 Good morning, ladies and gentlemen and welcome to the second Battalion Airborne 503rd Infantry Regiment changing command ceremony On this morning the command of the second Battalion Airborne 503rd Infantry Regiment will pass from Lieutenant Colonel Ward to Lieutenant Colonel Brodeo The reviewing officer for today's ceremony is Colonel Klepper the commander of the 173rd Brigade Combat Team Airborne The commander of troops for today's ceremony is Major Travis Scott The change commander additional event that is rich with symbolism and heritage The focus of the ceremony is the passing of the unit's colors These colors represent not only the lineage and honors of the unit, but also the loyalty and unity of its soldiers The colors are the commander's symbol of authority and represent his responsibilities to the organization Wherever the commander is the colors are also present The custodian of the colors is Command Sergeant Major the senior enlisted member of the unit and principal advisor to the commander The passing of the colors symbolizes the transfer of the command authority from the old commander to the new And demonstrates to the troopers of the unit that the old commander has passed the mantle of leadership to the new commander With this also passed the loyalty of the troopers to the new commander By authority of paragraph 3-5 Army Regulation 600-20 the under-signed assumes command of the second Battalion Airborne 503rd Infantry Regiment Consumer Dale Den effective 8 June 2023 signed Lieutenant Colonel Sheldon Brodeo infantry commander