Soldiers from Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital, Dental Command and the Veterinary Command crossed the threshold from Soldiers to Noncommissioned Officers during an NCO Induction Ceremony March 23 at the SGT Barry Battle Training Center.
Two Corporals and 14 Sergeants accepted their new duties and responsibilities with honor as each one walked through the NCO arch and crossed sabers to officially become a member of the NCO Corps -- the Backbone of the Army. According to CSM Roderick D. Taylor, BJACH's senior enlisted advisor, this traditional ceremony gives the newly inducted NCOs a better understanding of the significance of becoming a sergeant and moving from follower to leader.
As NCOs, these Soldiers become leaders who are charged with imparting their knowledge to future generations of Soldiers. They pledge to bear the standards, uphold core values and commit to being professionals who maintain a keen focus on the accomplishments of the mission and the welfare of their Soldiers, no matter the circumstances.
"It really is meaningful for the Soldiers," expressed Taylor. "Everything about the ceremony, from the NCO Charge to the official welcome, to the recitation of the NCO Creed, brings to life the importance of this critical step in their career. The ceremony also recognizes the hard work the Soldier did to get the promotion and defines the higher expectations required of NCO's," stressed Taylor.
"It's evident that this command cares about its Soldiers, and its leaders are keeping Army traditions going through ceremonies such as this," Taylor conveyed.
For the past 21 years, 1SG Rodmond Q.Churchill, BJACH's First Sergeant, President of the Fort Polk Audie Murphy Club and guest speaker for the ceremony told the Soldiers and other attendees about what it means to be the guardian of standards.
"The Noncommissioned Officer is the guardian of standards. This means the Army looks to the NCO to ensure Soldiers are properly trained. If you witness a wrong doing and do not take any corrective action, you have just set a new standard, an unacceptable one," Churchill emphasized. "To ensure standards of conduct are met, the NCO must be ready to reward and punish Soldiers justly and fairly. Train your Soldiers to take your place as someone trained you."
During the ceremony, three candles were lit -- red for valor of the NCO, white for purity, honesty and integrity and blue for the field of honor. A private, private first class, and specialist recited what they expected from their NCO. In unison, the NCOs attending the ceremony recited the NCO Creed.
MEDDAC NCOs inducted during the ceremony were CPL Jessica Alvarez, CPL Victoria Bergstrom, SGT Hang Huynh, SGT Samuel Konicy, SGT Sai Kong, SGT Nicholas Langston, SGT Heriberto Pena, SGT Kenneth Stephenson, SGT Vincent Tran and SGT Gerrit Wagner. Two reservists on active duty, SGT Nicholas Respicio and SGT Laurent Soto were also inducted to the Corps as well as SGT Tyler Baker and SGT Andrea Benefiel, Veterinary Command and SGT Gregor Francis and SGT Dex Nepomuceno, Dental Command.
The U. S Army and the Noncommissioned Officer can trace their history back to 1775 and the birth of the Continental Army. The Army's NCO Corp is the envy of many nations with its NCOs at the tip of the spear making strategic decisions that have major impacts. Today's NCO Corps is a blend of traditions of the French, British and Prussian armies into a uniquely American institution.
"The importance of mentoring junior Soldiers to help them become better enlisted Soldier's and future leaders is truly a humbling experience," said Taylor.
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