Welcome to the Red Dragon Battalion

Traditionally, new commander's spouses are welcomed into the group with an event sponsored by the unit spouses. I have planned several of these myself and loved getting the chance to introduce new spouses into our unit Family.

It was a completely different thing for me to actually be welcomed into our new battalion. I was extremely nervous, but also very anxious to meet all the ladies. Our battalion XO's wife planned the event and it was absolutely wonderful ... low-key but special, and a fabulous night of meeting fantastic new ladies. Sending HUGS to all who helped and attended ... I feel very welcomed and very lucky to be a part of such a neat group!

Each lady introduced themselves and placed a flower in a vase etched with the battalion crest. The vase was my welcome gift ... and I cherish it! This was such a neat event for me.

Flowers in my battalion vase.

I was so excited to be able to welcome new spouses into our unit!

Our XO's wife farewells one of our ladies with a beautiful stained glass crest.

Look at these lovely ladies in our battalion with some brigade guests, too.

With my sweet Field Artillery sister!

Comments

The Change of Command Ceremony

Last Friday, my Family and I participated in the 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division change of command on Fort Hood, Texas. Hubby became the battalion commander of the 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment and joined a wonderful group of "Red Dragon" Soldiers and Families. It's a dream come true for us ... one of those things you hope in the back of your mind you'll get to do one day, but know realistically that the chances are slim you'll get to do it. When I first saw his name on 'the list' that the Army publishes, I was elated for him. No one knows more than I do his passion for the Army and for the Soldiers in it. He is a wonderful leader and cares so much. We both knew that this would be the adventure of a lifetime. We explained this new job to our two boys (ages ten and six) as best we could and they kept saying, "We'll have 500 new friends on Friday!" as their summary of the discussion. =) The ceremony was amazing,...

Keto Ham Soup

Using my Virginia country ham, I made a Keto Ham soup that I've been enjoying all week. Ingredients 2 x Kettle and Fire - Bone Broth Chicken - 16.2 fl. oz. each 2 cups Broccoli, raw, chopped 2 cups Cauliflower, raw, chopped 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup diced country ham 1 tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. onion powder 1 tsp. black pepper Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, diced green onion, chopped bacon, hot sauce, pico de gallo, etc, Instructions In large stock pot, boil both containers of bone broth. Add chopped, raw broccoli and cauliflower. Cover pot and steam for 5 - 7 minutes until soft. Use hand-held blender to mix vegetables. Add cream and spices. Slowly add in shredded cheese, stirring to help melt evenly. Once soup is blended and smooth, add diced ham. Serve with desired toppings.

Preparing for the PMP Exam: A Lesson in Over-Preparation by Traci Cook

Everyone has their own learning style so I can only share with you what worked for me to prepare for the PMP exam ... A couple of caveats before I share … I am an over-preparer. I was slightly terrified to take this exam and likely spent too much money and used too many resources for a normal, non-extreme studier. I justified that I had saved thousands of dollars on a PMP boot camp due to the gracious program at Syracuse and IVMF so I spent a little more on additional resources than I likely would have normally. I learn best when I can see and hear and feel concepts presented in a variety of ways. Because of this, I like to have lots of options. Audio books, podcasts, blog posts, videos, books (printed and virtual), online courses … I go “full immersion” and use all these things to prepare. I satisfied the 35 hours of instruction by enrolling for PMP Certification Preparation through Syracuse University's "Onward to Oppo...

Fabulous Army Life

Search This Blog