CONGRATULATIONS!

Chaplain Cloyd Layden Colby has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army!  Hooah and Hallelujiah!

The ceremony was held in the Warrior Chapel at Camp Red Cloud, Uijeongbu, South Korea.  The Division Chaplain, LTC Robinson, was the Master of Ceremonies.  He set a tone that was welcoming, congratualtory, and dignified.

Chaplain Chang, representing the many Chaplains that were there, offered a scripture reading and an invocation.

Chaplain Kim, Republic of Korea Army Chaplain who works with Korean soldiers in our division, and his wife played a lovely musical number on clarinet and ocarina.

Lots of people came to honor the occasion, including Chaplain Pace, the 8th Army Chaplain, and his deputy, Chaplain Jackson, that we knew from Fort Polk.  The Thompson's, a Senior Missionary couple from our church who are here working with soldiers, also attended.

Major General Michael S. Tucker, commander of the 2nd Infantry Division, gave some lovely and encouraging remarks.  He reminded us that this promotion belongs to both of us, not just to Layden.  I appreciated hearing that - it is easy for me to forget.

After the General's remarks, General Tucker and I pinned on the rank.  In this case, that means that we swapped the shoulder boards on Layden's uiform from the rank of Major to that of Lieutentant Colonel.  The General was quick.  I was a bit slower, but I got it on and it didn't fall off.  Whew!

Next, General Tucker adminstered the Oath of Office.

Then there was hand-shaking and lots of clapping,

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 and a framed certificate of promotion.

This was a GREAT day for Layden, and for me.  We both know that we didn't get here alone.  We have been richly blessed by our Father in Heaven, and by the people He has placed around us.  There has been a lot of help and support from our families, especially our children.  Our friends have given encouragement along the way, which has been needed and appreciated.  Senior Chaplais and their spouses have been wonderful mentors, opening doors, offering encouragement, and leading by example.  Commanders and leaders have made us feel needed, and have valued our contributions.  We firmly believe that the honor given Layden through this promotion was not earned alone.  Thank you to all who have been part of this journey.