergeant Major.

27:21.272 --> 27:22.658
I recognize that is a privilege

27:22.658 --> 27:25.138
to serve our nation as a soldier,

27:25.138 --> 27:27.663
but to have been given the opportunity

27:27.663 --> 27:30.340
to serve as a member of a command team

27:30.340 --> 27:34.231
at the nominative level, I am truly humbled and grateful.

27:34.231 --> 27:37.705
As you know, transition happens in the military,

27:37.705 --> 27:40.373
and I was blessed to inherit another great battle buddy,

27:40.373 --> 27:41.909
Major General Farmen.

27:41.909 --> 27:43.509
Sir, thank you for your trust

27:43.509 --> 27:46.176
and confidence you showed in me,

27:47.493 --> 27:48.718
I will always appreciate the fact

27:48.718 --> 27:50.926
that your doors were always open,

27:50.926 --> 27:52.975
and you took the time to hear my concerns,

27:52.975 --> 27:55.142
good, bad, or indifferent.

27:55.306 --> 27:58.889
Sir, it has been an honor to serve with you

28:01.771 --> 28:04.189
and see you work up close and personal.

28:04.189 --> 28:06.677
You have a very unique skillset,

28:06.677 --> 28:07.953
and being around you, sir,

28:07.953 --> 28:11.923
has made me a better nominative Command Sergeant Major.

28:11.923 --> 28:15.073
As the Army transition goes through its current challenges,

28:15.073 --> 28:16.907
Major General Farmen has definitely selected

28:16.907 --> 28:20.240
the right person to move USASAC forward.

28:21.151 --> 28:23.615
I was given a solid foundation to build upon

28:23.615 --> 28:26.365
by Command Sergeant Major Masker,

28:26.666 --> 28:28.889
hopefully I have moved the ball

28:28.889 --> 28:31.538
forward a little during my tenure.

28:31.538 --> 28:33.203
Command Sergeant Major Canada,

28:33.203 --> 28:37.370
the baton is yours now, brother, run with it and have fun.

28:37.634 --> 28:40.937
To the Canada family, welcome to team AMC,

28:40.937 --> 28:43.604
and welcome to Redstone Arsenal.

28:43.732 --> 28:45.767
Last but definitely not least,

28:45.767 --> 28:48.726
I want to thank my wife of 26 years, Michelle,

28:48.726 --> 28:50.974
and our wonderful children, Javanca, Jocelyn,

28:50.974 --> 28:54.548
Dana IV, and Sinca for supporting me one again

28:54.548 --> 28:56.981
as I move to another job and ask Michelle

28:56.981 --> 29:00.148
to pick up to support my dreams again.

29:00.716 --> 29:02.581
Four moves in five years is a lot,

29:02.581 --> 29:04.659
and you did it without missing a beat.

29:04.659 --> 29:07.245
The family is true to the strength of our soldiers.

29:07.245 --> 29:09.610
Thank you, and I love you all.

29:09.610 --> 29:13.777
I look forward to the challenges I will have at SDDC,

29:14.724 --> 29:17.891
Army strong, strength and cooperation.

29:18.060 --> 29:21.060
(audience applauds)

29:26.949 --> 29:28.057
- [Announcer] Ladies and Gentlemen,

29:28.057 --> 29:29.309
third Command Sergeant Major

29:29.309 --> 29:32.108
of the United States Army Security Assistance Command,

29:32.108 --> 29:35.275
Command Sergeant Major Gene E. Canada.

29:36.323 --> 29:39.323
- First of all, color guard and sir,

29:39.817 --> 29:43.764
if you don't mind, go ahead and unseat your colors,

29:43.764 --> 29:46.181
go ahead, unseat your colors.

29:49.171 --> 29:52.488
As well as the guards, as well, go ahead, go to pray rest.

29:52.488 --> 29:54.641
I won't, I promise you I won't be long,

29:54.641 --> 29:57.431
and I really do appreciate this opportunity.

29:57.431 --> 29:59.657
First of all, good morning and what a great day

29:59.657 --> 30:02.042
to be a soldier and an Army professional.

30:02.042 --> 30:04.608
It's an outstanding day to be out in this great place

30:04.608 --> 30:07.631
of Huntsville, Alabama, and here in Redstone,

30:07.631 --> 30:10.421
and I truly do appreciate the warm welcome

30:10.421 --> 30:14.542
of all those individuals here in this great organization.

30:14.542 --> 30:16.746
I would like to begin by thanking God,

30:16.746 --> 30:19.506
I've learned a long time ago that through God,

30:19.506 --> 30:22.265
all things are possible, and I think that's very important,

30:22.265 --> 30:26.215
and you need, I believe that this is true to my heart,

30:26.215 --> 30:30.298
that it starts with God and it finishes with God.

30:31.389 --> 30:35.556
General Farmen, Mrs. Farmen, Command Sergeant Major Mason,

30:35.786 --> 30:38.456
leaders, distinguished guests, and the USASAC family

30:38.456 --> 30:41.793
and friends, thank you for attending today's ceremony.

30:41.793 --> 30:44.327
It's truly an honor to be standing out here

30:44.327 --> 30:47.749
before you today, and I truly do appreciate that.

30:47.749 --> 30:49.358
The color guard, you do look outstanding,

30:49.358 --> 30:51.655
let's give them one more round of applause.

30:51.655 --> 30:54.655
(audience applauds)

30:58.204 --> 31:01.011
A special thanks goes out to my lovely bride

31:01.011 --> 31:03.935
of over 25 years, Ms. Lawanda Canada,

31:03.935 --> 31:06.238
let me correct the record, and our children

31:06.238 --> 31:07.894
for their constant support.

31:07.894 --> 31:11.644
It's multiple moves and multiple deployments,

31:12.059 --> 31:15.559
they've always been steadfast and loyal to the cause.

31:15.559 --> 31:19.117
I would also like to recognize our AMC teammates,

31:19.117 --> 31:20.784
under the leadership of General Perner

31:20.784 --> 31:22.472
and Command Sergeant Major Masker,

31:22.472 --> 31:25.639
AMC is the standard-bearer of the Army

31:26.000 --> 31:27.501
and serves at the tip of the spear

31:27.501 --> 31:29.832
in showing our material readiness,

31:29.832 --> 31:31.010
and I look forward to working

31:31.010 --> 31:33.677
with those individuals, as well.

31:34.006 --> 31:35.164
General Farmen,

31:35.164 --> 31:36.923
it is an honor being your newest battle buddy,

31:36.923 --> 31:39.428
sir, I truly appreciate this opportunity

31:39.428 --> 31:41.466
to be a member of such an outstanding group

31:41.466 --> 31:44.545
of dedicated Army professionals who are passionate

31:44.545 --> 31:47.021
about enabling strategic readiness,

31:47.021 --> 31:49.082
building partnership capacity,

31:49.082 --> 31:52.911
evolving forward in taking care of our soldiers,

31:52.911 --> 31:55.224
our people, and developing them as well,

31:55.224 --> 31:58.068
sir, so I really do appreciate this opportunity.

31:58.068 --> 32:01.239
Mrs. Farmen, Lawanda and I truly appreciate

32:01.239 --> 32:04.752
the way you welcomed us to the USASAC family,

32:04.752 --> 32:06.971
and look forward to meeting you,

32:06.971 --> 32:11.138
and our further engagements with you as well, ma'am, thanks.

32:11.652 --> 32:14.605
USASAC teammates, the work you do is awesome,

32:14.605 --> 32:15.848
you tackle the big projects

32:15.848 --> 32:18.685
and are truly the Army's face to the world.

32:18.685 --> 32:21.578
The dedication you show to our Army in such a complex

32:21.578 --> 32:24.431
and dynamic environment is first-rate,

32:24.431 --> 32:25.902
I truly am looking forward to meeting

32:25.902 --> 32:28.450
and getting to know the entire team,

32:28.450 --> 32:31.112
our soldiers as well as all our partners

32:31.112 --> 32:35.112
and our Army professionals throughout the world.

32:35.921 --> 32:38.051
Command Sergeant Major Mason,

32:38.051 --> 32:40.283
it's been an honor, you're a true professional.

32:40.283 --> 32:43.431
You set the standards, and I plan, I hope

32:43.431 --> 32:46.288
to build upon those standards that you set for this team.

32:46.288 --> 32:49.552
You and your family are a great Army family,

32:49.552 --> 32:52.885
and you are passionate about your craft.

32:52.904 --> 32:55.286
I wish you and your family the best of luck,

32:55.286 --> 32:56.768
keep in touch, if you need something,

32:56.768 --> 32:59.537
please give us a call, and we're always here for you.

32:59.537 --> 33:03.037
So in closing, I would like to say to all,

33:03.122 --> 33:05.865
once again, thank you for this great opportunity

33:05.865 --> 33:09.398
and I look forward to being part of this great team.

33:09.398 --> 33:13.565
Strength and cooperation, Army strong, and God bless you.

33:15.353 --> 33:18.353
(audience applauds)

33:21.329 --> 33:22.162
- [Announcer] Ladies and Gentlemen,

33:22.162 --> 33:24.353
please rise for the playing of the Army song

33:24.353 --> 33:26.106
and the retirement of the colors,

33:26.106 --> 33:27.802
the words to the Army song may be found

33:27.802 --> 33:30.135
on the back of your program.

33:32.938 --> 33:35.938
(upbeat band music)

34:43.075 --> 34:46.242
(loudspeaker mumbles)

34:53.316 --> 34:56.483
(loudspeaker mumbles)

35:49.790 --> 35:52.254
You are invited to congratulate and bid farewell

35:52.254 --> 35:54.973
to Command Sergeant Major in the USASAC lobby,

35:54.973 --> 35:56.760
and you are also invited to a reception

35:56.760 --> 36:00.086
to congratulate and welcome Command Sergeant Major Canada

36:00.086 --> 36:02.786
at the receiving line located in the Great Hall

36:02.786 --> 36:05.386
of the third floor of the USASAC headquarters.

36:05.386 --> 36:08.803
Thank you for attending today's ceremony.