Battalion Commander’s Remarks at the 142nd MI Battalion’s Farewell CeremonyIn the public debate on the war on terror, we often hear of America sending her finest into harm’s way. That statement couldn’t be any more applicable than it is today. There are no finer soldiers and military families than those standing here today.As we have prepared these past several weeks and months for our upcoming mission to Afghanistan as part of the ongoing Global War on Terrorism, I have reflected time and time again on two thoughts. The first are the words of Sir Edmond Burke, words my mother shared with me during my first deployment to Iraq. Edmond Burke said, “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” I would like to recognize each of these soldiers and their families for answering the call of duty to service and taking a stand against terrorism.Secondly, I have reflected over and over on the words of Benjamin Franklin in the summer of 1787. During this time, our nation’s democracy was fragile and in its infancy. Delegates from the original 13 colonies had gathered to draft a Constitution, but after weeks of deliberations the delegates remained contentious and in disarray. At this critical juncture in our nation’s history, Ben Franklin rose and gave perhaps the greatest speech of his career. Addressing the President of the Assembly, he said, “In this situation of this assembly, groping, as it were, in the dark, to find political truth, and scarce able to distinguish it when presented to us, how has it happened, sir, that we have not hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of Lights to illuminate our understandings? In the beginning of the contest with Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayers in this room for the Divine protection. Our prayers, sir, were heard and they were graciously answered. And have we now forgotten that powerful Friend? I have lived, sir, a long time, and the longer I live the convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid?”Today our nation finds itself at another critical juncture in our history as we confront the ongoing war on terrorism. To our leaders and most importantly to our families and loved ones, we commit to giving our very best effort as we continue to train and prepare ourselves in every way to successfully fulfill our missions, to serve honorably, and to live the Army values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. And in the spirit of Benjamin Franklin’s words in 1787, the rest we will leave to the power of prayer and Providence. LTC Derek J. Tolman, Commander, 142nd MI Battalion (Linguist)
Battalion CSM’s Remarks at the 142nd MI Battalion’s Farewell CeremonyIt seems befitting this occasion that we remember the words of General Douglas McArthur when he said, “Duty, Honor, Country. Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be.” As we Soldiers and families of Soldiers take upon us the sacred duty to uphold these ideals and live by the Army Values, we look for strength from one another. Speaking specifically to the family members of Soldiers here today, take a moment to look around this hanger at those who share your trials and your burdens and realize that you are not alone. In the coming months there will be times where it may seem that no one has to go through what you are going through, or that nobody can possibly understand the difficult times you are facing. Find comfort in knowing that those around you can relate; know that you will never be alone. Reach out for help when needed; give help when asked.The Army Values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless-Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage are values that we believe in and values that we expect our Soldiers to live by. We know that these values and the Army ethics are the foundation upon which the American people place their trust and confidence in us. We know that we stand as the “guardians of freedom and the American way of life” and that only by upholding these ideals can we expect to earn and maintain your trust. I’m grateful to our leaders here today who have placed their trust is us to accomplish the mission. May we not let you down.I thank you Soldiers and families for the sacrifices you have made thus far and for those sacrifices you will make over the coming year. I look out at a crowd of great Americans and I’m honored to be among you. I will do everything in my power to make sure that all are taken care of… that none are forgotten. May we seek the guidance of the divine as we endeavor to serve our country and accomplish the mission that has been given us. I have full faith and confidence in each of you that you’ll pull through the struggles and difficulties that lie ahead and will look back with satisfaction at a job well done.Take good care of each other.Command Sergeant Major Lane Wayment, CSM, 142nd MI Battalion (Linguist)The 142nd MI Battalion Farewell Ceremony was held on 26 February at the Salt Lake Air Base.
Joe
Shonda
Tamani
Emily
AnaLea
Megan
Emily
Jason, tried so hard to pull a funny face
Megan
Shonda
Tamani
The birthday boy...Adam 
Joe
Today I get to fly out to Seattle to see my one true love before he leaves for Afghanistan. I am so excited to see him! 
are people so determined to arrange their whole day around this show? In some people's case, their whole week? I have not been able to figure out what American Idol is all about. What makes the show so entertaining? In all fairness I decided to sit down, for the first time, and watched and e
pisode. Still don't get it. Now, Dancing with the Stars, I kind of get that. It's a lil more entertaining and not so negative. But I only watch the last couple shows of the season, and only if there is nothing else on. I have a hard time follow any type of TV show, unless it has an intense plot or some kind of science fiction. 
Now Stargate Sg 1 & Atlantis, The X-files, all the CSI's, and Smallville that's great entertainment! Chris and I like to pick a great 
TV series and then watch them all at once through Netflix. You don't have to wait weekto week and you can watch them when you have some free time or when your board. That is something I miss doing with him. We just finished the X-files. Next o
n our list is Alias. Anyone see that one? Is it good? It was on TV for a long time so I am assuming its good. Speaking of the X Files, did you know that there is a second movie coming out this year. I think Chris said that it will come out some time in July. He saw a trailer for it and thought that it looked pretty good.
