 You are the modern band of brothers and sisters. You walk in the footsteps of giants like we did, coming from the greatest generation through Vietnam, through all the conflicts that the 173rd has been a part of. Unlike other battalions and brigades in the army that I talked to, they won't receive a no-notice, go stand in the door and do the unaccomplishable. But the 173rd has always been that first call. What it means to be a sky soldier, courage undaunted, skilled, finally home, determination unwavering, innovation unbound, loyalty resolute, and hell on earth, diligently restrained by individual discipline, but ready to be released upon the enemies of our country in the blink of an eye, and exactly what the individuals standing before you today can deliver at a moment's notice. Twenty years ago, sky soldiers just like these left our home here in Vicenza then raked up for a jump into Northern Iraq. Now some would say that 969 sky soldiers against six divisions is an unfair fight. But we all know that any fight against a sky soldier is going to be unfair to the opposition. We answered the call in 2003 because the world fears you. This is a part of your identity. You now represent everybody who came before you. And that is the burden that you take forward just like we did, ready to receive that call to do the unthinkable. Godspeed.