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KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- Lt. Col. James Tenpenny began his duties as Professor of Military Science at Truman State University in June of 2010.

Thursday, he gave a change of command to Lt. Col. Steven A. Petersen.

Dozens gathered for the change of command ceremony.

Lt. Col. James Tenpenny said he wanted people to remember that Truman Military Science Department is a leader producing organization that's second to none.

He said they instill warrior ethos and army values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless, service, honor, integrity and personal courage.

“Military leaders tend to be picky about who the department sends to replace them,” Lt. Col. James Tenpenny said. “I’m no exception. I am picky and concerned about who's taking over (and) who's going to influence these young men and women. We’ll Truman community; you hit the jackpot with Steve and Jo Lynn Petersen and their four children. They are a strong leadership team who have already made an impact in this community. Steve is the right man for the job and I am happy to hand over the controls to Steve Petersen.”

He closed with saying, “As president Harry S. Truman once said, it is amazing what you can accomplish if you don't care who gets the credit.”