113th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Story by Spc. Elvyn Nieves

by Spc. Elvyn Nieves
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Stepping up to the challenge and responsibility of being a noncommissioned officer is what separates a leader from a sergeant.

During an NCO Induction Ceremony, 11 Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers were ushered into the NCO Corps at Camp Taji March 29.

Newly promoted sergeants assigned to 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division were honored during the event.

"I think it's something we needed to do for the Soldiers because they have earned it," said Command Sgt. Maj. Vaneta Vaughn, a Fayetteville, Ark., native, who serves as the senior enlisted leader of the 64th BSB.

"Making sergeant is the hardest rank to obtain in the Army because they're no longer specialist or below. Now they belong to the ranks of the NCOs."

Vaughn said she feels proud of the Soldiers who were inducted because when she got to the battalion he saw first hand how these Soldiers matured to an NCO.

"I never went to an NCO induction ceremony," said Vaughn. "I think it's very important. If I can, I'll make that happen for every NCO in my battalion."

For Soldiers who were inducted, becoming an NCO brings a new level of responsibility to their lives.

"Being an NCO is like crossing the threshold," said Sgt. Christopher Wellner, a Jacksonville, Ill., native, who serves as team leader in Company B, 64th BSB. "I got promoted like a month ago and I've seen an increase in responsibilities and less sleep."

The NCO Induction Ceremony let these leaders know they have the authority and responsibility to take care of Soldiers.

"This is their moment and I feel good about it," said Command Sgt. Maj. Frank Cardoza, a Fresno, Calif., native, who serves as senior enlisted leader of the 1st Sustainment Brigade. "In this ceremony I get eye-to-eye contact with them and I get that level of comfort that we are on track and we're doing the right stuff in our NCOs Corps when it comes taking care of our Soldiers."

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