LOGAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- Twenty-five noncommissioned officers assigned to 7th Engineer Battalion, 10th Mountain Division (LI), recently were inducted into the NCO Corps at Forward Operating Base Shank, Afghanistan.
The induction ceremony is a celebration of the newly promoted joining the ranks of a professional NCO Corps and emphasizes and builds on the pride its members share. The ceremony also honors the memory of those men and women of the NCO Corps who have served with pride and distinction.
"I think it is important for our newly promoted NCOs to be able to know that they are the backbone of the Army, and that they are the ones responsible for ensuring the missions get executed," said Command Sgt. Maj. David Morgan, senior enlisted adviser for 7th Engineer Battalion. "It took a lot of effort from many folks in order to make this ceremony possible, from all the first sergeants down to the youngest Soldier in our ranks."
Guest speaker for the ceremony was Command Sgt. Maj. Jose Castillo, senior enlisted adviser for 10th Sustainment Brigade.
"It is always nice to come and talk to Soldiers of the 7th Engineer Battalion," Castillo said.
During his speech, Castillo talked about the history of the corps and about the NCO creed.
"The NCO creed is not a paper to just recite and read, but it needs to be your measuring stick on how one grades oneself," he said.
During his speech, Castillo expressed the passion he has for the profession he has served for the last 28 years.
"I want to let you know that you are an officer in the United States Army, but a noncommissioned officer, so Soldiers are required to follow your orders. Sergeants and staff sergeants are the ones who get all the missions executed," he said.
The newest Soldiers in the Army also had a part in the ceremony with the Soldier request.
"I was inspired by the ceremony itself," said Spc. Lacey Zimmerman, systems support specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 7th Engineer Battalion. "I look forward to also participating in a ceremony like this and being inducted into … the NCO (Corps) one day."
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