WEBVTT 00:02.119 --> 00:04.230 Good morning , distinguished guests . 00:04.230 --> 00:06.341 Ladies and gentlemen . I'm Lieutenant 00:06.341 --> 00:08.119 Colonel Doug Brownhill , deputy 00:08.119 --> 00:10.063 commander for the US Army Corps of 00:10.063 --> 00:12.175 Engineers , Kansas City District . On 00:12.175 --> 00:14.397 behalf of brig General William C Hannon 00:14.397 --> 00:14.380 Junior , the commander of the 00:14.390 --> 00:16.223 Northwestern Division . It is my 00:16.229 --> 00:18.173 pleasure to welcome you to today's 00:18.173 --> 00:20.360 change of command ceremony . Please 00:20.370 --> 00:22.489 remain seated until I ask you to rise 00:22.639 --> 00:25.809 if you are able to do so . Today , we 00:25.819 --> 00:28.041 bid farewell to Colonel Travis Rayfield 00:28.041 --> 00:30.170 and welcome Colonel Angie N Warner as 00:30.180 --> 00:32.402 the commander and district engineer for 00:32.402 --> 00:34.347 the Kansas City District . Today's 00:34.347 --> 00:36.236 ceremony represents a transfer of 00:36.236 --> 00:38.291 leadership and celebrates the Kansas 00:38.291 --> 00:40.458 City district many years of service to 00:40.458 --> 00:42.680 the army , the nation and the Heartland 00:42.680 --> 00:45.439 region . We welcome Colonel Ray Field's 00:45.450 --> 00:47.672 wife , Betsy and their Children , Eliza 00:47.672 --> 00:49.959 and Alden . He has other family members 00:49.970 --> 00:52.137 here in attendance as well , including 00:52.137 --> 00:54.248 his sister , Adele , her husband Shad 00:54.248 --> 00:56.470 Skinner , and his sister , Kate and her 00:56.470 --> 00:59.259 husband Cam Weber and Betsy's parents , 00:59.270 --> 01:01.919 Mr and Mrs Russ Tyndall . Joining us on 01:01.930 --> 01:03.819 live stream is Colonel Rayfield s 01:03.819 --> 01:07.650 parents Edward and Joan Rayfield . We 01:07.660 --> 01:09.882 welcome Colonel Ne Warner's wife , Kara 01:09.882 --> 01:11.993 and their Children , Jack and Effie . 01:11.993 --> 01:13.993 He also has other family members in 01:13.993 --> 01:16.327 attendance today to include his parents , 01:16.327 --> 01:18.382 Tom and Pat Ne Warner , his aunt and 01:18.382 --> 01:20.382 uncle Rom and Marcel Bartel and his 01:20.382 --> 01:23.319 sister Michelle Fletcher . We have 01:23.330 --> 01:25.552 several distinguished guests . We would 01:25.552 --> 01:27.774 like to recognize the Deputy Commanding 01:27.774 --> 01:29.941 General for military and international 01:29.941 --> 01:31.941 operations . Brigadier General Kurt 01:31.941 --> 01:34.900 Gibbs . We welcome former Kansas City 01:34.910 --> 01:37.132 district commanders , colonel , retired 01:37.132 --> 01:39.620 Donald Curtis and colonel retired 01:39.629 --> 01:42.510 Douglas Korson . We welcome fellow 01:42.519 --> 01:44.130 district commanders from the 01:44.130 --> 01:46.980 Northwestern Division . We also have 01:46.989 --> 01:49.156 representatives from our congressional 01:49.156 --> 01:51.419 delegation representing Jerry Moran , 01:51.430 --> 01:53.580 us , senator from Kansas . We have 01:53.589 --> 01:56.779 Jason Otho representing Eric Schmidt , 01:56.790 --> 01:58.900 us , senator from Missouri . We have 01:58.910 --> 02:02.680 Adam Tinman representing Sam Graves us 02:02.690 --> 02:04.523 representative from the State of 02:04.523 --> 02:07.010 Missouri Fourth District . We have Matt 02:07.019 --> 02:09.559 Boki representing Jackson County , 02:09.570 --> 02:12.179 Missouri County Executive , Frank White 02:12.190 --> 02:14.919 Junior and representatives from our 02:14.929 --> 02:17.699 federal state and local agencies , as 02:17.710 --> 02:19.877 well as stakeholders , representatives 02:19.877 --> 02:22.043 and levy boards and sponsors and other 02:22.043 --> 02:24.099 distinguished guests . Thank you for 02:24.099 --> 02:25.710 attending today's ceremony . 02:34.279 --> 02:36.112 Armies throughout the world have 02:36.112 --> 02:38.168 conducted ceremonies to mark victory 02:38.168 --> 02:40.446 over the enemy , to honor their heroes , 02:40.446 --> 02:42.501 to celebrate special occasions or to 02:42.501 --> 02:44.612 pay homage to their fallen comrades . 02:44.612 --> 02:47.169 These ceremonies and color . These 02:47.179 --> 02:49.290 ceremonies add color and pageantry to 02:49.290 --> 02:51.419 military life in the United States . 02:51.429 --> 02:53.096 The foundation of our present 02:53.096 --> 02:55.262 ceremonies was laid by the Continental 02:55.262 --> 02:57.559 Army . Today's ceremony is a reflection 02:57.570 --> 02:59.681 of the procedures practiced since the 02:59.681 --> 03:01.848 dawn of our nation and is derived from 03:01.848 --> 03:04.070 our army's first manual of ceremonies . 03:04.070 --> 03:06.126 The blue book written by General Von 03:06.126 --> 03:09.539 Steuben . The ceremony 03:09.550 --> 03:11.850 includes arrival of the official party 03:12.139 --> 03:14.759 honors to the nation change of command 03:15.270 --> 03:18.169 remarks and conclusion . We hope you 03:18.179 --> 03:19.735 enjoy this historic event . 03:28.169 --> 03:29.836 The Kansas City district is a 03:29.836 --> 03:32.002 multidiscipline district whose area of 03:32.002 --> 03:34.002 responsibility includes portions of 03:34.002 --> 03:36.529 five states to include Iowa , Kansas , 03:36.690 --> 03:39.610 Missouri , Nebraska and Colorado . 03:40.020 --> 03:42.229 Nearly 1000 employees continue the 03:42.240 --> 03:44.407 district's rich history of serving the 03:44.407 --> 03:46.559 army and the nation with technical 03:46.570 --> 03:48.490 excellence , professionalism and 03:48.500 --> 03:51.300 integrity . The Kansas City district 03:51.750 --> 03:53.919 supports the military by engineering , 03:54.020 --> 03:55.964 constructing facilities around the 03:55.964 --> 03:58.131 globe in support of national defense , 03:58.131 --> 04:00.298 clean up environmentally damaged sites 04:00.298 --> 04:02.300 across the nation and manage water 04:02.309 --> 04:04.087 resources throughout the region 04:04.679 --> 04:06.790 throughout the Missouri river basin . 04:06.790 --> 04:08.957 The district helps maintain navigation 04:08.957 --> 04:11.123 channels , manage flood risk , restore 04:11.123 --> 04:13.059 ecosystems , provide recreation 04:13.070 --> 04:15.940 opportunities , produces hydropower and 04:15.949 --> 04:18.005 maintains and supplies quality water 04:18.010 --> 04:20.979 for irrigation and municipal use . The 04:20.989 --> 04:22.822 men and women of the Kansas city 04:22.822 --> 04:24.933 district respond in times of disaster 04:24.959 --> 04:27.126 and volunteer to serve in times of war 04:27.126 --> 04:28.989 and peace ensuring essential 04:28.998 --> 04:31.839 infrastructure is available . They 04:31.850 --> 04:34.072 ensure all these programs are delivered 04:34.072 --> 04:36.559 for the region and the nation . The 04:36.570 --> 04:38.792 people of the Kansas city district have 04:38.792 --> 04:40.959 served this nation diligently for more 04:40.959 --> 04:43.014 than 117 years . And we are proud to 04:43.014 --> 04:47.000 host today's event . The official party 04:47.010 --> 04:49.177 for today's change of Command ceremony 04:49.177 --> 04:51.010 includes the reviewing officer , 04:51.010 --> 04:53.066 Brigadier General , William Hannon , 04:53.066 --> 04:54.899 who is the northwestern division 04:54.899 --> 04:56.454 commander . The division is 04:56.454 --> 04:58.510 headquartered out of Portland Oregon 04:58.510 --> 05:00.566 and has a regional office in Omaha , 05:00.566 --> 05:02.566 Nebraska , Brigadier General Hannon 05:02.566 --> 05:04.559 directs all U A civil military and 05:04.570 --> 05:06.570 environmental activities in an area 05:06.570 --> 05:08.237 encompassing a quarter of the 05:08.237 --> 05:11.010 continental United States . We also 05:11.019 --> 05:13.186 have Colonel Travis Rafield , outgoing 05:13.186 --> 05:15.019 commander Kansas City District , 05:15.019 --> 05:17.339 Colonel Andrew Nee Warner , incoming 05:17.350 --> 05:19.628 commander for the Kansas City district . 05:19.628 --> 05:21.406 And Mr Brian Smith , the deputy 05:21.406 --> 05:23.350 district engineer for programs and 05:23.350 --> 05:26.260 project management . Ladies and 05:26.269 --> 05:28.679 gentlemen , please rise for the , for 05:28.690 --> 05:30.801 the arrival of the official party and 05:30.801 --> 05:32.134 the playing of honors . 06:21.589 --> 06:23.769 Music for today's ceremony is provided 06:23.779 --> 06:25.779 by the first Infantry division band 06:25.779 --> 06:27.709 quintet from Fort Riley Kansas . 06:32.519 --> 06:34.408 Presenting today's colors are the 06:34.408 --> 06:36.630 Kansas City District Park Rangers . The 06:36.630 --> 06:38.852 Park Ranger color guard conducts honors 06:38.852 --> 06:40.686 and ceremonies for distinguished 06:40.686 --> 06:43.019 persons , changes of command ceremonies , 06:43.019 --> 06:44.809 civilian programs , parades and 06:44.820 --> 06:48.380 celebrations . Mm . Oh , 06:50.079 --> 06:51.720 all right . Thanks 06:54.290 --> 06:57.019 there , brother . No colors 06:58.649 --> 07:00.230 about face 07:03.459 --> 07:04.429 that off . 08:25.149 --> 08:26.149 Oh , 08:30.649 --> 08:33.059 they both , both the killers , 08:34.289 --> 08:37.950 right ? Thanks over 08:38.619 --> 08:40.900 us . I I , 08:43.000 --> 08:46.348 that , that , that , that , 08:48.030 --> 08:50.450 that's , that's , that's 08:52.099 --> 08:56.070 left , left , left group . Oh , 08:57.619 --> 08:58.770 right pa 09:01.270 --> 09:02.010 reading . 09:05.340 --> 09:05.630 Oh , 09:10.849 --> 09:14.619 right . Thanks or 09:14.840 --> 09:17.559 art . Let's , let's , 09:20.280 --> 09:22.739 let's , let's let's 09:24.469 --> 09:25.799 that , that , that 09:28.510 --> 09:30.566 ladies and gentlemen , please remain 09:30.566 --> 09:32.621 standing for the invitation given by 09:32.621 --> 09:34.621 chaplain Andrew Muhlenberg from the 09:34.621 --> 09:36.677 Combined Arms Doctrine , Directorate 09:36.677 --> 09:38.843 Mission Command Center of Excellence . 09:38.843 --> 09:42.820 Fort Leavenworth , Kansas , please bow 09:42.830 --> 09:45.169 your heads and pray with me . Dear Lord . 09:45.179 --> 09:47.401 I thank you for this day . You've given 09:47.401 --> 09:49.401 us for this occasion that we gather 09:49.401 --> 09:51.401 together to celebrate the tenure of 09:51.401 --> 09:51.349 Colonel Rayfield at the US Army Corps 09:51.359 --> 09:53.470 of Engineers , Kansas City District . 09:53.470 --> 09:55.637 We are grateful for the support of his 09:55.637 --> 09:57.748 wife , Betsy , their Children , Alden 09:57.748 --> 09:59.248 and Eliza , as well as the 09:59.248 --> 10:01.359 steadfastness and honor with which he 10:01.359 --> 10:03.303 has led this organization . Please 10:03.303 --> 10:03.229 bless them all as he transitions out of 10:03.239 --> 10:05.619 command . As we welcome Colonel Niew 10:05.710 --> 10:07.932 Warner to the organization , we ask for 10:07.932 --> 10:10.043 a blessing on him , his wife , Kara , 10:10.043 --> 10:12.154 their Children , Jack and effi we are 10:12.154 --> 10:14.210 grateful for the dedication and hard 10:14.210 --> 10:16.321 work that has led up to this moment , 10:16.321 --> 10:16.289 preparing him them all for this season 10:16.299 --> 10:18.188 of command . Grant him strength , 10:18.188 --> 10:20.243 tenacity and endurance . As he leads 10:20.243 --> 10:22.077 this organization as we open the 10:22.077 --> 10:24.132 ceremony , remind us of our brothers 10:24.132 --> 10:26.188 and sisters in harm's way around the 10:26.188 --> 10:28.299 world . Continue to grant them safety 10:28.299 --> 10:30.466 and favor be with all who join us here 10:30.466 --> 10:29.950 today in your name . Amen . 10:35.409 --> 10:36.465 Please be seated . 10:40.719 --> 10:41.719 Mhm . 10:48.669 --> 10:50.725 The men and women of the Kansas City 10:50.725 --> 10:52.558 District would like to take this 10:52.558 --> 10:54.502 opportunity to express our sincere 10:54.502 --> 10:56.447 thanks and appreciation to Colonel 10:56.447 --> 10:58.225 Rayfield , his wife , Betsy and 10:58.225 --> 11:01.590 Children , Eliza and Alden . Thank you 11:01.599 --> 11:03.710 for the love and support necessary to 11:03.710 --> 11:06.043 help Colonel Rayfield through this time . 11:06.043 --> 11:05.900 As the commander of the Kansas City 11:05.909 --> 11:08.039 District , we are grateful to you for 11:08.049 --> 11:10.219 having shared him with us and you have 11:10.229 --> 11:12.359 our best wishes for the future . A 11:12.450 --> 11:14.172 bouquet of red roses are being 11:14.172 --> 11:16.339 presented to Betsy along with a single 11:16.339 --> 11:18.440 red rose to Eliza by Captain Molly 11:18.450 --> 11:20.590 Slattery project manager with the 11:20.599 --> 11:22.840 Kansas City District . The Red Rose 11:22.849 --> 11:25.229 sign signifies the bond of loyalty and 11:25.239 --> 11:27.350 affection between the command and the 11:27.350 --> 11:29.461 commander's spouse and to signify the 11:29.461 --> 11:31.295 sorrow at her departure from the 11:31.295 --> 11:33.350 command . Their Children , Eliza and 11:33.350 --> 11:35.128 Alden are receiving Kansas City 11:35.128 --> 11:37.017 district coins and pins for their 11:37.017 --> 11:36.630 support . 11:46.219 --> 11:48.275 The men and women of the Kansas City 11:48.275 --> 11:50.386 district would also like to take this 11:50.386 --> 11:52.275 opportunity to welcome MS Kara Ni 11:52.275 --> 11:54.386 Warner to the Kansas City District by 11:54.386 --> 11:56.219 presenting her with a bouquet of 11:56.219 --> 11:57.997 flowers . The flowers are being 11:57.997 --> 12:00.108 presented by Chief Warrant Officer to 12:00.108 --> 12:02.330 Derek Liebenstein project engineer with 12:02.330 --> 12:04.497 the Kansas City district . The bouquet 12:04.497 --> 12:04.460 consists of yellow rosebuds to 12:04.469 --> 12:06.580 symbolize a new chapter in the Kansas 12:06.580 --> 12:08.802 City district with Colonel Nee Warner's 12:08.802 --> 12:10.979 arrival in time , Miss Nee Warner's 12:10.989 --> 12:13.070 flowers will bloom as will her 12:13.080 --> 12:14.913 relationship with the soldiers , 12:14.913 --> 12:16.969 civilians and families of the Kansas 12:16.969 --> 12:17.969 City district . 12:26.419 --> 12:28.419 The change of command ceremony is a 12:28.419 --> 12:30.419 traditional event that is rich with 12:30.419 --> 12:32.419 symbolism and heritage . Key to the 12:32.419 --> 12:34.530 ceremony is the passing of the unit's 12:34.530 --> 12:36.530 colors . These colors represent not 12:36.530 --> 12:38.752 only the lineage and honors of the unit 12:38.752 --> 12:41.059 but also the loyalty and the unity of 12:41.070 --> 12:43.750 its soldiers and civilians . The colors 12:45.169 --> 12:47.502 are the commander's symbol of authority , 12:47.502 --> 12:49.558 representing his responsibilities to 12:49.558 --> 12:51.780 the organization wherever the commander 12:51.780 --> 12:53.836 is the colors are there . Also the U 12:53.836 --> 12:55.891 say colors are scarlet , symbolizing 12:55.891 --> 12:58.113 our shared heritage with army artillery 12:58.113 --> 13:00.225 and white . The original color of the 13:00.225 --> 13:02.002 infantry symbolizing the core's 13:02.002 --> 13:04.280 secondary mission to fight as infantry . 13:04.280 --> 13:06.502 Historically , the colors have visually 13:06.502 --> 13:08.669 signified the leader's presence on the 13:08.669 --> 13:10.780 battlefield . The official party will 13:10.780 --> 13:12.613 now take their positions for the 13:12.613 --> 13:13.836 passing of the colors 13:17.390 --> 13:19.612 throughout history . Commanders ensured 13:19.612 --> 13:21.834 their unit flags were carried by one of 13:21.834 --> 13:23.779 their most trusted officers . This 13:23.779 --> 13:25.946 practice was used in the United States 13:25.946 --> 13:28.057 Army until 1813 when regulations were 13:28.057 --> 13:30.168 changed and the flag was entrusted to 13:30.168 --> 13:32.223 the color sergeants or , or sergeant 13:32.223 --> 13:34.057 majors for the corps of engineer 13:34.057 --> 13:35.946 divisions and districts . Today , 13:35.946 --> 13:37.946 commanders choose one of their most 13:37.946 --> 13:40.001 trusted civilian advisors to perform 13:40.001 --> 13:42.190 this honor . Today , Mr Brian Smith , 13:42.200 --> 13:44.311 deputy district engineer for programs 13:44.311 --> 13:46.422 and project management and the senior 13:46.422 --> 13:48.644 Kansas city district civilian will have 13:48.644 --> 13:49.756 this honored role . 14:04.349 --> 14:06.405 The passing of the colors symbolizes 14:06.405 --> 14:08.627 the transfer of authority from outgoing 14:08.627 --> 14:10.849 commander to incoming commander because 14:10.849 --> 14:12.738 the reverence the commander feels 14:12.738 --> 14:14.849 towards the colors . The flag is kept 14:14.849 --> 14:17.016 over their heart during the transfer . 14:17.016 --> 14:19.182 The passing of the colors demonstrates 14:19.182 --> 14:21.238 to the soldiers and civilians of the 14:21.238 --> 14:23.293 organization . The old commander has 14:23.293 --> 14:25.460 passed the mantle of leadership to the 14:25.460 --> 14:27.571 new commander . With this also passes 14:27.571 --> 14:29.793 the loyalty of the workforce to the new 14:29.793 --> 14:31.516 commander by authority of army 14:31.516 --> 14:34.200 regulations 600-20 paragraph 2-5 . The 14:34.210 --> 14:36.432 undersign assumes command of the Kansas 14:36.432 --> 14:38.154 City district US Army Corps of 14:38.154 --> 14:41.909 Engineers effective 25 July 2024 signed 14:41.919 --> 14:44.141 Andrew T Ne Warner Colonel commanding , 15:22.380 --> 15:24.213 ladies and gentlemen , Brigadier 15:24.213 --> 15:26.039 General , William Hanen Jr 15:34.849 --> 15:37.016 Wow , what , what a great day , what a 15:37.016 --> 15:39.182 great turnout . You know , I just want 15:39.182 --> 15:41.293 to start by saying , you know , three 15:41.293 --> 15:43.238 years ago . I said goodbye to this 15:43.238 --> 15:45.799 amazing organization as soldiers . We 15:45.809 --> 15:47.976 never know where we're gonna return to 15:47.976 --> 15:50.198 some of our previous stomping grounds . 15:50.330 --> 15:52.479 I can honestly say myself serving as 15:52.489 --> 15:54.600 commander of Kansas City District was 15:54.600 --> 15:56.489 one of the best experiences in my 15:56.489 --> 15:58.378 career . It's great to be back in 15:58.378 --> 16:01.039 Kansas City , really to see so many 16:01.049 --> 16:04.059 familiar faces . And uh just thanks for 16:04.070 --> 16:07.669 the warm welcome , distinguished guests , 16:07.679 --> 16:09.735 community leaders , commanders , and 16:09.735 --> 16:11.957 members of the Ray Field , and E Warner 16:11.957 --> 16:13.957 families , people of the mighty nwk 16:13.957 --> 16:15.957 workforce and friends of the Kansas 16:15.957 --> 16:18.429 City district . Good morning . Today is 16:18.440 --> 16:20.329 a great day to be in the Corps of 16:20.329 --> 16:22.496 Engineers . Now , before I get too far 16:22.496 --> 16:24.273 into this , this speech to , to 16:24.273 --> 16:26.384 recognize some folks , did you notice 16:26.384 --> 16:28.496 how hard it was for me to get the the 16:28.496 --> 16:30.773 colors out of Colonel Rayfield s hands , 16:30.773 --> 16:32.884 you know , he did not want to give up 16:32.884 --> 16:34.884 command and that just shows you how 16:34.884 --> 16:36.996 much he cared about this district and 16:36.996 --> 16:36.599 how much he cared about this command . 16:36.609 --> 16:38.720 But it wa it was a struggle for me to 16:38.720 --> 16:40.665 get those to , to continue in that 16:40.665 --> 16:42.776 ceremony . So uh it's , it's truly an 16:42.776 --> 16:44.998 honor to stand before you today on this 16:44.998 --> 16:46.998 significant occasion as we mark the 16:46.998 --> 16:49.220 change of command for this , this great 16:49.220 --> 16:51.331 district . And you know , really what 16:51.331 --> 16:53.229 is a change of command without an 16:53.239 --> 16:56.000 invocation , a color guard , an amazing 16:56.010 --> 16:57.954 band . So I just want to thank the 16:57.954 --> 17:00.270 chaplain that emotional filled prayer . 17:00.559 --> 17:02.503 Thanks to the honor guard from the 17:02.503 --> 17:04.726 district's natural resource community . 17:04.726 --> 17:06.837 It's great to see you again as well . 17:06.837 --> 17:09.170 And to the first Infantry Division Band , 17:09.170 --> 17:11.281 uh your harmonies and melodies really 17:11.281 --> 17:13.503 set the tone for this event . How about 17:13.503 --> 17:13.469 a round of applause for the , for those 17:13.479 --> 17:14.479 individuals ? 17:20.869 --> 17:23.091 First and foremost , I , I wanna extend 17:23.091 --> 17:25.270 a really warm welcome to all that have 17:25.280 --> 17:27.113 joined us today , but especially 17:27.113 --> 17:29.169 recognize the family , starting with 17:29.169 --> 17:31.339 the Rafield family , uh Travis , his 17:31.349 --> 17:33.729 wife , Betsy and their Children , Eliza 17:33.739 --> 17:36.989 and Alden . So down there . So uh next , 17:37.000 --> 17:38.889 I want to recognize the ne the Ne 17:38.889 --> 17:40.889 Warner family , his wife , Cara and 17:40.889 --> 17:43.111 their Children , Jack and , and Effie , 17:43.111 --> 17:45.111 who I think is in camp today but is 17:45.111 --> 17:47.333 here , is here in spirit . And then I'd 17:47.333 --> 17:49.389 also like to recognize all the other 17:49.389 --> 17:48.900 family members and a lot of them are 17:48.910 --> 17:50.966 sitting down right here in the front 17:50.966 --> 17:53.299 row and friends of both Travis and Andy , 17:53.299 --> 17:55.354 many traveling from out of town that 17:55.354 --> 17:57.577 are attending today . So , so thank you 17:57.577 --> 17:59.410 and , and a warm welcome here to 17:59.410 --> 18:01.632 Northwestern Division and to the Kansas 18:01.632 --> 18:04.589 City District . This ceremony is a 18:04.599 --> 18:06.488 vital tradition in our military , 18:06.500 --> 18:08.920 symbolizing the continuity of command 18:09.140 --> 18:11.500 and seamless transition of leadership 18:11.510 --> 18:13.566 within our ranks . I'd like to thank 18:13.566 --> 18:15.839 our host , the staff of the Kansas City 18:15.849 --> 18:17.905 District . We all know an event like 18:17.905 --> 18:20.071 this can't happen without the tireless 18:20.071 --> 18:21.905 and dedicated effort from people 18:21.905 --> 18:24.209 working behind the scenes to make this 18:24.219 --> 18:26.330 a first class event . Let's also give 18:26.339 --> 18:28.172 them a big round of applause for 18:28.172 --> 18:29.728 everyone who worked on this 18:36.319 --> 18:38.699 as our military protects our citizens 18:38.709 --> 18:41.109 and serves our nation in many roles . 18:41.119 --> 18:43.175 We expect much from our commanders , 18:43.175 --> 18:45.489 our service members , our civilians and 18:45.500 --> 18:47.667 their families . The mission of the US 18:47.667 --> 18:49.778 Army Corps of Engineers is to deliver 18:49.778 --> 18:51.589 vital engineering solutions in 18:51.599 --> 18:53.989 collaboration with our partners to 18:54.000 --> 18:56.260 secure our nation , energize our 18:56.270 --> 18:59.500 economy and red reduce disaster risk . 19:00.180 --> 19:02.479 It is the 43 U A districts across the 19:02.489 --> 19:04.959 nine divisions that drive mission 19:04.969 --> 19:08.119 success and achieve results . I like to 19:08.130 --> 19:10.130 call districts like the Kansas city 19:10.130 --> 19:11.963 district , our center of gravity 19:12.709 --> 19:14.876 districts especially they're amazing . 19:14.876 --> 19:16.765 People execute projects , operate 19:16.765 --> 19:18.931 facilities and deliver services at the 19:18.931 --> 19:21.153 point of need for our communities , our 19:21.153 --> 19:23.400 army and our nation . The Kansas city 19:23.410 --> 19:25.354 district established in 1907 has a 19:25.354 --> 19:27.577 proud history of engineering excellence 19:27.577 --> 19:29.688 and dedicated service to the nation . 19:30.109 --> 19:32.109 Over the decades , the district has 19:32.109 --> 19:34.387 played a pivotal role in flood control , 19:34.387 --> 19:36.553 navigation , environmental stewardship 19:36.553 --> 19:38.442 and military construction . Their 19:38.442 --> 19:40.553 projects such as the construction and 19:40.553 --> 19:42.776 maintenance of dams like Truman Dam and 19:42.776 --> 19:44.609 the management efforts along the 19:44.609 --> 19:46.498 Missouri , Kansas and Osage river 19:46.498 --> 19:48.609 basins have significantly contributed 19:48.619 --> 19:50.780 to regional and national prosperity . 19:51.689 --> 19:53.709 This district does not execute that 19:53.719 --> 19:55.941 critical mission set alone . They are a 19:55.941 --> 19:57.941 team of teams with partners include 19:57.941 --> 20:00.219 federal organizations like Fema region , 20:00.219 --> 20:02.579 seven state and many local governments 20:02.589 --> 20:04.589 in Kansas , Missouri , Iowa and 20:04.599 --> 20:07.979 Nebraska . Five military installations 20:08.770 --> 20:11.449 18 lakes and the many rivers and 20:11.459 --> 20:13.640 tributaries throughout the region . It 20:13.650 --> 20:15.372 also includes a very important 20:15.372 --> 20:17.849 construction industry and its sister 20:17.859 --> 20:19.803 districts here in the Northwestern 20:19.803 --> 20:21.859 Division . And that's just to name a 20:21.859 --> 20:24.540 few really everything Kansas City 20:24.689 --> 20:27.079 executes are with these amazing 20:27.089 --> 20:30.819 partners . Today we recognize 20:31.010 --> 20:33.232 and honor the outstanding leadership of 20:33.232 --> 20:35.399 Colonel Travis Rafield . His tenure in 20:35.399 --> 20:37.609 the Kansas City District has achieved 20:37.619 --> 20:40.540 remarkable milestones . His strategic 20:40.550 --> 20:43.819 vision dedication emphasis on values 20:43.829 --> 20:45.718 such as innovation , teamwork and 20:45.718 --> 20:47.940 resilience . Not only have driven these 20:47.940 --> 20:50.540 successes but also laid a robust 20:50.550 --> 20:54.050 foundation for future endeavors . Since 20:54.060 --> 20:57.010 taking command in 2021 Colonel Rayfield 20:57.020 --> 20:59.131 has remained committed to taking care 20:59.131 --> 21:01.131 of the workforce and developing the 21:01.131 --> 21:03.187 next generation of usa leaders . His 21:03.187 --> 21:05.242 command started in the middle of the 21:05.242 --> 21:07.409 COVID COVID-19 pandemic which required 21:07.409 --> 21:10.119 the workplace to evolve . During 21:10.130 --> 21:12.074 Colonel Redfield's command work on 21:12.074 --> 21:14.297 three mega projects . The next National 21:14.297 --> 21:16.463 Geospatial Intelligence Agency , Saint 21:16.463 --> 21:18.630 Louis headquarters , the Fort Leonwood 21:18.630 --> 21:20.630 Hospital and the Kansas City levees 21:20.630 --> 21:22.352 project have continued to make 21:22.352 --> 21:24.408 significant progress . Despite those 21:24.408 --> 21:26.574 challenges a lot . During the COVID-19 21:26.574 --> 21:28.670 pandemic , these mega projects will 21:28.680 --> 21:30.847 have a significant economic , military 21:30.847 --> 21:32.847 and national security impact on the 21:32.847 --> 21:35.910 region and the nation . The Kansas city 21:35.920 --> 21:37.864 district also remains committed to 21:37.864 --> 21:39.809 delivering quality products to its 21:39.809 --> 21:41.864 customers . Under Colonel Redfield's 21:41.864 --> 21:43.753 command , the district successful 21:43.753 --> 21:45.587 successfully passed the iso 9001 21:45.587 --> 21:47.753 recertification . A certification it's 21:47.753 --> 21:50.829 held since 2002 . Despite increased 21:50.839 --> 21:53.006 numbers of personal actions across the 21:53.006 --> 21:54.728 district it has maintained its 21:54.728 --> 21:56.950 reputation as a trusted partner focused 21:56.950 --> 21:59.061 on strengthening teams and completing 21:59.061 --> 22:01.089 the mission . As Commander Colonel 22:01.099 --> 22:03.155 Rayfield has prioritized maintaining 22:03.155 --> 22:05.377 unity of effort on the Missouri River , 22:05.377 --> 22:07.599 a vital resource to the region , nation 22:07.599 --> 22:09.821 and global economy . The Missouri River 22:09.821 --> 22:11.766 has suffered historic flooding and 22:11.766 --> 22:14.069 historic drought in the same span of 22:14.079 --> 22:16.209 the of the past five years , the 22:16.219 --> 22:18.219 district successfully completed all 22:18.219 --> 22:19.997 immediate repairs from the 2019 22:19.997 --> 22:22.239 flooding while still maintaining 22:22.250 --> 22:24.194 activity on the river's navigation 22:24.194 --> 22:26.083 channel during historic low water 22:26.083 --> 22:28.194 periods , all this work has been done 22:28.194 --> 22:30.439 while simultaneously investing in new 22:30.449 --> 22:32.619 recommendations and implementation 22:32.630 --> 22:34.852 plans for the future improvements along 22:34.852 --> 22:37.140 the river . Colonel Wakefield's 22:37.150 --> 22:39.317 inspiring leadership , tireless work , 22:39.317 --> 22:41.539 ethic , integrity and care for people , 22:41.539 --> 22:43.706 set the conditions for the district to 22:43.706 --> 22:46.199 achieve his vision and his vision was 22:46.209 --> 22:48.431 to proudly serve the Heartland with the 22:48.431 --> 22:51.439 best reputation in U A . Travis . I 22:51.449 --> 22:53.479 congratulate you on an incredibly 22:53.489 --> 22:55.640 successful command as you relinquish 22:55.650 --> 22:57.761 command . You should take great pride 22:57.761 --> 22:59.983 as we are proud of you for a job , very 22:59.983 --> 23:02.206 well done leadership like this deserves 23:02.206 --> 23:04.317 a great round of arad applause . It's 23:04.317 --> 23:05.872 thankful all Travis , great 23:14.150 --> 23:16.560 and that includes the Rafield family as 23:16.569 --> 23:18.791 well because it is a T A team sport and 23:18.791 --> 23:21.550 it takes a lot for uh all of us to be 23:21.560 --> 23:24.089 successful . So Travis extremely well 23:24.099 --> 23:25.988 done . You'll be missed . But I'm 23:25.988 --> 23:27.989 confident in your future . Colonel 23:28.000 --> 23:30.167 Wakefield has decided that Kansas City 23:30.167 --> 23:32.278 is his last stop in his distinguished 23:32.278 --> 23:34.611 army career . After 25 years of service , 23:34.611 --> 23:36.833 he'll retire and take on new pursuits . 23:36.833 --> 23:38.833 I wish you Betsy and the family the 23:38.833 --> 23:41.000 very best in this next chapter of life 23:48.310 --> 23:50.532 as we transition command today , it was 23:50.532 --> 23:52.588 a great confidence that I introduced 23:52.588 --> 23:54.754 Colonel Andy , Ne Ne Warner as the new 23:54.754 --> 23:56.754 commander of Kansas City District . 23:56.754 --> 23:58.921 Andy brings a wealth of experience and 23:58.921 --> 24:00.977 deep commitment to our mission , has 24:00.977 --> 24:00.760 proven leadership and dedication to 24:00.770 --> 24:02.939 excellence , ensure that the district 24:02.949 --> 24:05.171 will continue to thrive and achieve new 24:05.171 --> 24:07.060 heights . Andy , please accept my 24:07.060 --> 24:09.005 personal welcome to this corner of 24:09.005 --> 24:11.005 Northwestern Division . I can truly 24:11.005 --> 24:13.060 attest that this is a great place to 24:13.060 --> 24:15.060 work and live . He brings extensive 24:15.060 --> 24:17.005 experience to Kansas City , having 24:17.005 --> 24:18.727 served in leadership and staff 24:18.727 --> 24:20.449 positions in various stateside 24:20.449 --> 24:22.616 locations as well as Iraq , Israel and 24:22.616 --> 24:24.838 Africa . He has been a planner , an ops 24:24.838 --> 24:27.060 officer , a chief engineer , a military 24:27.060 --> 24:29.282 observer , a training support officer , 24:29.282 --> 24:31.338 executive officer , and commander in 24:31.338 --> 24:33.505 many different roles . Most recently , 24:33.505 --> 24:35.560 he served as a military professor at 24:35.560 --> 24:35.219 the National Security Affairs 24:35.229 --> 24:37.459 Department at the Naval War College 24:38.589 --> 24:40.645 originally from Norfolk , Nebraska , 24:40.645 --> 24:42.533 not too far down the road . Uh He 24:42.533 --> 24:44.589 received his commission in 2000 as a 24:44.589 --> 24:46.756 graduate of the University of Nebraska 24:46.756 --> 24:48.589 and also has master's degrees in 24:48.589 --> 24:50.700 administration and public policy from 24:50.700 --> 24:52.533 Central Michigan and in national 24:52.533 --> 24:54.478 security studies from the Navy War 24:54.478 --> 24:56.770 College can only Warner as you assume 24:56.780 --> 24:58.780 command know that you have the full 24:58.780 --> 25:00.947 support and confidence of the team and 25:00.947 --> 25:03.113 higher command together , you and your 25:03.113 --> 25:05.224 team will continue to uphold the high 25:05.224 --> 25:05.199 standards of excellence that are the 25:05.209 --> 25:07.042 hallmark of the US Army Corps of 25:07.042 --> 25:10.560 Engineers . Finally , let me recognize 25:10.569 --> 25:13.369 the mighty Kansas City district and its 25:13.380 --> 25:15.459 people . Your professionalism and 25:15.469 --> 25:17.469 dedication are the bedrock of su of 25:17.469 --> 25:19.790 success . I am confident that under and 25:19.800 --> 25:21.969 Andy's leadership , you will continue 25:21.979 --> 25:24.959 to achieve great things . Thank you all 25:24.969 --> 25:26.858 for being here today and for your 25:26.858 --> 25:28.802 ongoing support of the Kansas City 25:28.802 --> 25:30.525 District and the Army Corps of 25:30.525 --> 25:32.636 Engineers together , we will continue 25:32.636 --> 25:34.580 to serve our nation with pride and 25:34.580 --> 25:37.180 excellence building strong . S A ons be 25:37.189 --> 25:38.189 all you can be . 25:49.339 --> 25:51.450 Ladies and gentlemen , Colonel Travis 25:51.450 --> 25:53.395 Rayfield , former commander of the 25:53.395 --> 25:53.260 Kansas City District 26:00.780 --> 26:02.979 General Hans for thanks for uh hosting 26:02.989 --> 26:04.760 this change campaign today and 26:04.770 --> 26:06.826 celebrating those that put the event 26:06.826 --> 26:08.826 together already . I just echo your 26:08.826 --> 26:11.048 sentiments . There's a lot of work that 26:11.048 --> 26:13.048 went into putting this together and 26:13.048 --> 26:15.214 it's a really is a good morning and it 26:15.214 --> 26:14.810 is a great time to be a member of the 26:14.819 --> 26:16.986 Kansas City District even if you're in 26:16.986 --> 26:19.300 alone . Um I'm a distinguished guests 26:19.310 --> 26:21.643 and fellow district commanders . I it's , 26:21.643 --> 26:23.477 it's a privilege to have all the 26:23.477 --> 26:25.699 district commanders come in from across 26:25.699 --> 26:27.754 the region here today . I appreciate 26:27.754 --> 26:27.260 the opportunity to share some of our 26:27.270 --> 26:29.437 successes . Thank you for joining us . 26:29.569 --> 26:31.791 And I also just got to say a little bit 26:31.791 --> 26:34.013 about where we are in the World War One 26:34.013 --> 26:35.958 memorial , what a great and iconic 26:35.958 --> 26:38.013 landmark for this event . Uh In this 26:38.013 --> 26:40.013 memorial , it's here to serve those 26:40.013 --> 26:42.180 that were in the war to end all wars . 26:42.180 --> 26:42.020 And a monument marking the creation of 26:42.030 --> 26:44.197 the first infantry division . It's the 26:44.197 --> 26:46.419 oldest continuously serving division in 26:46.419 --> 26:48.474 the US army known as the big red one 26:48.474 --> 26:50.752 and represented by our band here today . 26:50.752 --> 26:53.030 Uh As you can see on my right shoulder , 26:53.030 --> 26:52.939 having deployed with the big red one 26:52.949 --> 26:55.060 and knowing that their first medal of 26:55.060 --> 26:57.227 honor recipient was an engineer . This 26:57.227 --> 26:59.449 venue has special meaning to me today . 26:59.449 --> 27:01.616 Um But it's also bittersweet . Uh This 27:01.616 --> 27:03.393 ceremony marks my last official 27:03.393 --> 27:05.505 function uh as a district commander . 27:05.505 --> 27:07.727 And there are many people who have made 27:07.727 --> 27:09.893 my time here successful , some of whom 27:09.893 --> 27:09.719 are in the room today . And I want to 27:09.729 --> 27:11.951 take a moment to say thanks to a few of 27:11.951 --> 27:14.118 you . I won't get to everyone first to 27:14.118 --> 27:16.062 all the mighty districts uh mighty 27:16.062 --> 27:18.173 can't city district employees . Thank 27:18.173 --> 27:20.340 you . Thank you for putting your trust 27:20.340 --> 27:22.396 in me as a leader . I needed that to 27:22.396 --> 27:24.562 the leadership of USA and Northwestern 27:24.562 --> 27:24.250 Division . Uh Thank you for giving me 27:24.260 --> 27:26.371 this opportunity . I appreciated it . 27:26.371 --> 27:28.538 And as a reimbursable federal agency , 27:28.540 --> 27:30.762 I also want to thank all of our federal 27:30.762 --> 27:32.651 state and local agency partners , 27:32.651 --> 27:34.651 Nongovernmental partners are in the 27:34.651 --> 27:36.262 room . Um Whether you have a 27:36.262 --> 27:36.050 partnership with the district or a 27:36.060 --> 27:38.116 personal relationship with me , your 27:38.116 --> 27:40.282 support of the U A mission and my time 27:40.282 --> 27:42.282 as a commander was important to our 27:42.282 --> 27:44.504 collective successes . So thank you and 27:44.504 --> 27:46.393 most importantly to my family and 27:46.393 --> 27:49.459 friends . Thank you to do this job . Um 27:49.699 --> 27:52.319 I need your support to balance physical 27:52.329 --> 27:54.385 health , nutritional health , mental 27:54.385 --> 27:56.607 health , spiritual health , to keep the 27:56.607 --> 27:58.718 titles of Colonel , husband and dad . 27:58.718 --> 28:00.885 Um Your unconditional love and support 28:00.885 --> 28:03.051 have been invaluable , not just during 28:03.051 --> 28:05.273 to my time as a commander of the Kansas 28:05.273 --> 28:07.329 City District , but really across my 28:07.329 --> 28:09.329 entire military career , I couldn't 28:09.329 --> 28:08.810 have done any of this without you and 28:08.819 --> 28:10.541 keep me grounded with a strong 28:10.541 --> 28:12.541 foundation and family and God uh is 28:12.541 --> 28:14.708 important . So I'd be remiss without a 28:14.708 --> 28:16.875 public thanks to Betsy Eliza and Alden 28:16.875 --> 28:16.630 for being on the stream . So thank you . 28:25.979 --> 28:28.201 And as many of , you know , three years 28:28.201 --> 28:30.257 ago , then Colonel Hannen passed the 28:30.257 --> 28:32.368 colors to me in a similar ceremony uh 28:32.368 --> 28:34.368 to have him here with us today as a 28:34.368 --> 28:36.368 reviewing officer . That's a unique 28:36.368 --> 28:38.479 honor . Not everyone gets to have the 28:38.479 --> 28:37.670 colors passed by the person who gave 28:37.680 --> 28:39.979 them to him . And so as I was coming in 28:39.989 --> 28:42.100 and working on a speech , many of you 28:42.100 --> 28:44.211 have asked uh what are you most proud 28:44.211 --> 28:46.378 of in your time in command ? And to be 28:46.378 --> 28:48.489 honest , in answering this question , 28:48.489 --> 28:50.600 there's a lot , uh I've worked with a 28:50.600 --> 28:50.180 lot of great people . So I'm gonna try 28:50.189 --> 28:52.449 to limit my response to a few things 28:52.459 --> 28:54.403 and be respectful to the time that 28:54.403 --> 28:56.570 you've given us , I think the schedule 28:56.570 --> 28:59.550 set for about an hour . Um So 28:59.719 --> 29:02.050 first , I didn't sign up for this job 29:02.060 --> 29:04.004 because I wanted to lead through a 29:04.004 --> 29:06.227 global pandemic . Uh But those were the 29:06.227 --> 29:08.338 circumstances I faced 30 days after I 29:08.338 --> 29:10.393 took command uh where they said with 29:10.393 --> 29:12.616 the Delta variant , we needed to really 29:12.616 --> 29:12.140 close things up . So I made some hard 29:12.150 --> 29:14.206 calls from leadership standpoint and 29:14.206 --> 29:16.428 those hard calls have enabled us to set 29:16.428 --> 29:18.372 the conditions to partner , well , 29:18.372 --> 29:20.428 collaborate , communicate and remain 29:20.428 --> 29:20.420 committed to completing the mission 29:20.430 --> 29:23.469 today . Um But I couldn't make those 29:23.479 --> 29:25.890 decisions and make those um leadership 29:25.900 --> 29:27.733 choices without the support of a 29:27.733 --> 29:29.844 wonderful corporate board and leaders 29:29.844 --> 29:31.900 beneath me that really supported and 29:31.900 --> 29:33.900 really helped me navigate some very 29:33.900 --> 29:36.067 difficult challenges . And so second , 29:36.369 --> 29:38.591 uh beyond the people and the leadership 29:38.591 --> 29:40.989 through COVID , I'm very proud of the 29:41.000 --> 29:43.056 amazing work our team completed . Uh 29:43.056 --> 29:45.278 There's too much to discuss in detail , 29:45.278 --> 29:47.389 but please know that the employees of 29:47.389 --> 29:49.611 the mighty Kansas City district have an 29:49.611 --> 29:51.556 unparalleled commitment to the U A 29:51.556 --> 29:51.510 mission and have done a tremendous 29:51.520 --> 29:54.020 amount since I've been here . As be be 29:54.189 --> 29:56.411 General Hannon mentioned , the district 29:56.411 --> 29:58.578 civil works program continued recovery 29:58.578 --> 30:00.689 efforts from the 2019 and 2021 floods 30:00.689 --> 30:02.800 on the Missouri River . This meant we 30:02.800 --> 30:04.745 continue to partner with local loy 30:04.745 --> 30:06.967 districts as many ever represented here 30:06.967 --> 30:09.022 today to rehabilitate dozens of LEPI 30:09.022 --> 30:11.189 systems damaged because of flooding as 30:11.189 --> 30:13.245 evidenced by the floods in late June 30:13.245 --> 30:15.245 and July of just this year . It was 30:15.245 --> 30:14.949 only a matter of time before Mother 30:14.959 --> 30:17.040 Nature casted a vote to test those 30:17.050 --> 30:19.161 repairs . And I'm proud to say in all 30:19.161 --> 30:21.217 the reports to me , Tom the repair , 30:21.217 --> 30:23.383 the repairs held . Uh So thank you and 30:23.383 --> 30:25.161 well done to our levee district 30:25.161 --> 30:27.328 partners and those inside the district 30:27.328 --> 30:29.272 on the Missouri River itself . The 30:29.272 --> 30:31.383 district continued the repair program 30:31.383 --> 30:31.369 for the bank stabilization and 30:31.380 --> 30:33.560 navigation project for you . What does 30:33.569 --> 30:35.736 that mean ? When you drive and see the 30:35.736 --> 30:37.402 Missouri river , there's 5000 30:37.402 --> 30:39.236 individual structures that we're 30:39.236 --> 30:38.800 maintaining out of the Kansas city 30:38.810 --> 30:40.959 district . The district's on schedule 30:40.969 --> 30:43.219 on budget and within 60 per or excuse 30:43.229 --> 30:45.451 me , over 60% complete with a multiyear 30:45.451 --> 30:47.673 effort . Um Pretty excited to see where 30:47.673 --> 30:49.673 the district will be in 2026 . With 30:49.673 --> 30:51.840 these repairs , the navigation channel 30:51.840 --> 30:53.896 on the Missouri River stayed open in 30:53.896 --> 30:56.062 two historically low water river water 30:56.062 --> 30:58.118 years . When you compare that to the 30:58.118 --> 31:00.229 Mississippi River , it's closed twice 31:00.229 --> 31:02.451 in the same tenure . So really proud of 31:02.451 --> 31:04.673 what the team's done here . And another 31:04.673 --> 31:06.729 one that's very visible is our water 31:06.729 --> 31:09.170 resources . We have a record planning 31:09.180 --> 31:11.236 workload in the Kansas City district 31:11.236 --> 31:13.236 and that's really a charge that was 31:13.236 --> 31:15.458 given us to by four governors of Iowa , 31:15.458 --> 31:17.569 Nebraska , Missouri and Kansas to see 31:17.569 --> 31:17.280 if we could do something different from 31:17.290 --> 31:19.760 the 2019 to 21 floods . So this 31:19.770 --> 31:21.937 planning effort , it's still ongoing . 31:21.937 --> 31:24.103 Is requiring to work with partners and 31:24.103 --> 31:26.270 stakeholders to pursue a common vision 31:26.270 --> 31:26.130 for the Missouri River and find 31:26.140 --> 31:28.084 innovative solutions to perhaps do 31:28.084 --> 31:30.307 something better during and after major 31:30.307 --> 31:32.473 flood events . So we're working with a 31:32.473 --> 31:34.362 diverse group of local government 31:34.362 --> 31:36.196 nonprofits like the coalition to 31:36.196 --> 31:38.418 protect the Missouri river and Missouri 31:38.418 --> 31:40.696 associated rivers coalition and others . 31:40.696 --> 31:42.862 I can see in the room as I look out to 31:42.862 --> 31:44.696 state , to government , to state 31:44.696 --> 31:46.696 government , federal government and 31:46.696 --> 31:48.696 respective elected leaders . Uh All 31:48.696 --> 31:50.640 echelons is part of the first mega 31:50.640 --> 31:52.751 general investigation study this side 31:52.751 --> 31:54.973 of the Mississippi . The stay is moving 31:54.973 --> 31:56.973 forward and there's other important 31:56.973 --> 31:59.084 work going on with the spinoffs . But 31:59.084 --> 32:01.196 these efforts and future efforts will 32:01.196 --> 32:00.469 continue to require leadership effort 32:00.479 --> 32:02.646 from all of us in this room today . Uh 32:02.646 --> 32:04.979 And those that may be joining us online , 32:04.979 --> 32:06.757 I remain immensely proud of the 32:06.757 --> 32:08.979 progress our team has made thus far and 32:08.979 --> 32:08.729 I'm confident the vision to do 32:08.739 --> 32:10.795 something different will materialize 32:10.795 --> 32:13.017 and have a lasting impact on the region 32:13.017 --> 32:15.479 for years to come . And so that's just 32:15.489 --> 32:17.545 a little bit about what we've done . 32:17.545 --> 32:19.656 I'm also proud to say the Kansas city 32:19.656 --> 32:21.767 district has led U A and execution of 32:21.767 --> 32:21.630 military International Interagency 32:21.640 --> 32:23.819 Construction and mega projects . Just 32:23.829 --> 32:26.051 in my three years , we awarded almost a 32:26.051 --> 32:27.885 half billion dollars in military 32:27.885 --> 32:29.829 construction contracts . That's in 32:29.829 --> 32:29.819 addition to what's already going on . 32:30.229 --> 32:32.340 And so when you continue to deliver , 32:32.340 --> 32:34.340 you continue to build trust and our 32:34.340 --> 32:36.562 leaders have demonstrated that trust in 32:36.562 --> 32:36.420 the Kansas City district in my tenure . 32:36.589 --> 32:39.329 So I want to say thank you invisibly 32:39.339 --> 32:41.339 our mega projects that General Hans 32:41.339 --> 32:43.506 Hansen uh General Hanen mentioned . Um 32:43.506 --> 32:45.839 or those projects are over $250 million . 32:45.839 --> 32:47.950 They've made significant progress and 32:47.950 --> 32:49.950 Andy , I'm not gonna apologize from 32:49.950 --> 32:49.839 this podium , but they aren't all 32:49.849 --> 32:52.439 complete yet . Um I believe you're 32:52.449 --> 32:54.505 gonna have the honor to declare them 32:54.505 --> 32:56.560 complete in your tenure . Uh And our 32:56.560 --> 32:58.171 end users , our team and our 32:58.171 --> 33:00.393 construction partners want to make sure 33:00.393 --> 33:02.449 we've delivered the right quality in 33:02.449 --> 33:02.170 the facilities we provide . And right 33:02.180 --> 33:04.291 now they're doing that . I'm proud of 33:04.291 --> 33:06.347 what I've seen and I'm proud to hear 33:06.347 --> 33:08.402 when you turn over major portions of 33:08.402 --> 33:10.513 that work in the near future and o on 33:10.513 --> 33:12.624 other business lines , it's a similar 33:12.624 --> 33:14.680 story um in these programs and these 33:14.680 --> 33:16.847 highlights I mentioned they don't just 33:16.847 --> 33:18.847 happen . Uh As I've been in U A for 33:18.847 --> 33:20.958 several years now , I can attest that 33:20.958 --> 33:20.709 it's the employees of the Kansas City 33:20.719 --> 33:22.941 district that have a work ethic that is 33:22.941 --> 33:24.886 unmatched in federal service , our 33:24.886 --> 33:27.219 reputation as a trusted federal partner , 33:27.219 --> 33:29.386 capable of delivering quality projects 33:29.386 --> 33:31.608 on time within budget and safely remain 33:31.608 --> 33:33.719 strong . You'll even noted we started 33:33.719 --> 33:35.775 today a little bit ahead of schedule 33:35.775 --> 33:37.775 and that reputation for maintaining 33:37.775 --> 33:39.997 those three things . It's well deserved 33:39.997 --> 33:39.449 to the many people who work behind the 33:39.459 --> 33:41.515 scenes , whether in support roles or 33:41.515 --> 33:43.681 just technical work that doesn't get a 33:43.681 --> 33:45.626 lot of visibility . That steadfast 33:45.626 --> 33:47.570 dedication to the mission has been 33:47.570 --> 33:47.270 critical to the success of our many 33:47.280 --> 33:50.199 programs and projects as such . Perhaps 33:50.209 --> 33:52.431 that question at the start shouldn't be 33:52.431 --> 33:54.810 what I'm most proud of . Um which many 33:54.819 --> 33:56.875 people have asked me about . Perhaps 33:56.875 --> 33:58.875 the question today should be . What 33:58.875 --> 34:01.097 will I remember ? Uh to that question , 34:01.097 --> 34:03.041 our people and partners will be my 34:03.041 --> 34:05.041 greatest memories . You can go from 34:05.041 --> 34:06.986 when I first came in , we had Jill 34:06.986 --> 34:09.208 freely announced as the program manager 34:09.208 --> 34:08.729 of the year for the nation for the 34:08.739 --> 34:10.795 environmental work she's doing . But 34:10.795 --> 34:12.739 that's really about the team . She 34:12.739 --> 34:14.961 leads congratulating new members of our 34:14.961 --> 34:17.183 LDP cohort like Sandy Cox on Tuesday uh 34:17.183 --> 34:19.406 from real estate and saying that one of 34:19.406 --> 34:21.350 the reasons she chose to do LDP is 34:21.350 --> 34:21.218 because how we restarted the program in 34:21.229 --> 34:23.688 Kansas City . Um Having discussions 34:23.698 --> 34:25.754 with leaders like Ryan Smith up here 34:25.754 --> 34:27.698 today on how to enable our team to 34:27.698 --> 34:29.754 execute better or seeing people like 34:29.754 --> 34:31.865 Bill Morrison recognized as the trade 34:31.865 --> 34:31.039 person of the year at the Greater 34:31.049 --> 34:32.716 Kansas City's Public Employee 34:32.716 --> 34:34.716 Recognition Day or interacting with 34:34.716 --> 34:36.660 many of you at a public ball uh or 34:36.660 --> 34:38.771 engaging partners uh towards a common 34:38.771 --> 34:40.827 goal . Um You all have created great 34:40.827 --> 34:42.716 memories for me , of great people 34:42.716 --> 34:44.605 coming together to deliver on our 34:44.605 --> 34:46.771 mission so that I owe you thanks , you 34:46.771 --> 34:48.716 made it . So I love coming to work 34:48.716 --> 34:50.827 every day , engaging a group of Frank 34:50.827 --> 34:52.993 and pragmatic civil servants or trying 34:52.993 --> 34:52.010 to make a positive impact for our 34:52.020 --> 34:54.353 partners , our community and our nation . 34:54.353 --> 34:56.520 So thank you for making the last three 34:56.520 --> 34:58.576 years as your commander and district 34:58.576 --> 34:58.389 engineer , a highlight of my career . 34:58.860 --> 35:00.939 So in hindsight , as I reflected on 35:00.949 --> 35:02.838 this speech and what makes me the 35:02.838 --> 35:04.949 proudest ? It's those memories of the 35:04.949 --> 35:06.782 people that I'll be able to tell 35:06.782 --> 35:08.893 members of my family , people I go to 35:08.893 --> 35:11.116 church with and others that know me . I 35:11.116 --> 35:10.689 spent the last 10% of my military 35:10.699 --> 35:12.810 career centered by people aspiring to 35:12.810 --> 35:14.699 be great and not settling for the 35:14.699 --> 35:17.032 mediocre . That's a rare feat . And hey , 35:17.032 --> 35:19.143 thanks for having me on that team and 35:19.143 --> 35:21.199 for the mighty Kan City district and 35:21.199 --> 35:23.032 now your amazing partners in the 35:23.032 --> 35:25.088 Heartland . I look forward to seeing 35:25.088 --> 35:27.310 the incredible things you will continue 35:27.310 --> 35:26.830 to do in the future . As you welcome 35:26.840 --> 35:29.790 Colonel Ni Warner and his family and to 35:29.800 --> 35:31.856 assume the role of the 49th district 35:31.856 --> 35:33.633 commander and engineer of the K 35:33.633 --> 35:35.744 district building . Strong bl you can 35:35.744 --> 35:35.669 be 35:49.199 --> 35:51.421 ladies and gentlemen , Colonel Andy Nee 35:51.421 --> 35:53.532 Warner , commander of the Kansas City 35:53.532 --> 35:53.290 District , 36:02.100 --> 36:04.433 distinguished visitors , honored guests , 36:04.433 --> 36:06.433 family and friends of the Heartland 36:06.433 --> 36:08.378 district . Thank you for attending 36:08.378 --> 36:10.544 today's ceremony and a special . Thank 36:10.544 --> 36:10.090 you to all those who put all the hard 36:10.100 --> 36:12.267 work into putting this together . This 36:12.267 --> 36:14.378 is my first official function as part 36:14.378 --> 36:16.544 of the district and I gotta say it's , 36:16.544 --> 36:18.711 it's pretty impressive . Thank you for 36:18.711 --> 36:20.933 that . Uh Initially , it's , it's truly 36:20.933 --> 36:20.689 an honor to be standing up here today . 36:20.979 --> 36:24.159 Uh Before you first off Travis , thank 36:24.169 --> 36:26.530 you for everything . Um As a newcomer 36:26.540 --> 36:29.590 to USA and the district , um you've 36:29.600 --> 36:31.822 been a patient mentor who's been open , 36:31.822 --> 36:33.878 honest and welcoming and I thank you 36:33.878 --> 36:36.979 for that . Uh mom and dad , thank you 36:36.989 --> 36:39.580 for everything . Um You provided the , 36:39.590 --> 36:41.701 the foundation that has allowed me to 36:41.701 --> 36:44.679 make it to this point Um And enabled 36:44.689 --> 36:46.745 others to help build me up even even 36:46.745 --> 36:48.911 further . Um Thank you to the soldiers 36:48.911 --> 36:51.022 and leaders I've served with over the 36:51.022 --> 36:53.022 years . Uh Many of you have left an 36:53.022 --> 36:55.022 indelible imprint on my lives and I 36:55.022 --> 36:57.189 look forward to the imprint that those 36:57.189 --> 36:59.411 of you in this room and in the district 36:59.411 --> 36:59.229 and in the region will have on me my 36:59.239 --> 37:02.939 life . Um As I go forward , uh Jack and 37:02.949 --> 37:05.530 effi thank you for always being there . 37:06.189 --> 37:08.659 Uh Coming home after a hard day , you 37:08.669 --> 37:10.836 always put a smile on my face and also 37:10.836 --> 37:13.002 remind me why we do what we do for our 37:13.002 --> 37:15.113 nation . I know this life hasn't been 37:15.113 --> 37:17.336 easy . It's brought many challenges but 37:17.336 --> 37:19.610 your perseverance and patience um are 37:19.709 --> 37:21.090 are truly appreciated . 37:24.570 --> 37:26.649 Finally , Kara , thank you for 37:26.659 --> 37:28.715 everything . Uh We've been through a 37:28.715 --> 37:30.860 lot together . Um And I can't imagine 37:30.870 --> 37:33.092 someone I would want to do this uh with 37:33.092 --> 37:35.314 more uh over the last 17 years , you've 37:35.314 --> 37:37.148 stood by me , raised two amazing 37:37.148 --> 37:39.459 Children um and supported me every day . 37:39.790 --> 37:41.901 Um You've made me a better person and 37:41.901 --> 37:43.568 leader . Uh Your strength and 37:43.568 --> 37:45.734 determination are an inspiration to me 37:45.734 --> 37:47.623 on a daily basis without you . We 37:47.623 --> 37:49.820 wouldn't be here today . Uh Whether I 37:49.830 --> 37:51.886 knew it or not taking command of the 37:51.886 --> 37:53.941 Heartland district has always been a 37:53.941 --> 37:56.108 dream of mine uh for my family and I , 37:56.108 --> 37:55.800 the Missouri River has played an 37:55.810 --> 37:57.649 important part in our lives . Uh 37:57.659 --> 37:59.949 Growing up in northeast Nebraska , we 37:59.959 --> 38:01.959 used to spend our summers up on the 38:01.959 --> 38:04.070 Lewis and Clark reservoir , which was 38:04.070 --> 38:06.699 known simply to us as the lake . Uh We 38:06.709 --> 38:08.876 would drive across the dam and I'd see 38:08.876 --> 38:11.098 this castle up there on the power plant 38:11.098 --> 38:13.265 and I wonder why is the US army here ? 38:13.265 --> 38:15.209 What are they doing ? Uh It wasn't 38:15.209 --> 38:17.265 until many , many years later that I 38:17.270 --> 38:19.580 realized what the Corps does uh for the 38:19.590 --> 38:21.959 nation and for the Missouri River and 38:21.969 --> 38:25.959 for the region . Fast 38:25.969 --> 38:28.025 forward . A couple of years later in 38:28.025 --> 38:31.060 2011 , uh my family and my in-laws felt 38:31.070 --> 38:33.237 the direct impacts of the flood on the 38:33.237 --> 38:35.348 Missouri River in Sioux City , Iowa . 38:35.629 --> 38:38.179 Uh At the same time , Jack K and I were 38:38.189 --> 38:40.439 moving into Fort Leavenworth and we saw 38:40.449 --> 38:42.449 directly the flood fighting and the 38:42.449 --> 38:44.560 impact the district was having on the 38:44.560 --> 38:46.939 Missouri River and the partners in the 38:46.949 --> 38:49.171 region . Uh It was truly impressive and 38:49.171 --> 38:51.449 I look forward to being a part of that , 38:51.620 --> 38:53.564 to public and private partners . A 38:53.564 --> 38:55.676 couple of you have already met . Uh I 38:55.676 --> 38:57.953 see some of you here in the room today . 38:57.953 --> 38:59.676 I look forward to building our 38:59.676 --> 39:01.898 relationship , relationships together . 39:01.898 --> 39:04.120 Um There are many interested parties in 39:04.120 --> 39:06.231 what we do . Um And that just further 39:06.231 --> 39:08.453 reinforces the importance of what we do 39:08.453 --> 39:10.580 as a district uh for the region , the 39:10.590 --> 39:12.812 Kansas city district doesn't operate in 39:12.812 --> 39:14.701 a box while we , while we may not 39:14.701 --> 39:16.979 always agree , I promise to be an open , 39:16.979 --> 39:19.169 honest and trusted partner . It's our 39:19.179 --> 39:21.068 responsibility to be , to be good 39:21.068 --> 39:23.550 stewards uh for the generations to come . 39:23.800 --> 39:25.856 And it's by working together that we 39:25.856 --> 39:28.239 make that happen to the Heartland team . 39:28.250 --> 39:30.590 Your reputation precedes you in the 39:30.600 --> 39:32.822 last couple of weeks . I've seen just a 39:32.822 --> 39:34.711 few of your projects and programs 39:34.711 --> 39:36.822 across Kansas , Missouri , Nebraska , 39:36.822 --> 39:38.878 Iowa and Colorado . Uh and some that 39:38.878 --> 39:40.933 reach beyond the , the region to the 39:40.933 --> 39:43.156 east coast , to the west coast . And as 39:43.156 --> 39:45.322 far south as Mexico City , the breadth 39:45.322 --> 39:47.100 and depth of your work is truly 39:47.100 --> 39:49.600 impressive together . We strive to 39:49.610 --> 39:51.570 safely deliver quality projects on 39:51.580 --> 39:53.802 schedule within budget for our nation . 39:54.010 --> 39:56.177 The Kansas City District is recognized 39:56.177 --> 39:58.590 and a leader as a leader in U A for all 39:58.600 --> 40:01.100 the right reasons . And I'm honored and 40:01.110 --> 40:03.110 excited to be a part of your team , 40:03.439 --> 40:06.169 Heartland engineers building strong S A 40:06.189 --> 40:07.739 on SBL , you can be 40:21.379 --> 40:23.629 ladies and gentlemen , please rise as 40:23.639 --> 40:25.750 chaplain Muhlenburg will now give the 40:25.750 --> 40:27.972 benediction and remain standing for the 40:27.972 --> 40:30.195 playing of the engineer song , the army 40:30.195 --> 40:32.306 song and the retiring of the colors . 40:32.306 --> 40:34.417 The lyrics are printed in the back of 40:34.417 --> 40:38.169 the program for our benediction this 40:38.179 --> 40:40.346 morning . I share with you this famous 40:40.346 --> 40:42.709 Irish blessing . As we conclude . May 40:42.719 --> 40:44.886 the road rise up to meet you ? May the 40:44.886 --> 40:46.997 wind be always at your back ? May the 40:46.997 --> 40:49.020 sun shine warm upon your face . The 40:49.030 --> 40:51.500 rains fall soft upon your fields and 40:51.510 --> 40:53.677 until we meet again , may God hold you 40:53.677 --> 40:55.843 in the palm of his hand ? Go in safety 40:55.843 --> 40:57.343 and good fortune . Friends 43:00.149 --> 43:04.010 forward on . Um 43:04.909 --> 43:08.330 Yeah , that , that , that 43:09.580 --> 43:12.699 is left , left , 43:13.350 --> 43:15.929 left . Bye . 43:18.679 --> 43:22.429 Oh , right . Thanks , 43:24.709 --> 43:26.876 sir . Request permission to repeat the 43:26.876 --> 43:30.649 call . But hey , 43:32.530 --> 43:36.310 four part . Let , let , 43:36.939 --> 43:40.639 let that , that , that , 43:43.810 --> 43:47.810 that , that , that left 43:49.199 --> 43:53.139 groups . Oh , right . 43:53.550 --> 43:56.770 Hey , ready . 43:58.790 --> 43:59.209 Um 44:05.949 --> 44:09.729 But hey forward 44:09.870 --> 44:13.709 arch , that's , that's left . 44:15.330 --> 44:17.959 Let's let's let's 44:19.610 --> 44:22.159 let's let's let's 44:23.889 --> 44:27.399 very well . Right . 44:28.030 --> 44:31.760 Thanks , sir . Request men , 44:32.350 --> 44:35.620 college , college . Uh 44:36.429 --> 44:40.280 Thanks . Ok or o 44:41.159 --> 44:42.479 but , but , but 44:47.110 --> 44:49.332 ladies and gentlemen , please be seated 44:49.332 --> 44:51.166 and remain in position until the 44:51.166 --> 44:53.166 official parties and their families 44:53.166 --> 44:52.899 have departed . 45:00.120 --> 45:02.231 Ladies and gentlemen , this concludes 45:02.231 --> 45:04.287 the change of command ceremonies for 45:04.287 --> 45:06.398 those interested in attending Colonel 45:06.398 --> 45:08.509 Field's retirement ceremony . It will 45:08.509 --> 45:10.287 begin in 30 minutes here in the 45:10.287 --> 45:12.176 auditorium on behalf of Brigadier 45:12.176 --> 45:14.176 General Hannon , we appreciate your 45:14.176 --> 45:16.231 attendance at today's ceremony . You 45:16.231 --> 45:15.540 are welcome to make your way through 45:15.550 --> 45:17.772 the receiving line for Colonel Rayfield 45:17.772 --> 45:19.939 at the front of the auditorium . There 45:19.939 --> 45:21.883 will be another receiving line for 45:21.883 --> 45:23.883 Colonel Nee Warner in the lobby , a 45:23.883 --> 45:26.050 reception to welcome our new commander 45:26.050 --> 45:28.272 will be held in room 204 of the Richard 45:28.272 --> 45:30.494 Bowling Federal Building beginning at 1 45:30.494 --> 45:32.494 p.m. this afternoon . Thank you for 45:32.494 --> 45:34.661 joining us on this historic occasion . 45:34.661 --> 45:36.828 God bless the United States of America 45:36.828 --> 45:38.883 S A ons building strong . Be all you 45:38.883 --> 45:37.919 can be 45:45.399 --> 45:45.429 ok .