Passing the Guidon

While much of The Davies Herd’s Great Alaskan Adventure has involved family members scattered across the continent, this week brought something special:

The herd was reunited.

After Zed and the middles established operations in Alaska, the Disney Davies completed their Florida adventure, and Sam wrapped up time on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, all six members of the Davies Herd found themselves back together in Washington, D.C.

The reason for the reunion was an important one.

Sam was relinquishing command of the 11th Force Support Squadron.

For those unfamiliar with military tradition, a change of command ceremony is the formal transfer of responsibility, authority, and accountability from one commander to another. The ceremony centers around the passing of the guidon, the unit flag, symbolizing the trust placed in a new commander to lead the organization and care for its people.

On paper, it is a change of leadership.

In reality, it is a chance to reflect on the chapter that is ending.

Over the last two years, Sam had the privilege of leading an incredible team responsible for supporting Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling and its mission partners. Together, they navigated historic events, celebrated milestones, solved problems, cared for people, and accomplished more than any one person could have imagined.

As she reflected during her remarks, some of the most important lessons learned during command had little to do with command itself.

She learned that leadership is not about having all the answers.

She learned that some of the most important stories are the quiet ones. The stories of people showing up every day, doing the right thing, caring for others, and making a difference without recognition or fanfare.

And she learned that command is never a solo endeavor.

Looking around the room during the ceremony, it was impossible not to be overwhelmed by the support that had made the last two years possible.

Family members traveled from across the country.

Friends rearranged schedules to attend.

Mentors who had guided her throughout her career showed up.

Former teammates, supervisors, commanders, and friends filled the room.

Their presence served as a reminder that while a command tour may have one commander, success is built by an entire community.

To the people who have supported the Davies family throughout this assignment, thank you.

The military often recognizes the person wearing the uniform, but military life is sustained by a much larger team.

It’s the friend who picks up a kid from practice.

The teacher who invests in military children.

The mentor who takes a phone call.

The neighbor who lends a hand.

The family members who travel long distances.

The grandparents who show up again and again.

The friends who become family when your actual family lives miles away.

Every military family has a village.

The Davies family has been blessed with an incredible one.

No one understands the sacrifices of command better than the people who live it alongside the commander.

Behind every command tour are missed dinners, interrupted weekends, late-night phone calls, unexpected emergencies, and family plans that get reshuffled around the mission.

Zed and the kids carried those burdens with patience, grace, and more flexibility than anyone should reasonably be asked to provide.

As the guidon passed to new hands, there was gratitude more than anything else.

Gratitude for the people.

Gratitude for the opportunities.

Gratitude for the lessons learned.

Gratitude for the friendships that will continue long after the uniform changes and the family moves north.

The chapter at JBAB may be ending, but the relationships, memories, and lessons learned there will travel with the herd.

And after one final reunion in Washington, D.C., the Davies Herd is once again pointed toward Alaska.

The next adventure awaits.