 The outgoing state command sergeant major passes the sword to the senior commander, symbolizing relinquishment of authority and responsibility for the organization's senior enlisted leadership position. The senior commander, having command authority for designating authority and responsibility within the organization, passes the sword to the incoming state command sergeant major, symbolizing the formal transition and acceptance of authority and responsibility for the organization's senior enlisted position. Charge order. To command sergeant major Jason Pask, let it be known from this day forward that the commander of the Florida Army National has special trust and confidence in your dedication to be therefore a hip-hop appointed as the state command sergeant, ladies and gentlemen, please stand for an award presentation to command sergeant major Kendrick, recognizing his exceptional service to the Florida Army National Guard. The United States of America, to all who shall see these presents greeting, this is to certify that the President of the United States of America has awarded the Legion of Merit to command sergeant major James B. Kendrick. For exceptionally meritorious service while serving as the state command sergeant major from 16 August 2019 to 28 February 2022, command sergeant major James Kendrick's unwavering commitment to the proficiency and agility of the non-commissioned officer corps makes him one of the most influential leaders of our time. His pragmatic and decisive leadership improves organizations, creates competent leaders and inspires a winning spirit in our war fighters. His contributions at both the state and national levels enhance quality of life for soldiers, improve morale, and increase retention of our brightest and best soldiers during a period of unprecedented change. Command sergeant major Kendrick's dedication to duty is in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the Florida Army National Guard, and the United States Army, signed John A. Jensen, Lieutenant General, United States Army, Director, Army National Guard. It is now my pleasure to introduce our new state command sergeant major for the Florida Army National Guard, command sergeant major Jason Pask for his remarks. Thank you. Hey, as it be only appropriate that an infantry NCO that is taking the state of Florida, that rain is going to be coming, so there must be soldiers training out there somewhere. I would like to thank this opportunity to all that are here in attendance today, our officers, senior officers, and my fellow noncommissioned officers. Kendrick, we're here to send you off for a great accomplishment as the state command sergeant major. Sergeant Major Hoss, thank you for your trust and confidence and believe that you have in me to be the next state command sergeant major of the Florida Army National Guard. Sir, I know this is a huge honor for me and my family, and I hold this elite position of our state. I will not take this position or my charge lightly, and I will never forget where I came from and the sacrifices it took from all involved to get me to this moment. General Hoss, I look forward to working with you and continuing to build the best version of the Florida Army National Guard, Florida 1st. Thank you, sir. Command Sergeant Major Kendrick, thank you for always being there to teach me, mentor me over the past four years as the 53rd Brigade CSM. No matter what time and even on weekends, you would always be there to listen and provide me with the sounding board that I could bounce ideas off of. So much that my wife truly believes that your first name is Jake, because every time she would see me on the phone late at night, she would walk up and ask, whom are you talking to? And I would just look at her with the response, Jake from State Farm. And your wife Tracy knows me as the loud, angry infantry guy. So thank you, Tracy, for sharing some of your husband's valuable time at home to make sure that the 53rd Infantry Brigade was moving in the right asmas to meet the commander's intent. Thank you. Colonel Glass, this relationship with you has been the longest command relationship within my 32-year command. I really appreciate everything that you have shown me, taught me, and listened to me, right? Between 254 Infantry SFAT, between the 53rd and our constant competition between 1st and 2nd Battalion with the 124th Infantry, you have been a leader that I have built trust with and I've built a relationship with. Thank you, sir. And I've minimized some of this speech because I don't want to give all the secrets away until we do the 53rd Change of Responsibility. To the past CSMs of the 53rd Infantry Brigade in the state and senior officers, thank you so much for your mentorship and your guidance throughout my career within the Fort Armour National Guard. As Sergeant Major Kendrick alluded to, not one man can carry this rough by himself. It takes the whole unit. To the soldiers or officers of our great state, I promise you that I will work to support your efforts and ensure that you are in a safe environment so that you can grow in posture, both in your civilian sector and in your military career. Chief, the soldiers look great and I look forward to working next to you and with you to ensure that all these things are possible. Thank you, sir. To my family, all the love, thank you for being there and with me again to support me through my military and law enforcement career. I couldn't have done it without you. Just looking across is at my nieces. I am very blessed to have a family who's so supportive. To my sister and brother, you know how this goes. I love you too much. Mom, dad, thank you for your love and guidance. I'll never guess who you provided all those lessons learned growing up that one of you provided me with the love and one of you provided me with the guidance. I'll let you guys decide who did what. To my two heroes, my sons, Jaden and Jace, daddy loves you very much and wants to thank you both for making me a better person and father. Once when I was a young man with a 25th ID, I asked God to make me a better man and he did it twice in my lifetime. God provided me with both of you. I love you, Monk and boy. I want to wish Jaden and his Davidson College teammates and coaches good luck in today's game as he cannot be here playing D1 football as a fight towards a 3P for a PFL championship and the third straight NCAA Division 1 playoff bird. Son, I'm proud of you and get up and gotta almost slipped. Two S.R. Major that are out there that I did not mention. One is there's two of them there that are battle buddies. Command S.R. Major Retired McGar, Command S.R. Major McGar, Virgil Robertson. Thank you for everything. If you're wanting to know why I put Command S.R. Major McGar retired as family, ask him about when I was 11 years old and he used to steal my Halloween candy. If you're not a brother for Sharon Halloween candy, I don't know when you can be brothers. To my rock, to my wit. Thank you babe for this morning since I was an E4 specialist 28 years ago out of my 32 years of service. I wouldn't be here today without you and your sacrifice, patience and love. Thanks babe. Florida first, always ready. Thank you Command S.R. Major Pask.