PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii -- More than 150 noncommissioned officers from the 8th Theater Sustainment Command's 8th Special Troops Battalion officially inducted 17 new NCOs into their Corps during a ceremony, June 7, aboard Logistic Support Vessel 7, an Army Reserve asset that belongs to the 9th Mission Support Command here.
Prior to the ceremony, the NCOs manned the rails of the LSV as it traveled from Pearl Harbor to its home dock at Hickam Air Force Base, rendering honors to the USS Arizona and the USS Missouri memorials en route.
"There was something very inspiring about that, remembering those who gave everything and being inducted right after, " said Sgt. Joseph Smith, a newly inducted NCO and a motor sergeant with the 8th STB. "It was a little emotional."
The induction culminated a day full of events dedicated to NCO Corps' traditions and fellowship.
NCOs from all 8th TSC units began the day with a 4-mile run led by Maj. Gen. Stephen R. Lyons, the 8th TSC commanding general.
8th STB NCOs then gathered for an NCO Call and lunch at Hickam AFB.
It was all about strengthening the Corps, camaraderie, and upholding tradition said Command Sgt. Maj. Toese Tia Jr., the 8th STB senior enlisted advisor.
The induction itself reflected this same commitment through the ceremonial lighting of the NCO candles and a uniform tribute to NCOs past and present. Each inductee was formally sponsored by an NCO senior to him or her while making the symbolic passage under the NCO swords. The inductees lead everyone in the NCO Creed and the Army song.
Guest speaker, Leighton Siu, a command sergeant major (retired) and the protocol chief of operations for the 8th TSC, charged the inductees with living their creed as NCOs.
"You have two responsibilities as an NCO," he said, "accomplishment of the mission and the welfare of your Soldiers."
He recalled how these have always been top priorities for the Corps.
Tia agreed and said these types of events bring the Corps back to its roots. Now that our heavy engagements around the world have decreased, NCOs must seize the opportunity to reinvigorate their ranks.
"We are happy that we were able to reinforce why the Corps of the Noncommissioned Officer truly is the backbone of the Army," Tia said.
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