WEBVTT 00:00.190 --> 00:02.737 (bang sound) 00:02.737 --> 00:05.320 (upbeat music) 00:16.480 --> 00:17.400 - [Officiator] Good morning 00:17.400 --> 00:19.890 on behalf of Major General Mitchell L. Kilgo 00:19.890 --> 00:21.580 Commanding General United States Army 00:21.580 --> 00:23.670 Communications Electronics Command. 00:23.670 --> 00:26.120 Welcome to today's change of leadership ceremony 00:26.120 --> 00:28.883 between Colonel Ford and Colonel Devera-Waden. 00:29.860 --> 00:31.250 At this time, we we'd like to recognize 00:31.250 --> 00:33.760 our distinguished guests who are in attendance today, 00:33.760 --> 00:35.510 or watching virtually. 00:35.510 --> 00:38.600 General Officers, Senior Executive service members, 00:38.600 --> 00:40.740 Command Sergeants Major and Sergeants Major 00:40.740 --> 00:42.080 welcome. 00:42.080 --> 00:43.640 We would like to extend a warm welcome 00:43.640 --> 00:45.370 to the following distinguished guests, 00:45.370 --> 00:47.650 Mr. John Diem, Executive Director 00:47.650 --> 00:50.670 United States Army Operational Test Command, 00:50.670 --> 00:51.950 Colonel Ford's wife, 00:51.950 --> 00:53.440 Ms. Jennifer Ford, 00:53.440 --> 00:56.370 their son Joseph and daughter Janelle. 00:56.370 --> 00:59.180 Colonel Devera-Waden's husband Shane, Devera-Waden 00:59.180 --> 01:01.343 their son Kross, and daughter Sante. 01:03.060 --> 01:03.893 Ladies and gentlemen, 01:03.893 --> 01:05.880 please rise for the rendering of honors, 01:05.880 --> 01:07.610 the playing of the national anthem 01:07.610 --> 01:09.530 and remain standing for the invocation 01:09.530 --> 01:11.767 given by Chaplain Justin McGregory. 01:15.644 --> 01:18.227 (anthem plays) 02:59.854 --> 03:00.937 - Let's pray. 03:02.300 --> 03:05.440 Lord we come before you today to ask for your presence 03:05.440 --> 03:08.080 and blessing on those who are present. 03:08.080 --> 03:09.760 And those who are far, 03:09.760 --> 03:12.210 we ask that you would bless this change of leadership 03:12.210 --> 03:15.380 between Colonel Devera-Waden and Colonel Ford. 03:15.380 --> 03:17.880 We're reminded in scripture to be strong and courageous 03:17.880 --> 03:19.210 and to not be afraid. 03:19.210 --> 03:22.610 So Lord, I ask that you would be with Colonel Devera-Waden, 03:22.610 --> 03:25.530 as she assumes leadership of CTSF. 03:25.530 --> 03:27.280 Grant her the strength and wisdom 03:27.280 --> 03:29.290 to lead and inspire others. 03:29.290 --> 03:31.040 Bless her with passion, integrity, 03:31.040 --> 03:32.530 and a teachable spirit. 03:32.530 --> 03:33.771 As she leads, 03:33.771 --> 03:36.280 CTSF to new heights. 03:36.280 --> 03:39.050 Lord continue to be with her family, her husband Shane 03:39.050 --> 03:41.190 and their two children and may they grow 03:41.190 --> 03:44.310 where you plant them and may they succeed in all they do. 03:44.310 --> 03:47.100 And Lord, we ask that you would bless Colonel Ford 03:47.100 --> 03:51.150 as he is leaving CTSF and the army soon. 03:51.150 --> 03:54.220 Thank you Lord for all the energy time and effort 03:54.220 --> 03:57.980 and sacrifice Colonel Ford has put into making CTSF 03:57.980 --> 03:59.603 what it is today. 03:59.603 --> 04:01.250 As it is written in Joshua, 04:01.250 --> 04:03.410 I will never leave you nor forsake you. 04:03.410 --> 04:05.660 Lord we ask that you would go with Colonel Ford 04:05.660 --> 04:07.770 as he embarks on his new future, 04:07.770 --> 04:08.900 bless him and all he does. 04:08.900 --> 04:10.580 And I pray that you would bless his family, 04:10.580 --> 04:13.060 his wife Jennifer and their two children 04:13.060 --> 04:15.673 and enrich their time that he has with them. 04:15.673 --> 04:17.840 Lord we ask that you would keep them safe 04:17.840 --> 04:19.440 in their comings and their goings, 04:19.440 --> 04:21.640 and may your divine favor be upon 04:21.640 --> 04:23.470 these two leaders here today. 04:23.470 --> 04:25.340 We ask this in your name, Amen. 04:25.340 --> 04:26.173 - [Audience] Amen. 04:28.500 --> 04:29.800 - [Officiator] Thank you Chaplain McGregory. 04:29.800 --> 04:31.700 Ladies and gentlemen please be seated. 04:34.370 --> 04:37.330 As a token of appreciation for her support to the workforce 04:37.330 --> 04:39.620 at the Central Technical Support Facility, 04:39.620 --> 04:40.850 Propers will now present 04:40.850 --> 04:44.590 a bouquet of red roses to Mrs Ford. 04:44.590 --> 04:47.070 A bouquet of pink roses is also being presented 04:47.070 --> 04:51.933 to his daughter Janell and a CTSF coin to his son Joseph. 04:56.010 --> 04:58.500 As a welcome to the Central Technical Support Facility 04:58.500 --> 05:01.310 in Fort hood family propers will also now present 05:01.310 --> 05:02.720 a token of appreciation 05:02.720 --> 05:06.180 to Colonel Devera-Waden's husband Shane, son Kross 05:06.180 --> 05:07.183 and daughter Sante. 05:09.293 --> 05:10.570 Today, we honor the past and present 05:10.570 --> 05:12.520 of the Central Technical Support Facility 05:12.520 --> 05:14.010 with a change of leadership between 05:14.010 --> 05:16.320 Colonel Ford and Colonel Devera-Waden. 05:16.320 --> 05:18.030 Historically the colors and army units 05:18.030 --> 05:21.170 are the responsibility of the unit command Sergeant Major. 05:21.170 --> 05:23.830 From ancient times armies have used a flag or other symbol 05:23.830 --> 05:26.210 to serve as a rallying point under which their soldiers 05:26.210 --> 05:29.900 would gather before combat and reorganized during battle. 05:29.900 --> 05:32.610 Symbolic of cohesion, loyalty and a spree decor. 05:32.610 --> 05:34.800 The organization's colors also remind us 05:34.800 --> 05:37.370 of their original purpose in praise and ceremonies 05:37.370 --> 05:39.253 such as we are here witnessing today. 05:40.360 --> 05:42.600 The passing of the color signify both the symbolic 05:42.600 --> 05:44.030 and the official transition 05:44.030 --> 05:46.430 and assumption of responsibilities. 05:46.430 --> 05:48.480 At this time, the official party 05:48.480 --> 05:50.580 will take their positions with the colors. 05:51.430 --> 05:53.630 Mr John Diem Executive Director, 05:53.630 --> 05:55.710 United States Army Operational Test Command 05:55.710 --> 05:57.150 will proxy today's ceremony 05:57.150 --> 05:58.800 on behalf of Major General Kilgo. 06:01.988 --> 06:04.571 - (indistinct) 06:11.707 --> 06:14.670 (indistinct) 06:14.670 --> 06:16.270 - [Officiator] Mr Cochin will pass the colors 06:16.270 --> 06:17.373 to Colonel Ford. 06:18.650 --> 06:21.150 Colonel Ford Will pass the colors to Mr Diem 06:21.150 --> 06:23.870 signifying his relinquishment of leadership. 06:23.870 --> 06:26.860 Mr Diem will pass the colors to Colonel Devera-waiden. 06:26.860 --> 06:29.350 Signifying her change of leadership 06:29.350 --> 06:31.640 and colonel Devera-waiden will pass the colors 06:31.640 --> 06:35.170 to Mr Cochin who will return them to their place of honor. 06:35.170 --> 06:37.100 by authority of paragraph 2-5 06:37.100 --> 06:39.320 army regulation 600-20, 06:39.320 --> 06:41.017 the undersigned assumes position of Director 06:41.017 --> 06:44.290 of the United States army Central Technical Support Facility 06:44.290 --> 06:46.460 effective 8 July, 2020. 06:46.460 --> 06:48.653 Signed Colonel Devera-waiden Director. 06:50.841 --> 06:53.424 - (indistinct) 07:02.046 --> 07:04.766 (indistinct) 07:04.766 --> 07:07.933 forward (indistinct). 07:10.119 --> 07:11.490 - [Officiator] Ladies and gentlemen the Commanding General 07:11.490 --> 07:14.680 United States Army Communications Electronics Command 07:14.680 --> 07:16.363 Major General Mitchell L. Kilgo. 07:18.831 --> 07:20.508 - All right well good morning. 07:20.508 --> 07:21.341 Good morning everyone. 07:21.341 --> 07:23.893 Thanks so much for joining us today. 07:25.342 --> 07:29.650 It's an extreme honor of mine to have the opportunity 07:29.650 --> 07:34.650 to host this change of leadership change of charter, 07:34.750 --> 07:37.640 between two great United States army Colonels. 07:37.640 --> 07:41.828 First let me say thanks to Mr Diem, 07:41.828 --> 07:46.828 really appreciate you proxying this ceremony for us, 07:47.340 --> 07:48.380 this morning. 07:48.380 --> 07:52.580 I think it's a great sign of partnership 07:53.630 --> 07:57.460 and it's a good testament to how the army leads 07:57.460 --> 07:58.760 and takes care of its own. 07:58.760 --> 08:02.070 So thank you so much for being there this morning. 08:02.070 --> 08:04.720 I know it's very important to Chris and Gwen both 08:04.720 --> 08:08.300 that they had an opportunity to have a Flag Officer 08:08.300 --> 08:11.080 pass that guard on this morning so thank you. 08:11.080 --> 08:13.640 My apologies as well up front 08:13.640 --> 08:17.340 for not being able to be there in person. 08:17.340 --> 08:21.920 I think everybody understands, in this COVID environment, 08:21.920 --> 08:24.370 doing our best we can to protect our teammates 08:25.260 --> 08:27.500 and one of them is doing responsible things 08:28.550 --> 08:32.340 and so I did not want to put the team here in jeopardy 08:32.340 --> 08:36.530 as we travel through the airports to get there, 08:36.530 --> 08:38.210 during this timeframe that we're seeing 08:38.210 --> 08:40.160 a steady increase in 08:40.160 --> 08:42.360 positive cases. 08:42.360 --> 08:45.710 But my promise to the team there at Fort hood 08:45.710 --> 08:47.329 that I will be on the ground 08:47.329 --> 08:50.170 as soon as we're able to travel. 08:50.170 --> 08:52.030 Cause I'm excited to get down there, 08:52.030 --> 08:54.610 and spend some time with you. 08:54.610 --> 08:56.100 so thank you all distinguished guests 08:56.100 --> 09:00.690 for being here this morning virtually and in present. 09:00.690 --> 09:03.080 My special thanks to any other Flag Officers 09:03.080 --> 09:08.080 who are observing this morning's change of charter, 09:08.190 --> 09:11.318 with us Command Sergeant Majors and other DVs. 09:11.318 --> 09:12.890 But most importantly, 09:12.890 --> 09:16.270 my thanks to the families of Colonel Ford 09:16.270 --> 09:18.243 and Colonel Devera-Widen, 09:19.100 --> 09:21.640 for being there with us this morning 09:21.640 --> 09:25.179 as both sons and daughters embark, 09:25.179 --> 09:29.540 on new chapters in their lives and in their careers. 09:29.540 --> 09:31.110 First to... 09:31.110 --> 09:32.000 To Jennifer 09:32.930 --> 09:35.110 and I'll talk more on this a little bit 09:35.110 --> 09:38.190 as we get to the retirement ceremony later today. 09:38.190 --> 09:40.707 But I just wanted to say personal thanks to you 09:40.707 --> 09:43.077 for being an army veteran yourself, 09:43.077 --> 09:46.658 supporting your soldier, supporting our nation, 09:46.658 --> 09:49.450 and for all your sacrifices 09:49.450 --> 09:52.355 that you've been doing over the years. 09:52.355 --> 09:54.280 Also thanks to Janelle 09:55.400 --> 09:56.243 and Joseph, 09:57.850 --> 10:02.850 you know being an army military child is not an easy thing. 10:03.410 --> 10:04.680 And I thank you for your support 10:04.680 --> 10:06.620 your resilience and support too. 10:06.620 --> 10:10.210 Your father commanded this organization 10:10.210 --> 10:11.920 for the past couple of years. 10:11.920 --> 10:14.041 I know Chris's mom Nola. 10:14.041 --> 10:17.200 And his in laws, Hall and Josephine 10:17.200 --> 10:19.950 are also joining us this morning virtually. 10:19.950 --> 10:21.180 And thank you for being here. 10:21.180 --> 10:23.490 And I'll talk a little bit more about you 10:23.490 --> 10:26.530 during the retirement ceremony as well. 10:26.530 --> 10:30.400 This is absolutely a celebration of great accomplishment, 10:30.400 --> 10:33.670 for Colonel Ford this morning and his family. 10:33.670 --> 10:38.150 And We're in one way sad to see you go, 10:38.150 --> 10:41.160 but in another way we're happy and extremely satisfied 10:41.160 --> 10:43.900 of the job that you've done 10:43.900 --> 10:45.560 as the director of the CTSF. 10:46.635 --> 10:48.980 And as one of the key leaders and senior leaders 10:48.980 --> 10:53.410 within this command and within our army. 10:53.410 --> 10:54.633 And so the CTSF, 10:55.950 --> 10:59.390 most are not familiar with what it is 10:59.390 --> 11:02.600 and what you do in support of our army. 11:02.600 --> 11:07.000 But I think it can be simply stated in this way, 11:07.000 --> 11:09.480 without the work that the CTF does 11:09.480 --> 11:12.720 in support of the army CIO/G-6, 11:12.720 --> 11:15.280 being able to set the conditions 11:15.280 --> 11:19.970 to test our most critical mission command systems 11:19.970 --> 11:22.950 in a live environment so that the army CIO 11:22.950 --> 11:27.560 could certify those for operation on the battlefield 11:27.560 --> 11:30.810 for our soldiers that are out in harm's way. 11:30.810 --> 11:33.580 The work the CTS have done under your watch Chris 11:33.580 --> 11:35.960 has been exceptional. 11:35.960 --> 11:40.148 And although I've only been your commander for a year. 11:40.148 --> 11:43.290 I wanna thank you in that time 11:43.290 --> 11:46.760 that you've led this organization in an exemplary manner. 11:46.760 --> 11:50.000 Your character has always been above reproach. 11:50.000 --> 11:51.460 You've led from the front, 11:51.460 --> 11:53.560 you've supported your team, 11:53.560 --> 11:56.780 you've push for the resources and things you needed 11:56.780 --> 11:58.490 to make them effective. 11:58.490 --> 11:59.550 You've empowered them 12:00.590 --> 12:03.960 and you gave them an opportunity to excel. 12:03.960 --> 12:06.007 It's why I wanna thank you for that. 12:06.007 --> 12:08.570 And on behalf really of Lieutenant Joel Crawford, 12:08.570 --> 12:11.720 who is the IO/G-6 who is the real person 12:11.720 --> 12:15.010 that you provide this mission for, 12:15.010 --> 12:20.010 on behalf of him thanks for an exceptional performance 12:20.060 --> 12:22.593 throughout your command tenure. 12:23.580 --> 12:27.450 The job is not an easy, as you know, 12:27.450 --> 12:29.857 throughout the course of my tenure here 12:29.857 --> 12:32.530 and your time at CTSF, 12:32.530 --> 12:34.440 there's been consistent discussion 12:34.440 --> 12:36.810 about the role of the CTSF, 12:36.810 --> 12:39.780 where the CTSF belongs 12:40.890 --> 12:43.196 and who it really supports. 12:43.196 --> 12:44.823 And I will tell you, 12:44.823 --> 12:47.980 that your leadership throughout all these discussions, 12:47.980 --> 12:50.158 all the planning all the time, 12:50.158 --> 12:53.160 has always been above reproach 12:53.160 --> 12:55.436 and it's always been transparent. 12:55.436 --> 12:58.286 You know I thank you for leading that team through a time 12:59.530 --> 13:01.283 of uncertainty if you will, 13:02.250 --> 13:05.970 the higher echelons above the CTSF continues planning, 13:05.970 --> 13:08.360 I have been called all along as we've been trying 13:08.360 --> 13:12.470 to determine what the right course going forward is 13:12.470 --> 13:13.680 for the CTSF. 13:13.680 --> 13:17.430 But I can assure you Chris and the team there 13:17.430 --> 13:22.430 that the CTF's mission is still very much alive and viable. 13:23.640 --> 13:25.573 It will continue for some time. 13:26.660 --> 13:30.370 And it's just a matter of time before we get to a place 13:30.370 --> 13:34.970 where we can show the army exactly what needs to be done 13:34.970 --> 13:38.480 for the CTSF and to support it 13:38.480 --> 13:40.680 and in a more appropriate fashion. 13:40.680 --> 13:44.240 So we're not consistently fighting going back and forth. 13:44.240 --> 13:47.450 Chris I also wanna thank you for your leadership 13:47.450 --> 13:48.693 for the entire campus. 13:49.840 --> 13:53.700 There, most people don't know in essence in some way, 13:53.700 --> 13:56.910 you've also performed as a Garrison Commander there 13:56.910 --> 14:01.450 for the complex leading a team of teams that are down there 14:01.450 --> 14:03.440 consolidated in your camp. 14:03.440 --> 14:06.000 I wanna thank you for the town halls 14:06.000 --> 14:10.600 and for your leadership during this COVID-19 14:10.600 --> 14:12.621 response for our nation. 14:12.621 --> 14:14.853 Again, you've done that exemplary. 14:15.800 --> 14:19.970 And I haven't had to worry one minute about, 14:19.970 --> 14:23.507 the team there at the CTSF complex. 14:23.507 --> 14:25.580 And so thank you for taking on 14:25.580 --> 14:28.364 that additional responsibility and role 14:28.364 --> 14:30.660 and conducting those duties. 14:30.660 --> 14:33.190 Because it's not necessarily a part of your charter, 14:33.190 --> 14:35.590 but you've stepped up and you've executed 14:35.590 --> 14:37.480 and supported nonetheless. 14:37.480 --> 14:40.960 Thank you for all the additional support you provided 14:40.960 --> 14:44.454 to customers out of your normal test cycle, 14:44.454 --> 14:47.380 providing resources and personnel, 14:47.380 --> 14:49.350 the technical expertise to help them 14:49.350 --> 14:51.390 keep their programs on track. 14:51.390 --> 14:56.390 I know the PM Community is grateful to you for doing that. 14:57.466 --> 15:00.630 And again you just lead your way through it, 15:00.630 --> 15:02.813 and I appreciate you for that. 15:03.940 --> 15:08.030 Also during your tenure as I talked earlier, 15:08.030 --> 15:10.620 it's been a time of transition, 15:10.620 --> 15:11.580 but to the team there, 15:11.580 --> 15:14.090 in your leadership, 15:14.090 --> 15:15.654 nothing has changed. 15:15.654 --> 15:20.654 And we are working on evolving our testing concepts there. 15:21.340 --> 15:25.330 We're moving more towards a DevSecOps model down there. 15:25.330 --> 15:29.510 You've been a integral part of that planning. 15:29.510 --> 15:32.320 And as we move to virtualize and do other things 15:32.320 --> 15:36.090 to help enhance the efficiencies of the CTSF 15:36.090 --> 15:39.440 and allow the PM community the (indistinct) community 15:39.440 --> 15:42.970 to run a little faster in executing their tasks 15:42.970 --> 15:44.913 to keep their programs on schedule. 15:45.780 --> 15:49.410 I thank you for your support in the process, 15:49.410 --> 15:50.510 your partnership, 15:50.510 --> 15:55.330 your teamwork associated with all of your partners, 15:55.330 --> 15:58.870 in doing their jobs and helping you advance 15:58.870 --> 16:02.030 again, the interoperability of all these critical systems 16:02.030 --> 16:04.490 for our most precious resource. 16:04.490 --> 16:06.410 And that's in our soldiers. 16:06.410 --> 16:11.093 Additionally you set the standard for how this command, 16:12.050 --> 16:14.850 execute stationing packages, 16:14.850 --> 16:16.870 and you know, I don't want you to think 16:16.870 --> 16:19.620 that's been a simple task because we have numerous 16:19.620 --> 16:21.890 stationed packages that we needed 16:21.890 --> 16:26.020 to get into the department on our army and had not. 16:26.020 --> 16:28.837 The stationing package that you put together down there 16:28.837 --> 16:32.260 at Fort hood with the CTSF at Fort hood 16:32.260 --> 16:34.690 became the command standard for CECOM. 16:34.690 --> 16:37.840 And we've leveraged that and utilized that package 16:37.840 --> 16:40.550 to help us establish those things 16:40.550 --> 16:43.200 for all of our other entities 16:43.200 --> 16:47.480 that are globally spread out across the United States, 16:47.480 --> 16:50.890 as well as all CONUS theaters and operations. 16:50.890 --> 16:55.130 So it's your template that helped us create that plan. 16:55.130 --> 16:57.723 And I thank you for that as well. 16:58.930 --> 17:02.260 There's a lot more that I'll say Chris 17:02.260 --> 17:06.480 and I'll reserve a lot of that for your retirement ceremony. 17:06.480 --> 17:08.420 We'll execute here just a little while, 17:08.420 --> 17:11.523 but I just wanna thank you for leading that team. 17:12.720 --> 17:14.850 It's one of the things that, 17:14.850 --> 17:16.879 you know, we take for granted 17:16.879 --> 17:20.830 is the sacrifice made by our leadership. 17:20.830 --> 17:24.810 The time that it takes to unselfishly lead our team. 17:24.810 --> 17:26.930 And I just wanna thank you for doing that. 17:26.930 --> 17:31.210 There hasn't been one time, one day or week or month 17:31.210 --> 17:35.010 that I've had to pause and focus on issues 17:35.010 --> 17:38.240 or challenges associated with the CTSF. 17:38.240 --> 17:40.610 When you executing your mission down there. 17:40.610 --> 17:42.230 Not one, not one day at all. 17:42.230 --> 17:46.130 and you've been truly fire-and-forget. 17:46.130 --> 17:49.790 I've got the opportunity to just kind of watch you run. 17:49.790 --> 17:52.290 You've delivered, you've executed these tasks, 17:52.290 --> 17:54.600 and you delivered everything on time. 17:54.600 --> 17:57.243 And in the process of that, you've also, 17:58.380 --> 18:00.010 with the minimal number of military 18:00.010 --> 18:02.040 that you do have down there, 18:02.040 --> 18:03.120 you've mentored them 18:03.120 --> 18:06.750 and I've watched them grow as well during your tenure. 18:06.750 --> 18:08.050 And you've been able to partner 18:08.050 --> 18:10.173 with the Fort hood community there, 18:11.020 --> 18:14.710 and become familiar with the leadership there 18:14.710 --> 18:16.350 and gain their support. 18:16.350 --> 18:18.860 And so just thank you for being a leader 18:20.240 --> 18:22.510 and just kind of showing us how it's done. 18:22.510 --> 18:24.810 Leading from the front consistently 18:24.810 --> 18:27.720 and consistently performing above standards. 18:27.720 --> 18:29.513 So thanks Chris to you. 18:30.896 --> 18:33.350 Then again we'll talk a little bit more 18:33.350 --> 18:35.139 in about 45 minutes here, 18:35.139 --> 18:37.833 but my sincere gratitude to you 18:37.833 --> 18:41.110 and the team there for a job well done. 18:41.110 --> 18:42.450 And as I transition here, 18:42.450 --> 18:46.400 I wanna say welcome to Gwen, 18:46.400 --> 18:49.110 to you and your family, 18:49.110 --> 18:50.390 to Shane. 18:50.390 --> 18:54.163 I told Gwen on the phone call with her last night, 18:55.330 --> 18:58.980 you know as an Acquisition Officer coming 18:58.980 --> 19:02.280 to a signal command there's typically 19:02.280 --> 19:05.150 should be some bias associated with them, 19:05.150 --> 19:09.500 but I told her she had a leg up in this process Shane 19:09.500 --> 19:13.665 because you as a retired signaleer, 19:13.665 --> 19:14.498 a retired first Sergeant, 19:15.650 --> 19:17.350 and I wanna take this opportunity 19:17.350 --> 19:20.370 to thank you for your service to the nation, 19:20.370 --> 19:23.110 your service to the signal regimen 19:23.110 --> 19:24.633 and as a result of that, 19:24.633 --> 19:29.200 that makes Gwen and I honorary signal co-leader. 19:29.200 --> 19:32.480 And trust me, it's gonna help her throughout her tenure. 19:32.480 --> 19:35.657 she gets a leg up with me right off the back 19:35.657 --> 19:36.490 because of your service, 19:36.490 --> 19:38.140 but in all seriousness, 19:38.140 --> 19:40.293 thank you for your service 19:40.293 --> 19:42.470 and what you've done for the nation. 19:42.470 --> 19:46.730 No easy task to perform the role of the first Sergeant 19:46.730 --> 19:50.900 and then to support your soldier as well 19:50.900 --> 19:52.012 throughout our careers. 19:52.012 --> 19:54.345 Thanks so much of doing that 19:55.390 --> 20:00.223 To Kross who is a rising junior at UT Austin, 20:01.320 --> 20:04.880 and to Santi a rising sophomore in UT. 20:04.880 --> 20:07.063 Not Austin it was San Antonio I apologize. 20:08.140 --> 20:11.370 Thanks for your support to your mother and father 20:11.370 --> 20:13.820 and thank you for your support to this nation. 20:13.820 --> 20:17.150 You may not realize it but you're also serving. 20:17.150 --> 20:18.160 No military child 20:19.750 --> 20:21.310 gets to... 20:21.310 --> 20:24.350 Walk through 20 plus years of service 20:25.840 --> 20:27.200 in support of their parents 20:27.200 --> 20:30.560 without enduring some of the scars associated with that. 20:30.560 --> 20:33.340 So thank you for being with us today 20:33.340 --> 20:36.050 and thank you for your service as well. 20:36.050 --> 20:39.354 To Gwen's father Sunny, 20:39.354 --> 20:41.667 I will hold it against you that 20:44.550 --> 20:46.130 your theme is anchors away 20:46.980 --> 20:50.390 and you're a retired Navy Officer or retired Navy, 20:50.390 --> 20:54.940 but I just wanna again thank you for your service as well 20:54.940 --> 20:55.910 doing your time. 20:55.910 --> 20:59.400 And thank you for a remarkable job You've done 20:59.400 --> 21:04.373 raising a daughter comes to us with great credentials, 21:05.600 --> 21:07.983 from her experience and reputation. 21:08.980 --> 21:11.320 Thank you so much for just supporting her 21:11.320 --> 21:14.130 throughout this time of her career. 21:14.130 --> 21:18.790 So thanks so much Sunny and Judy for all your efforts 21:18.790 --> 21:22.190 to continue to support Shane and Gwen 21:22.190 --> 21:25.730 throughout their tenure in the United States Army. 21:25.730 --> 21:27.220 So thank you for doing that. 21:27.220 --> 21:31.380 So Gwen for you as we kinda talked last night, 21:31.380 --> 21:33.210 this will be a change of pace for you, 21:33.210 --> 21:36.200 but absolutely a broadening opportunity 21:36.200 --> 21:37.770 but I'm extremely confident 21:38.610 --> 21:42.180 in your leadership abilities to lead this organization. 21:42.180 --> 21:46.540 You're taking on a team of very articulate 21:46.540 --> 21:49.930 and technically astute personnel 21:49.930 --> 21:51.160 within that team down there. 21:51.160 --> 21:54.640 I have no doubt that this organization will continue 21:54.640 --> 21:57.220 to grow under your watch. 21:57.220 --> 21:59.970 And my advice to you is simply this 22:00.940 --> 22:02.700 trust your instincts, 22:02.700 --> 22:04.610 knowing your resources, 22:04.610 --> 22:06.083 and don't rely on guesswork. 22:07.210 --> 22:09.240 Your team as I highlighted it 22:09.240 --> 22:10.680 is your greatest power 22:10.680 --> 22:12.590 take care of our people 22:12.590 --> 22:14.150 and they'll take care of you. 22:14.150 --> 22:16.610 And as a result they'll take care of our nation. 22:16.610 --> 22:20.490 Remember every day that you walk into the CTSF complex, 22:20.490 --> 22:22.316 that your mission is one. 22:22.316 --> 22:24.706 Make sure our soldiers in harm's way 22:24.706 --> 22:26.970 have the best support possible 22:26.970 --> 22:29.280 and that their systems (indistinct) operate. 22:29.280 --> 22:32.020 And so thank you for taking on this challenge. 22:32.020 --> 22:34.140 I know you're gonna do a great job 22:34.140 --> 22:37.180 and I look forward to working with you 22:37.180 --> 22:39.830 and getting to learn from your experience as well 22:39.830 --> 22:42.110 over the course of this next year. 22:42.110 --> 22:45.163 So thank you all again for joining us today. 22:47.080 --> 22:49.870 Again I can't say enough about these two Colonels 22:49.870 --> 22:52.117 that are before us today. 22:52.117 --> 22:54.010 And I know that this organization, 22:54.010 --> 22:58.130 the CTSF will continue its great reputation 22:58.130 --> 23:00.440 and enhance the reputation of this command, 23:00.440 --> 23:02.823 army material command in our army. 23:03.690 --> 23:05.450 Thanks again for joining us, 23:05.450 --> 23:07.203 winning matters army strong. 23:10.170 --> 23:14.920 - Very special thank you to people who did all the hard work 23:14.920 --> 23:17.680 to put this together in the virtual world. 23:17.680 --> 23:21.290 Both the folks here and the folks at APG, 23:21.290 --> 23:24.920 it's really been a monumental task, 23:24.920 --> 23:27.993 but you all made it happen and I certainly do appreciate it. 23:29.220 --> 23:30.710 it's been my honor and privilege 23:30.710 --> 23:32.750 to lead the Central Technical Support Facility 23:32.750 --> 23:34.440 for the last three years. 23:34.440 --> 23:38.150 Since 1996 this organization has played a key 23:38.150 --> 23:41.290 and integral role in the transformation of the army 23:41.290 --> 23:43.663 from analog command and control, 23:43.663 --> 23:46.860 first 10 years or so of my career, 23:46.860 --> 23:49.950 to digital command and control as we know it today. 23:49.950 --> 23:53.100 when I was a young battle captain in the spark brigade 23:53.100 --> 23:54.690 of the third infantry division, 23:54.690 --> 23:57.707 and then in the 214 FA brigade, 23:57.707 --> 24:01.070 we had paper maps and acetate overlays 24:01.070 --> 24:03.410 and these little sticky things that we moved around 24:03.410 --> 24:06.993 based on getting the spot reports over the radio, 24:07.860 --> 24:09.560 or over the phone. 24:09.560 --> 24:12.150 But today we have these (indistinct) digital maps 24:12.150 --> 24:14.410 on large screens 24:14.410 --> 24:17.550 that update in real time and that works 24:17.550 --> 24:19.330 and soldiers can rely and depend on 24:19.330 --> 24:22.270 the information they see because of the work 24:22.270 --> 24:24.773 that happens here at the CTS set up. 24:25.840 --> 24:29.840 General Kilgo I wanna thank you for your leadership. 24:29.840 --> 24:31.630 You've always been forthright 24:31.630 --> 24:33.940 and candid in all matters with me 24:33.940 --> 24:35.547 and you've always trusted me 24:35.547 --> 24:38.020 and your other subordinate leaders 24:38.020 --> 24:41.630 to lead our respective organizations with minimum oversight, 24:41.630 --> 24:45.410 trusting us to come to you when we knew we needed to. 24:45.410 --> 24:48.730 And every time I've called the headquarters 24:48.730 --> 24:52.370 and told me I needed to talk to the CG, 24:52.370 --> 24:54.830 I was able to talk to the CG. 24:54.830 --> 24:56.610 I appreciate that, sir. 24:56.610 --> 25:01.595 I wanna tell the folks a little story about General Kilgo 25:01.595 --> 25:03.240 and the kind of leader he is. 25:03.240 --> 25:08.030 We were working an issue that had HQDA emphasis, 25:09.960 --> 25:12.070 General Kilgo alluded to it. 25:12.070 --> 25:15.290 And he told me, the last time we talked, 25:15.290 --> 25:18.600 he said, "when I find out more, I'll let you know" 25:18.600 --> 25:19.770 Yeah okay. 25:19.770 --> 25:23.010 Well one day I was at home after hours 25:23.010 --> 25:26.350 and the phone rang and I didn't get to it in time. 25:26.350 --> 25:27.900 And I looked at the Caller id 25:27.900 --> 25:30.670 and it was a 410 area code number, 25:30.670 --> 25:31.983 but it said Korea. 25:33.280 --> 25:34.330 I was like whoaaa! 25:34.330 --> 25:36.703 I don't know if I wanna call it back you know, 25:37.720 --> 25:38.553 but... 25:40.520 --> 25:41.660 while I was still pondering, 25:41.660 --> 25:44.183 I got a text and the text said, search GT. 25:46.120 --> 25:49.009 Well, do I know a GT in Korea? 25:49.009 --> 25:51.290 (giggles) 25:51.290 --> 25:52.357 And then the phone rang again. 25:52.357 --> 25:53.860 And I said well they're persistent, 25:53.860 --> 25:55.210 So I'll answer it. 25:55.210 --> 25:58.067 And I answered the phone and it said, 25:58.067 --> 25:59.310 "sir this is GT." 25:59.310 --> 26:00.143 And I'm like, 26:01.270 --> 26:02.223 do I know you? 26:03.080 --> 26:05.357 He said, "sorry Capatain Green Tracey, the CGs aid, 26:05.357 --> 26:06.818 "do you have a minute to talk to the CG?" 26:06.818 --> 26:09.522 I was like (giggles) yes. 26:09.522 --> 26:11.870 (audience laughs) 26:11.870 --> 26:13.960 But so, 26:13.960 --> 26:15.210 you know, 26:15.210 --> 26:18.120 what had happened was the CG had found out something 26:19.280 --> 26:22.820 and he was calling me while he was TDY in Korea 26:22.820 --> 26:24.720 to tell me what he found out, 26:24.720 --> 26:26.510 because that's the kind of guy he is 26:26.510 --> 26:28.270 because he told me he would tell me 26:28.270 --> 26:29.990 when he found out something. 26:29.990 --> 26:32.380 And as soon as he did, he called me from Korea 26:32.380 --> 26:34.150 to let me know what he found out. 26:34.150 --> 26:35.490 That's the kind of leader he is. 26:35.490 --> 26:37.770 And I certainly appreciate that. 26:37.770 --> 26:39.513 And I hope you guys do too. 26:40.580 --> 26:44.360 Next, I wanna say thank you to the CTSF workforce. 26:44.360 --> 26:46.090 Thanks for your support. 26:46.090 --> 26:47.280 Thanks for welcoming me, 26:47.280 --> 26:50.090 Jenny and the kids into your family. 26:50.090 --> 26:53.200 And thanks for what you do in support of the US Army 26:53.200 --> 26:54.923 and America's sons and daughters. 26:56.024 --> 26:57.885 As General Kilgo noted, 26:57.885 --> 27:00.600 the mission you accomplish is critically important 27:00.600 --> 27:01.810 to the army. 27:01.810 --> 27:04.160 Soldiers can have confidence that their software 27:04.160 --> 27:07.940 and command and control systems will operate as intended 27:07.940 --> 27:11.440 because it came here and was tested by you 27:11.440 --> 27:13.203 before it went into their hands. 27:14.690 --> 27:19.210 All of you, and not just the CECOM CTSF civilians, 27:19.210 --> 27:20.980 but our contractor partners, 27:20.980 --> 27:24.510 our army staff partners and the PM representatives 27:24.510 --> 27:27.370 that enable interoperability certification, 27:27.370 --> 27:31.740 should be extremely proud of what you do every day 27:31.740 --> 27:35.150 to make the army ready to fight with information dominance. 27:35.150 --> 27:36.620 As a whole. 27:36.620 --> 27:41.620 And I mean, again I mean the entire CTSF team of teams. 27:41.720 --> 27:43.640 I've never served with a group of people 27:43.640 --> 27:48.070 in my acquisition Core career who are so singularly focused 27:48.070 --> 27:51.290 on accomplishing their mission with no other reason 27:51.290 --> 27:55.250 or motive than to provide US soldiers with equipment 27:55.250 --> 27:57.337 that will enable them to fight and win. 27:59.770 --> 28:02.520 Jenny and I have greatly enjoyed our time here 28:02.520 --> 28:05.590 at the CTSF and it's a great place. 28:05.590 --> 28:07.940 The central Texas community is wonderful 28:07.940 --> 28:10.480 and has a genuine love for Fort hood 28:10.480 --> 28:12.233 and the soldiers who serve here. 28:13.182 --> 28:15.030 To all our (indistinct) friends, 28:15.030 --> 28:16.830 it's been a blast and we'll miss you 28:17.720 --> 28:19.320 as with every place we've been 28:19.320 --> 28:21.920 and we've made lifelong friends here. 28:21.920 --> 28:23.720 At the Fort hood leaders, 28:23.720 --> 28:26.250 Lieutenant General Puck, Lieutenant General white, 28:26.250 --> 28:27.598 Major General Thomas, 28:27.598 --> 28:29.419 Major General Pierni, 28:29.419 --> 28:30.473 and Major General (indistinct), 28:30.473 --> 28:34.600 They've been truly supportive of the CTSF and our mission. 28:34.600 --> 28:37.250 And have always made sure we had a seat at the table. 28:38.120 --> 28:39.150 For Gwen and Shane, 28:39.150 --> 28:40.980 we've enjoyed getting to know you. 28:40.980 --> 28:44.490 I hope you enjoy this assignment as much as we have. 28:44.490 --> 28:47.240 I know the CTSF is in good hands 28:47.240 --> 28:50.537 and Gwen best of luck to you in this assignment. 28:50.537 --> 28:53.180 And in all your future endeavors 28:53.180 --> 28:54.793 winning matters, army strong. 28:55.764 --> 28:58.514 (audience claps) 29:01.860 --> 29:03.100 - [Offficiator] Thank you, sir. 29:03.100 --> 29:04.060 Ladies and gentlemen, 29:04.060 --> 29:05.870 the Director of the United States Army 29:05.870 --> 29:07.592 Central Technical Support Facility, 29:07.592 --> 29:09.425 Colonel Devera-waiden. 29:11.231 --> 29:13.050 - Good morning, Major General Kilgo 29:13.050 --> 29:14.760 Commander Major Bradley, 29:14.760 --> 29:18.600 Mr Diem, distinguished guests, friends, family, 29:18.600 --> 29:19.870 and most importantly, 29:19.870 --> 29:23.410 the Central Technical Support Facility workforce. 29:23.410 --> 29:26.010 Thank you for taking the time for being here. 29:26.010 --> 29:29.090 Unfortunately most of you are here virtually. 29:29.090 --> 29:30.150 Major General Kilgo, 29:30.150 --> 29:32.940 sir, thank you so much for the trust 29:32.940 --> 29:36.700 and confedence especially this broadening experience 29:36.700 --> 29:40.800 and your support of me in leading the CTSF. 29:40.800 --> 29:43.870 I am truly humbled by this opportunity 29:43.870 --> 29:46.700 to direct this first-class organization. 29:46.700 --> 29:50.300 I will assure you that collectively we will provide 29:50.300 --> 29:53.180 nothing less than world class support to our customers 29:53.180 --> 29:55.520 and ultimately the war fighter. 29:55.520 --> 29:58.110 I would like to personally thank Chris and Jenny 29:59.060 --> 30:02.320 for their gracious and open support to Shane and me. 30:02.320 --> 30:07.070 Especially that great barbecue welcoming us back into Texas, 30:07.070 --> 30:12.070 Chris Godspeed to you and the family back to home Alabama, 30:12.200 --> 30:15.180 thank you for your service and best wishes. 30:15.180 --> 30:17.020 To the military, 30:17.020 --> 30:18.950 What do we have (giggles) 30:18.950 --> 30:22.910 DA civilians and contractors especially at CTSF. 30:22.910 --> 30:26.770 It is our purpose to execute configuration management 30:26.770 --> 30:30.840 systemised system integration and interoperability testing. 30:30.840 --> 30:34.190 And by making training and integration facilities available 30:34.190 --> 30:37.610 to the army and C4I providers, 30:37.610 --> 30:39.600 this mission is only accomplished 30:39.600 --> 30:41.750 by our most critical assets. 30:41.750 --> 30:43.730 And General Kilgo did say that. 30:43.730 --> 30:47.640 Our professional skills and technical people that reside 30:47.640 --> 30:49.660 and support the CTSF. 30:49.660 --> 30:51.810 We must be ready to meet our mission 30:51.810 --> 30:55.890 and enable integrated enterprise class capabilities 30:55.890 --> 30:58.550 by connecting people, processes 30:58.550 --> 31:01.060 and information across boundaries. 31:01.060 --> 31:04.560 More importantly, we must be synchronized with CECOM. 31:04.560 --> 31:08.030 All it's subordinates and the army towards modernization 31:08.030 --> 31:09.283 and virtualization. 31:13.210 --> 31:15.090 In conclusion my family and I, 31:15.090 --> 31:18.380 are truly humbled and honored to be starting here, 31:18.380 --> 31:20.510 with you in the great place. 31:20.510 --> 31:23.080 Together I know we will continue to build upon 31:23.080 --> 31:24.940 the proud military tradition 31:24.940 --> 31:28.980 and the legacy of Central Technical Support Facility, 31:28.980 --> 31:33.225 achieving excellence in army interoperability, army strong. 31:33.225 --> 31:36.410 (audience claps) 31:36.410 --> 31:37.578 - [Officiator] Thank you Ma'am. 31:37.578 --> 31:40.410 ladies and gentlemen, please stand and remain standing 31:40.410 --> 31:42.060 for the singing of the army song. 31:46.929 --> 31:49.262 (army song) 32:52.954 --> 32:53.787 Ladies and gentlemen, 32:53.787 --> 32:55.115 This concludes the ceremony. 32:55.115 --> 32:58.084 On behalf of Major General Mitchell Kilgo, 32:58.084 --> 33:00.570 thank you for attending and viewing today's ceremony. 33:00.570 --> 33:01.403 As a reminder, 33:01.403 --> 33:03.010 please follow social distancing guidelines 33:03.010 --> 33:04.040 as you depart. 33:04.040 --> 33:06.548 Winning matters, army strong. 33:06.548 --> 33:09.298 (audience claps)