ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – Members of the Florida National Guard and guests gathered for the organization’s first Changing of the Stole ceremony Sept. 12 at the Robert F. Ensslin Jr. Armory, marking the beginning of a new Florida National Guard tradition and symbolizing the legacy of its state command chaplains from one generation of leadership to the next.
Lt. Col. Lance Sellon was welcomed as the new state command chaplain as he accepted the stole from Col. Glenn Finch. Both senior chaplains were recognized for their dedication to the spiritual care of Soldiers and Airmen while establishing a tradition to preserve the history and continuity of the position.
“Today we not only recognize two exceptional leaders in our Chaplain Corps, both of whom have devoted their lives to the service, care and spiritual resilience of our Soldiers and Airmen,” said Brig. Gen. Adam Curry, director of the joint staff for the Florida National Guard, “but a historic event, the first ever Florida National Guard Changing of the Stole – the stole that represents servant leadership, the stole that will be passed today from one servant leader to another, to lead servant leaders.”
The stole represents the responsibilities associated with spiritual leadership, pastoral care and service to Guardsmen and their families. As the tradition continues, the stole becomes a physical record of those who have carried that responsibility before them. The names of state command chaplains will be engraved onto the stole, allowing each successive chaplain to carry forward the legacy of those who previously served in the position.
Future Changing of the Stole ceremonies will represent more than the transfer of a duty title. Each incoming state command chaplain will accept the mantle of spiritual leadership alongside the names, service and legacy of those who came before.
“This was a profound moment in my military and ministry career,” Sellon said. “The moment Brig. Gen. Curry placed the stole on my shoulders, I tangibly felt the gravity of this responsibility. Yet, this is a burden I do not carry alone. I sensed the comfort and strength of the Almighty in the same moment. This exemplifies my calling as a chaplain, to bring Soldiers and Airmen to God, and God to Soldiers and Airmen in tangible ways in life’s most significant moments.”
Relinquishing the stole signified the conclusion of Finch’s term as state command chaplain and represented more than a change in leadership.
“This stole represents far more than a position,” Finch said. “It represents a sacred responsibility. To embrace every challenge, remain steadfast in our commitment to the mission, provide compassionate care to every service member regardless of faith or background and advise our leaders with character and courage.”
According to Finch, the accomplishments of his tenure resulted from a collective effort by commanders, chaplains and religious affairs specialists across the organization.
“Serving as the Florida National Guard state chaplain has been one of the greatest honors of my military career,” Finch said. “I am deeply thankful for the trust placed in me, for the commanders who valued religious support and especially for the chaplains and religious affairs specialists who faithfully cared for our Soldiers and their families. Whatever we accomplished, we accomplished together.”
Finch said he was honored to transfer the job responsibility to Sellon.
“Lance is a leader of character, faith and compassion. I have complete confidence in him, and in the leadership he will provide to the Religious Support Team and the entire Florida National Guard,” he said.
The Changing of the Stole ceremony established a formal tradition for future transitions in Florida National Guard chaplain leadership while reinforcing the continuity of its religious support mission. As the stole is passed from one state command chaplain to the next, it is intended to become more than a symbol of office; it will serve as a record of service and a link between generations of spiritual leaders.
“Chaplain Finch, like a true Elijah, you were a voice calling out in the desert in the earliest days of your tenure as SCH,” Sellon said. “ You anchored FLNG joint leadership and joint Chaplain Corps in reclaiming our moral leadership roles. We stand on your shoulders, because you’ve spent your life lifting leaders over obstacles. So then, like Elisha to your Elijah, I simply ask the Almighty for a double portion of his spirit which guided you.”
What began with Finch and Sellon marks the first chapter of a legacy. That legacy is designed to ensure that each future state command chaplain carries forward not only the responsibilities of the position, but also the history and service of those who wore the stole before them.