Written by Sgt. Neysa Canfield
101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (AA) Public Affairs
Fort Campbell, KY – “As you walk through those arches know that this is your starting point as an NCO,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Michael J. Perry, senior enlisted advisor for the 101st Airborne Division Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).
Soldiers from 101st Special Troops Battalion, 101st Abn. Div. Sust. Bde. hosted the brigade Noncommissioned Officer Induction Ceremony at Wilson Theater on Fort Campbell, KY, May 18th.
Spc. David Overman, a signal support systems specialist from 58th Signal Company, 101st STB, began the ceremony by singing the national anthem.Eighteen Lifeliner Soldiers stood proudly as Command Sgt. Maj. Frank M. Graham Jr., command sergeant major for 101st STB, swore them into the NCO corps.
Each inductee walked through the golden arches with the phrase “NCOs Lead the Way” as they received a signed copy of the NCO Creed and NCO charge from the brigade command sergeant major.
The ceremony included four guest speakers whom had recently been selected to attend the Sergeants Major’s Academy.
Each speaker gave the newly inducted NCOs advice on how to be successful not only in their careers but in leading Soldiers and continuing the legacy of the NCO as the backbone of the Army.
“Taking care of Soldiers is not an easy job. There is nothing glamorous to it,” said Master Sgt. Rachel W. Terrell, one of the guest speakers for the ceremony.
“Never, ever, be “too busy” for your Soldiers. You are charged with the greatest of all responsibility, “providing the best leadership.”
The now inducted NCOs ended the ceremony by reciting the NCO creed.
“I am extremely proud to be part of the NCO corps and I am ready to uphold the standards of an NCO, “said Sgt. Jared Kristoff, an automated logistical specialist with 129th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion and a newly inducted NCO.
Kristoff also added he will take the advice from the guest speakers and incorporate what they have said in his everyday missions.
After the ceremony the two most junior NCOs, Sgt. Yemaya Webb and D’anthony Watkins from 594th Transportation Company, 129th CSSB, cut the cake with the Brigade Command Sergeant Major.
Specialist David Overman can Sing!!!! proud of you son for all your accomplishments!!!
Your son did an amazing job singing the national anthem. He is extremely talented and we are happy to have him part of the Lifeliner family.
Amen to that !!!!
Thank you for your service.