YONGSAN GARRISON, South Korea -- Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, Eighth Army, welcomed their organization's newest sergeants into the Army's corps of noncommissioned officers during an NCO induction ceremony at Yongsan Garrison, June 24.
This NCO induction ceremony is a traditional rite of passage for Soldiers who have been promoted to the rank of sergeant.
"This is the first ceremony of its type that had been conducted by members of HHB, Eighth Army," said 1st Sgt. Ricky Noid, Intelligence and Sustainment Company, HHB, Eighth Army.. "This event is important because it marks [the inductees] departure from the junior ranks and into the NCO corps."
Eighth Army Command Sgt. Maj. Rick Merritt served as guest speak at the historic ceremony. He said it was important to mark milestones in Soldiers' careers.
"I recognize the significance of a rite of passage from Soldier to NCO," Merritt said. "Whatever their background, age, gender, race or future ambitions, they are now defined by the Army first and foremost as a sergeant."
Merritt stressed the importance of newly-promoted sergeants and their influence on their subordinates.
"NCOs are who [junior Soldier] turn to for answers, who they expect to coach, mentor and lead them." Merritt said. "They are now standard bearers. They are the ones who take initiative and make the mission happen."
Fourteen new American and Korean Augmentation to the United States Army sergeants received recognition at the ceremony which included events such as a candle lighting and readings of the Charge of the NCO and the NCO creed.
Honorees at the ceremony said the event meant a lot to them on both a personal and professional level.
"I am very proud to be an NCO," said Sgt. Christopher Condon, Eighth Army Band. "It was great to hear Command Sgt. Maj. Merritt speak. His speech was inspiring and reminded us what it means to be an NCO."
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