Bryan promoted to Lt. Col. last November at the National Archives in Washington, DC. It was a great ceremony in an awesome location with family and a few friends (being a small room, we were limited in how many people could attend). Here are some amazing pictures our photographer, Emily Kalbaugh, took during and after the event.
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| Leigh Ann, a co-worker of Bryan's from the Pentagon, officiated the ceremony. Here she is standing in front of the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States, and Bill of Rights. |
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| Col Kawasaki worked with Bryan during his deployment and performed the promotion. Here he is talking about Bryan's career in the Air Force. |
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| Proud parents, Mike and Janice Hoke |
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| Mike and Janice pinned on Bryan's new rank on part of his uniform. |
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| Calvin and I also got to help pin on his new rank. |
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| Bryan reaffirmed the oath of office (which is given to the constitution, not to any person or organization). Being in the National Archives during this part of the ceremony was really special as Bryan got to give his oath while standing in front of the actual constitution. |
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| Bryan finished the ceremony by saying some really nice things about his parents, Calvin, myself, and friends/co-workers. |
After the promotion ceremony, we moved outside onto the steps of the National Archives for some pictures and a chance to thank everyone for coming.
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| Bryan gave Calvin a gift after the ceremony. It is customary for the person being promoted to give gifts to family as a thank you for their support. Calvin had recently watched another family friend be promoted and give gifts, so he was eagerly awaiting this part of the ceremony. |
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| Super excited about his Ferrari Formula One lego set. |
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| Family pictures in front of the doors of the National Archives - what a beautiful setting! |
