JULY 15, 2016

U.S.C.G. STATION PORTLAND
CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY
The change of command ceremony was a grand ceremony to welcome our son Ian to Station Portland from Coast Guard Station San Francisco and to say goodbye to retiring Senior Chief Kellian Whidden. Coast guard personal greeted us as we arrived on base, checked our ID and personal invitation, and advised us to proceed to reserve family parking. We had our 96 YEAR OLD dad with us, a Navy veteran of WWII who was also a Chief, just entering the base brought tears to his eyes, he was suddenly going back in time of memories when he served his country. Being the family of the new Officer in Charge, we were escorted to family seating ,to our direct right was Ian’s new crew, all dressed up in there blues and at attention. I suddenly felt like I was at the inauguration of the President of the United States. Throughout the ceremony with personal awards and commendations of both Chief Ian and Senior Chief Whidden we were PROUD. They even gave special recognition to our dad Richard James Brian Thompson as the oldest retired military personal attending, it was a very special moment. Lots of Kleenex please.
Chief Boatswains Mate Ian Thompson
BMC Thompson enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in 2000 from his hometown of Portland, Oregon at the age of nineteen. Upon graduating from training center in Cape May New Jersey, he reported to his first assignment to serve as a Seaman Apprentice abroad the Coast Guard Cutter ALERT, (WMEC 630) in Astoria, Oregon. His subsequent tours include:
Coast Guard Station NOYO River, Ft Bragg
Coast Guard Cutter MELLON, Seattle, WA
Coast Guard Cutter KISKA, Hilo, Hi
Coast Guard Station, Rio Vista, Ca
Coast Guard Station San Francisco where he served as Executive petty officer
Ian’s personal awards consist of the Coast Guard Commendation Medal, (3) Coast Guard Achievement Medals, a Commandants Letter of Commendation Ribbons and numerous other personal rewards. We could not be more proud of our son as he has grown into a fine outstanding leader, I’m sure he isn’t finished yet with his achievements, grass never grows under Ian’s feet, THE THOMPSON’S NEVER STAND STILL.
On a personal note, of course, we are his parents; Ian is a wonderful son and husband to Alicia. He so reminds me of his dad with the respect and love he shows his family (Alicia) every day. We know without Alicia’s support, love and holding down the home front, times would have been a lot harder and let’s face it, having the perfect spouse just helps. Here are a few personal pictures of a very special family day. 

After the ceremony its time for some family fun with the family, BBQ at Ian and Alicia’s beautiful new home and was it wonderful. 

CHEERS FROM JUST AROUND THE BEND JEFF AND LIZ