Twitter
Facebook
It opened a new chapter in the lives of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command Soldiers who were inducted into the NCO Corps Sept. 12 during a
ceremony at Armstrong’s Club on Vogelweh.
***image1***The ceremony was centered on the posting and retiring of the symbolic colors of red, white and blue in the form of candles, which adheres to the tradition of inducting Soldiers into the NCO Corps.
Upholding the tradition and heritage of the NCO induction ceremony highlights the rite of passage for every Soldier, said Command Sgt. Maj. Charles Nash of the 39th Transportation Battalion, 21st TSC.
“This is always a first class event, which every Soldier needs to be part of once, and we should not let this tradition fade away,” added Command Sgt. Maj. Clifton Lewis, 21st TSC Special Troops Battalion.
“Being an NCO is a sweeping change of mentality and lifestyle,” said guest speaker Command Sgt. Maj. Ismael Rodriguez, 405th Army Field Support Brigade, in his speech. “Your chain of thought switches from the ‘me’ concept to mentoring, training, guiding, leading and taking care of Soldiers.”
“I’m looking forward to being a competent leader,” said Sgt. Daniel Mealey, parachute rigger, 5th Quartermaster Company, 39th Trans. Bn., after his induction. “As an NCO, you need to realize that Soldiers aren’t all the same, that they need different leadership.”
“Becoming an NCO is a special feeling for me. Leading Soldiers, taking care of them and making sure that the Soldiers are well-trained are the most important aspects for me,” said Sgt. Michelle Taitt, 5th QM Co., 39th Trans. Bn.
Besides swearing the NCO creed, the inductees were urged to live the creed and to set an example for their Soldiers.
“It is an ever-evolving process that you must diligently work at. Never stop learning and do not resist change,” Command Sergeant Major Rodriguez pointed out in his speech. “Being an NCO means to care about your Soldiers and to stay grounded – don’t ever be bigger than the Soldiers you’re taking care of.”
