PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. - A specially crafted candelabra with 22 flames signified the number of newly promoted sergeants from the 1st Space Brigade, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command, during an induction ceremony into the ranks of the time-honored Noncommissioned Officers Corps performed at the base auditorium on Peterson Air Force Base, March 7.
According to narrator Staff Sgt. Maricris Remigio from the 1st Space Battalion, "The lighting of a candle by each Soldier symbolizes the NCO igniting the eternal flame of dedication and determination serving our Soldiers and this great country with pride, honor, courage, and commitment."
The ceremony began with a brief history of the NCO Corps and followed with Soldiers from the 1st Space Bd.e showcasing the various NCO ranks beginning with sergeant, then proceeding to staff sergeant, platoon sergeant, and ending with first sergeant. Three brigade NCOs read the Noncommissioned Officer Creed.
Afterwards 1st Space Battalion Command Sgt. Maj. William C. Baker, host for the day's ceremony, introduced guest speaker Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Thomas S. Narofsky, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. Narofsky broke protocol and left the stage to impart some words of wisdom to the new inductees in the audience.
"The question is, 'How are you going to be a successful NCO'' One, there is strength in the stripes you wear. Know yourself so that when you go through this time of growth you can bring that to bear for the 1st Space Brigade, the United States Army, and the joint world. Secondly - know your people. You have to know your folks because that is going to impact the mission. If you don't know what is happening with your folks you are failing as a leader. The last one is know your mission. Know everything about what we asking you to be a part of, because I'm going to ask you to grow up to become Command Sergeant Major Turner and Command Sergeant Major Ross. You have got to know those three."
He concluded by saying, "Thank you for your service to our country. Thank you for serving in a time of war. Thank you for being the leaders you are. I look forward to your leadership. I look forward to serving with you day to day. And I would be honored to serve with you in the defense of our nation any time."
Those inducted into the NCO Corps during the ceremony were: Sgt. Herman Ada, Sgt. Dustin Bungart, Sgt. Damion Carrcarter, Sgt. Matthew Cater, Sgt. Marshall Farris, Sgt. John Ford, Sgt. Aaron Hengst, Sgt. John Lopez, Sgt. Stefan Lucas, Sgt. Robert Miller, Sgt. Adam Orsborn, Sgt. Steven Pearson, Sgt. Anthony Sanchez, Sgt. Robert Sanders, Sgt. Brian Stracek, Sgt. Kimberly Urban and Sgt. Nelson Villanueva, all from the 4th Space Company, 1st Space Bn.; Sgt. Gerald Genus, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Space Bn.; Sgt. Sean Beverly and Sgt. Marc Frazer from the 53rd Space Battalion; and Sgt. Victor Dance, 1st Space Bde.
Each inductee received the Creed of the NCO and the NCO Guide from USASMDC/ARSTRAT Command Sgt. Major Larry S. Turner, 1st Space Brigade Command Sgt. Maj. James N. Ross, and Baker.
After the inductees lit their candles on the specially crafted candelabra, the three command sergeants major in turn lit their candles symbolizing the experience and continuous commitment to the NCO Corps and the country. The Charge of the NCO was then given to the inductees by Baker, host for the ceremony.
Afterward, brigade members came forth to perform "The First Sergeants' Request" involving the new inductees. This "wetting of the stripes" included the symbolic "spirit" of a sniper's round, the essence of rocket fuel, lubricant from an obsolete Army electronic warfare program known as "Big Crow," the sweat from Kevlar, and blood. The ceremony ended with Pfc. Gabriela Fernandez reciting "A Soldier's Request."
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