Jo's Cafe

 Here I posted on the COC of the 29th Regiment Commander.

Today I attended another Change of Command, this for the Battalion Commander of the 2/29th Infantry Battalion.  Lt. Col. Mark Edmonds is the out-going commander, the man my husband was the CSM for before going to Afghanistan.   While the first COC I posted about was joyous in nature, receiving a wonderful new regimental commander, this one brought tears, and as with any military service, separation from friends.

Lt. Col Edmonds is not only a great commander, but was a great friend to many, including my husband.  He lead from behind, nudging, turning, supporting, by example, and only using the big boots this man wears when it was necessary.  He has broad shoulders that took on a heavy load and with the support of his family and God, moved mountains and made the 2/29th better than it ever was.  He will be sorely missed.  His Ranger combat boots are going to be a hard act to follow. In-coming commander Lt. Col. Chase comes in behind a great man.  May God help him to be as humble, honorable, reliable and strong as Lt. Col. Edmonds was behind that desk.

Here we see Lt. Col. Edmonds in front of the Iron Man statue at Infantry Hall with his family receiving an award from Col. Townes.   His wife, Sunnie, also received the SHIELD OF SPARTA – HEROINE OF THE INFANTRY.

This is a picture of the passing of the colors.  The CSM of the Battalion is responsible for the colors and holds them first.  He passes them to the out-going commander, who then passes them to Regimental Commander, who then passes them to the in-coming commander.  They are returned to the care of the CSM.  This is when command officially changes hands of the unit.

Keep Lt. Col. Edmonds in your prayers as he heads to Iraq with the 82nd Airborne.  Sunnie and the kids will be traveling cross country to her parents home in Arizona and stay there until housing is ready at Fort Brag.  I’m going to miss them both.