110th Aviation Brigade recognizes new NCOs

By Jeremy Wise, Army Flier StaffApril 15, 2010

110th Aviation Brigade recognizes new NCOs
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110th Aviation Brigade recognizes new NCOs
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FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- The 110th Aviation Brigade's noncommissioned officer ranks swelled in number April 8.

The unit's staff recognized and inducted 26 new sergeants during a U.S. Army Aviation Museum ceremony.

U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence Command Sgt. Maj. Tod Glidewell outlined NCOs' responsibilities during the event.

"NCOs conduct the daily business" of a unit, translating officers' views for young Soldiers, and "train and lead Soldiers to accomplish a unit's mission," he said.

Glidewell said it was an honor to speak at the event since today's NCOs "joined during a time of war. These are challenging times. They take on this challenge knowingly."

The command sergeant major stressed to the new NCOs to always follow officers' guidance, no matter what they thought of the orders and to always take care of Soldiers under their command.

The event's theme focused on NCOs from the past, present and future. Some Soldiers appeared in Civil War and World War II uniforms while carrying out some of the Army's induction ceremony traditions.

During the ceremony, some fallen Aviation NCOs were recognized for their ultimate sacrifices. Glidewell and 110th Avn. Bde. Command Sgt. Maj. Antoinette Aila unveiled artwork with the 22 Soldiers' names and pictures. The portrait will hang in the F Company, 1st Battalion, 212th Aviation Regiment building, said regiment Sgt. Maj. Juan Delamo.

"Our fallen comrades will always be with us quietly, inspiring our future noncommissioned officers from above," said Staff Sgt. Dekeither Stamps, event emcee.

Some of the new NCOs appreciated Glidewell's advice since Soldiers moving from junior enlisted ranks to NCOs accept more duties and responsibilities.

"You end up with Soldiers (under your direction). Everything that you do, you set the example," said Sgt. Ramona Sims, a human resources sergeant with 1st Battalion, 223rd Aviation Regiment. "Once you make it, you have more respect and more responsibility."

Sgt. Antwan Acree, an air traffic controller with 1st Battalion, 11th Aviation Regiment, shared similar sentiments.

"Instead of worrying about yourself, you've got to be accountable for everything," he said.

Some of the new NCOs noted they look forward to leading Soldiers.

"It gives me a better avenue to positively affect Soldiers and to create a good environment," said Sgt. Christopher Danvers, an air traffic controller with 1-58th Airfield Operations Battalion, of the promotion to the NCO ranks.

The Soldiers all saw the importance in holding an induction ceremony to recognize new NCOs.

"It gives everyone something to fight for. I've got Soldiers (who are) ready to get promoted so they can enjoy this," Sims said.

Sgt. Deidre Hidalgo, 1-58th AOB, echoed Sims' thoughts.

"You only go through it once. It shows younger Soldiers a sense of pride," she said.