WEBVTT

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(rock music)

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- At this stage behind me,
airmen of the 127th Wing

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honored a timeless military tradition.

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Today, Brigadier General John D. Slocum

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passed the 127th Wing guidon

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to Brigadier General Rolf Mammen.

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(shouts military commands)

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Brigadier General Slocum has
served as Commander since 2014.

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During Slocum's tenure,

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the 127th Wing earned the Spaatz Award,

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which is presented to the top flying wing

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in the Air National
Guard, out of 90 wings,

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along with the Air Force
Meritorious Unit Award.

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Slocum is retiring from the Air Force

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after 35 years of service.

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- Once again, this is the highlight

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of a 35 year career, to
be able to work with you,

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but most importantly, is to
get to know each one of you.

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- Brigadier General
Mammen had been serving

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as the Director of Operations

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for the Michigan Air National Guard

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prior to his promotion to
the Wing Commander's role.

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After spending several
years on active duty

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as a pilot with the Air Force,

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he joined the Michigan Air
National Guard in 1994.

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- What we do isn't normal,
and what we do is not routine.

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It's not easy.

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It is hard, and it is
absolutely necessary.

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Our communities, our nation,

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depend on us to stand ready as part

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of our National Security structure.

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- Brigadier General Rolf Mammen is now

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the 20th Commander of the 127th Wing.

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Reporting from Selfridge
Air National Guard Base,

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I'm Senior Airman Brandon Gifford.

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(rock music)