Promotion!

Also in December, I found out my pending promotion became official.  I was promoted to major.

The school honored me by allowing my promotion ceremony to happen in the room of tradition and honor.  It is the most significant and ceremonial room and I was humbled to be permitted to use it.

In the French Air Force, they don’t have a special ceremony when they are promoted.  So, I was happy to share a little USAF tradition.

The US Consul in Marseille (and commissioned officer) was very kind to come up to read the promotion order and administer the oath of office.

After the promotion order was read, Anna came up to change my rank from the two silver bars of a captain to a gold oak leaf of a major.

Unlike the last time, Anna had a little help.  X knew just what to do!

Alexander was happy to help (and I was very proud).

The French appreciated the fact that we in the US have the two most important people pin on the new rank.

Once the new rank was on, Phil administered the Oath of Office.

I was also honored that so many people decided to attend the ceremony.

Thanks, Phil!

And, thanks, Margo.  It seemed like everyone was happy.

Including me and the ever-curious Alexander.

Here we are.  I wouldn’t be nearly as successful if it weren’t for Anna. As such, I’m very grateful we could have a family ceremony … together.

Next up will be a few images from our holiday adventure(s).

Until then…

–Jim