 The 81st Training Wing held an Assumption of Command Ceremony on Thursday, March 23rd. Welcoming incoming Commander, Colonel Billy Pope. Second Air Force Commander, Major General Michelle Edmondson, introduced Colonel Pope to his new command. So I can tell you from personal experience that the opportunity to lead a wing will at some time seen daunting the daily rewards far outweigh the challenges I have no doubt that Colonel Pope is prepared for and is the right person to lead the 81st Training Wing. I feel pretty confident that if we had given Billy a vote and asked him where he would like to be a wing commander, there is no other wing in the United States Air Force that Billy Pope would want to lead. There's just something special about this place. The story of who he is, where he's been, and how he got to where he is make him the perfect fit for Keisler. A leader who is a scholar, a leader who is a cyber expert, a leader who is passionate about airmen, and hopefully the point is clear that first and foremost Colonel Billy Pope is a leader. I have no doubt that Team Keisler will thrive under your leadership. Congratulations, enjoy this amazing journey, but most of all lead them well. And I don't think I have to ask, but are you ready to take the flag? The future of our force and in many ways the future of our nation rests in our ability to train, develop, and retain the airmen and guardians who form the backbone of our nation's defense. The sons and daughters of America, their success is ours and it's our responsibility to give them our level best. We will dedicate ourselves to this mission because our security requires that we do so. Yet while we're working hard we'll balance against these demands by deliberately creating a climate of camaraderie, respect, and fun, and above all else we'll take care of people. Within our own ranks, amongst our families, to our mission partners, our community partners, and those we support, our mission demands that we work hard, have fun, and take care of people, nothing more and certainly nothing less. I look forward to tackling these challenges with you. Thank you to everyone for attending today and let's get started together. The ceremony concluded with Colonel Pope reviewing the parade of the airmen and guardians under his new command.