Command sergeants major kick off Year of the NCO at Hohenfels

By Ms. Kristin Bradley (IMCOM)March 12, 2009

(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Warhog Command Sgt. Major Mike Boom and U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels Command Sgt. Major Perry Clark spoke to Soldiers at the garrison dining facility recently about the Year of the Noncommissioned Officer.

The ceremony was a symbolic kick off for a year's worth of activities that will incorporate the theme, said Clark.

"Our NCOs have come a long way and done a whole lot. They make it all run. You just can't celebrate that in half an hour," Clark said about why these Soldiers deserve an entire year to be recognized.

"This is the way the Army says thank you for what you do, for the sacrifices you make. It has been a long time coming."

Both men spoke about the achievements and importance of the NCO corps before Boom and Cpl. Timothy Wells, the newest garrison NCO, cut a cake decorated in honor of the celebration.

"The Army NCO corps is the reason for our Army's success and a model worldwide," said Boom. "You can see that here when we train troops at JMRC."

He explained that in today's fighting environment with many decentralized missions run at the platoon and squad levels, NCOs are critical to the success of the overall mission.

"They're out there taking care of Soldiers in the most austere conditions in Iraq and Afghanistan, serving multiple tours," he said, adding that NCO spouses also need to be thanked for their sacrifices.

"NCOs reenlist over and over. And the Soldiers reenlist because they want to be like their NCO one day."

"We were always the unsung heroes, it's nice to finally get the recognition," said Wells.

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