Knights hold NCO Induction

By Q-West inducts new NCOs into CorpsJune 4, 2009

Q-West inducts new NCOs into Corps
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – From right Sergeants Marcus and JoAnna Davis, husband and wife, 16th Special Troops Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, recite the Charge of the NCO during an NCO induction ceremony at the Morale, Welfare and Recreation base complex at Contingency O... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Q-West inducts new NCOs into Corps
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Command Sgt. Maj. Larry Tidwell, command sergeant major, 30th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, Sgt. Dane Flott, 16th Sust. Bde., and Command Sgt. Maj. Johnny Godbee, command sergeant major, 16th Special Troops Battalion... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE Q-WEST, Iraq - Forty-six new noncommissioned officers were officially inducted into the corps of noncommissioned officers during a ceremony at the Morale, Welfare and Recreation base complex here May 16.

After a traditional rendition of "The Watch," a reading of "The Boots of the NCO," and a hearing of "The Soldier's Request," the new NCOs from the 16th Special Troops Battalion and the 30th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, officially accepted the responsibilities and the proud heritage of the NCO corps by reciting the "Charge of the NCO," and walking under crossed sabers onto the stage to receive their copies of the NCO creed.

Guest speaker Command Sgt. Maj. James E. Spencer, command sergeant major, 16th Sust. Bde., exhorted the new leaders to take their responsibilities seriously.

"Simply being promoted does not make you a leader," Spencer said. "Leaders are professional Soldiers that know and exude Army values. You are the very first level of authority, training, discipline and leadership in your unit. You will lead from the front, set the example and never-I stress this-you will never ask your Soldiers to do anything that you have not already done or will not do yourself."

Spencer emphasized the importance of the NCO corps to Army leadership.

"Your leaders depend on you to ensure that your Soldiers are trained and cared for at all times," Spencer said. "You will care for them by ensuring that they are trained and prepared to fight, win, and most importantly survive on the battlefield."

Sergeants Marcus and JoAnna Davis, husband and wife, assigned to the 16th STB, 16th Sust. Bde., were proud to be inducted together.

"It is an honor to be inducted with my husband," said JoAnna, a native of Brewton, Ala.

Marcus was also proud to be inducted with JoAnna. The two married during this deployment, Dec. 5, 2008.

"I've been in the Army for a while, and this isn't my first deployment," said Marcus, a native of Jacksonville, Fla. "But being inducted with my wife made me really proud, and made this deployment special to me."

Command Sgt. Maj. James Spencer left the new NCOs with a final thought.

"Lastly, just know that every Soldier has a sergeant and all a Soldier ever needs is just one good sergeant to make an impact," Spencer said. "NCO's lead the way. Deeds Not Words. Army Strong!"