Be grateful for the freedom we have

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend an event that had a major impact on my patriotism and reinforced my strong belief about how fortunate we are to live in the United States of America. I was also reminded of the sacrifices so many great Americans in the armed forces make to allow people like you and I to live the lives we live.

On Friday, May 30th, my little brother, US Navy Captain Colin Thompson took over command of Naval Air Station Key West. I had the opportunity to attend his change of command ceremony alongside my family and it was one of the most memorable experiences of my life.

The change of command ceremony took place at a hangar on the airfield of Naval Air Station Key West. The giant hangar that normally holds numerous military aircraft was converted into an event space designed to accommodate the three hundred plus people who attended the event. In attendance was the Mayor of Key West, two rear admirals, hundreds of Navy personnel and the family of the outgoing commanding officer, Beth Regoli. The enormous hangar doors were open, and a Navy helicopter and fighter jet were parked directly outside, providing a stunning backdrop for the event.

If you’re unfamiliar with a change of command ceremony, it’s a formal military event that marks the transfer of power from one commander to another. At this event, the existing Commanding Officer, Captain Beth Regoli was retiring and transferring official command of Naval Air Station Key West to my brother.

The event lasted a little over an hour and consisted of speeches from a rear admiral, several formal military change of command protocols and speeches from my brother and Captain Beth Regoli, as well as a somber and powerful Olde Glory Presentation. If you have never heard about the Olde Glory Presentation, I highly encourage you to look it up. It gave me goose bumps and there wasn’t a dry eye in the entire hangar.

To say it was moving, would be an understatement. Being present as a civilian at a prestigious military event like this is rare and I consider myself extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to attend and celebrate my little brother’s impressive accomplishment.

My brother Colin is an American hero. He has dedicated his life and career to defending our country. The Navy had eyes on him when he was a junior in high school. He was one of those kids who never did homework, never read anything, but somehow managed to get straight A’s, get inducted into the national honor society and continually make his older brother look like a reject. Even though my little brother is taller, better looking and more successful, he went bald when he was 20 years old. I still have a full head of thick blonde hair. That’s about all I have to use against him.

My brother has had an amazing career in the Navy. According to a press release issued by the Navy, my brother’s previous duty assignments include Naval Flight Officer P-3C Orion training with Patrol Squadron (VP) 30 in Jacksonville, Florida; and a flying tour with the “Red Lancers” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 10 in Brunswick, Maine. His operational tours include assistant navigator aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan; department head with the “Skinny Dragons” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 4 of Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii; and executive officer and commanding officer with the “Wizards” of Special Projects Patrol Squadron (VPU) 2 in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, and Jacksonville, Florida.

As I sat at my brother’s change of command ceremony, I felt an overwhelming feeling of gratitude. I saw all of the men and women in uniform sitting amongst us who stand ready to defend our freedom, without hesitation. These are people who are almost never publicly recognized or talked about. You don’t hear their stories on the news. You don’t see them doing interviews. They are silent warriors who love our country. I am grateful for all they do, and I am extremely proud of my brother.

My brother’s change of command ceremony was an event that truly grounded me and made me reflect on life. Regardless of how chaotic the world we live in appears to be, we are blessed to live in the United States of America. Never forget that and never forget the sacrifices the men and women of our armed forces make to protect the freedoms we all too often, take for granted.

Congratulations, bro!

Chris Thompson’s (christhompsnh@gmail.com) column is published weekly on www.graniteeaglepress.com and www.howiecarrshow.com