498th welcomes a new non-commissioned officer

Courtesy Photo | Oct. 12 was a good day for Sgt. Keisha Dewitt, of Longs, S.C., and a wheeled vehicle operator assigned to the 498th Transportation Company, 541st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 96th Sustainment Brigade. She stands at the position of attention as the promotion orders are read for her to become a brand new non-commissioned officer. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Lassandra A Key, 498th Trans. Co., 541st CSSB, 96SBDE)  

TAJI, IRAQ

10.12.2009

Courtesy Story

13th Armored Corps Sustainment Command (13th ESC)

By Sgt. Lassandra A Key, 498th Trans. Co., 541st CSSB, 96SBDE

CAMP TAJI, Iraq — On Oct. 12, the 498th Transportation Company held a company level ceremony in the motor pool area, where soldiers were being promoted to non-commissioned officers.

Although some were becoming NCOs for the very first time in their military career, there were also Soldiers being promoted to higher levels in the NCO ranks. Becoming an NCO for the very first time made Sgt. Keisha Dewitt feel as though she had the opportunity to continue to demonstrate her potential, not only as a Soldier in the United States Army, but also as a leader of Soldiers.

Dewitt is now a member of a time honored corps known as "The Backbone of the Army." She is a 24 year old Soldier from Longs, S.C., and a wheeled vehicle operator, who also works in the personnel section of the 498th Transportation Co. As a civilian back in South Carolina, Dewitt has a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of South Carolina in Columbia, S.C. She works as a Deputy Sheriff for Lexington County in which she often conducts patrols.

According to Dewitt, being a Deputy Sheriff has helped her become a better Soldier because she really enjoys helping people and helping other Soldiers. In the future, Dewitt plans to join the ranks of commissioned officers. "It's really important to me that I learn, teach, and train as much as possible as an NCO, so that I may be beneficial to the next Soldier who wants to follow in my footsteps", says Dewitt.

In her free time, Dewitt enjoys reading different types of books, working out, and training with fellow soldiers. She has family members who are currently in the United States Army or have retired from the Army. Dewitt has an uncle who is a lieutenant colonel and an uncle who retired as a sergeant major and according to Dewitt, "It's good to have the experience and perspective from both uncles because I sometimes have to ask them for advice on my military career."

• Date Taken: 10.12.2009
• Date Posted: 11.15.2009 13:13
• Story ID: 41614
• Location: TAJI, IQ