21 May 2010, United States Army Parachute Team Headquarters 1000 hours...

As the skies above Fort Bragg were filled with red smoke trailing from the Soldiers jumping the distinctive Army colors of Black and Gold opening a Special Ceremony off Butner Road at the Headquarters of the United States Army Parachute Team, the winds of change were upon us. Why all the fan fare, people gathering around the Headquarters, Flags lining the Sidewalks, chairs neatly placed in rows? The Golden Knights were about to Change Responsibility of the senior enlisted leadership from Sergeant Major Michael A. Eitniear the outgoing Sergeant Major to the Sergeant Major Stephen L. Young the incoming Sergeant Major. Why is this such a big occasion, what is the deal? In order to maintain continuity in a Command element and to ensure that the organization does not go with out leadership the mantle of responsibility is passed from the current Senior Non Commissioned Officer to the Commander who then passes the Responsibility of the Soldiers and their welfare to the incoming Sergeant Major. Also welcoming the incoming Sergeant Major, letting it be know to all in attendance as well as the Soldiers within the Command that as one relinquishes responsibility there is another waiting to assume it. The reason our Army is so successful both on and off the Battlefield is largely due to the ability of the Non Commissioned Officers to take charge, Soldier, Lead, Mentor, Guide, employ, make decisions and assume responsibility for not only himself but his Soldiers and their welfare. The versatility of the Non Commissioned Officer is a primary key to Success in all aspects of our Military, that is why we are know as the Backbone of the Army and we stand strong and united. This ceremony was bitter sweet for me, as I have spent the better part of my life, and all of my adult life surrounded by the most selfless people on the planet (The American Soldier), willing to give all for the many in the name of Freedom and Peace. Also, because it is my last official act in the Army as a Soldier, Leader, and Non Commissioned Officer. The end of an era as I heard being said that day! I felt sadness to be leaving the Team, one I have had the honor and privilege to serve the last 6 years of my career, but felt it was time for me to leave and start a new life. I felt confident that I had made the right choice for my replacement as I have had the opportunity to have a lengthy transition to impart my experiences, successful decisions and mistakes so he could learn the organization and serve them well. Listening to him make sound, solid calculated decisions for the betterment of the team told me that the Knights were to be lead by a competent, unwavering, tested warrior, and mentor, who knows how to manage the risk and evaluate the needs of the organization, and take the Golden Knights to the next level.  SGM Young is a 24 year career Special Forces Medic, who has served numerous tours in several different hostile locations. Having served as a Special Forces Team Sergeant as a Sergeant First Class (normally a Master Sergeant position) for almost 3 years and being selected as a First Sergeant over several senior ranking NCO's, he was the right Soldier for the job. As I stated at the end of my speech to my Soldiers and the gallery of distinguished guests and family that as a young Soldier I was told from day one to know my first general order (I will guard everything within the limits of my post and only quit my post when properly relieved). At approximately 1035 hours I was Properly relieved by my friend and colleague SGM Stephen L. Young, my last official act as a Soldier and the senior Non Commissioned Officer of the United States Army Parachute Team (the Golden Knights). Stay Army Strong! Blue Skies! SGM Michael Eitniear