Photo By Spc. William Rogers | U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 4th Infantry Division, recite the NCO creed at Fort...... read more read more
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FORT CARSON, Colo. – Before smiling faces and thunderous applause filled the room and newly promoted Army Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO) walked under the arch, signifying their induction into the Army NCO corps, a newly promoted Sgt. Noreen Lim, assigned to Headquarters Support Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, stood in front of a new class of NCOs and recited the Non-Commissioned Officer creed. Something she may not have done months ago.
Being inducted into the NCO corps has helped Sgt. Lim become a more confident leader.
Born and raised in the Philippines, Lim initially had no plans to join the Army. Once moving to the United States, she later embarked on the journey of serving the United States, leading her to becoming a part of the NCO corps.
Growing up in the Philippines, Lim cherished the memories that she made. Surrounded by the beauty of the beach and ocean, she enjoyed her moments in the Philippines. Her life took a turn when her mother, living in Seattle, Washington, brought her to the United States at 20 years old in December 2020.
“When I [came] to America, I saw a television ad about the military and it showcased the benefits that you’re going to have when you’re in the military,” she said. “That’s what made me join the Army five months after I got to America.”
In May 2021, Lim decided to join the Army, all influenced by the television ad. The promise of education and housing benefits intrigued her. Lim became a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) specialist and in her current unit also took on the role of an orderly room clerk.
Three weeks ago, Lim received the prestigious promotion to the rank of sergeant, a moment she describes as an honor and a defining moment in her career.
“I feel like this is a great start [in] our journey as NCOs to be inducted, so we can always remember what NCOs should be and [that] we should be a role model to other Soldiers,” she said.
Being inducted into the NCO Corps has filled her with a sense of appreciation and motivation to continue to be a role model for other Soldiers. Lim said she understands the weight of her responsibilities, not just for herself, but also for her fellow Soldiers.
“It is [our] duty to discipline them, to respect them, and also teach respect,” she said. “[We also] teach them the military knowledge that you have learned throughout the years.”
Lim’s journey to becoming an NCO was not without challenges. The biggest hurdle she said she faced was the realization of her responsibility for the well-being and development of her Soldiers.
Transitioning from focusing on herself to caring for other Soldiers required a significant change. However, with guidance of her first-ever NCO, Staff Sgt. Arianne Claveria, she was able to use what she learned as a foundation of how to lead.
“She gave me a lot of knowledge in the Army,” she said. “She told me to learn as much as I can with the job in the army and get exposed to promotion boards.”
Lim’s favorite moment from her entire process of becoming an NCO is being inducted into the NCO corps and being presented with the charge from Command Sgt. Maj. Jill Steele and Command Sgt. Maj. Clayton “Clay” Traylor, both assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 4th Infantry Division.
Lim said receiving the charge from them both filled her with a sense of readiness and belonging to the NCO community. It was a symbolic moment that instilled pride in her chosen path.
Lim’s ability to lead and work hard allowed her to become Soldier of the Month during a deployment to Poland. In Poland is where Command Sgt. Maj. Steele began to notice Lim’s ability as a Soldier.
“She has just made leaps and bounds from her shyness to the openness that you see right now,” Steele said. “Because some of those people that were on the other side that just came through that arch wouldn’t have been able to do what she did, by standing out in front of the audience and giving the NCO creed.”
Throughout her journey, Lim has found immense support from her family and leadership. Her leadership have all played crucial roles in shaping her into the NCO she aspires to be. Lim admires their discipline and genuine concern for their Soldiers, looking to follow their example and care for her Soldiers with the same dedication.
Lim said she believes in the importance of instilling Army values and self-discipline.
“You should have discipline with yourself,” she said. “Because if you don’t have discipline, you can’t discipline your Soldiers. Make sure to treat each and every one with respect.”
From her childhood in the Philippines to her unexpected path in the United States Army, Lim’s determination and commitment to her role as an NCO and more importantly an American Soldier shines through.
| Date Taken: | 01.19.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 02.22.2024 14:01 |
| Story ID: | 463813 |
| Location: | FORT CARSON, CO, US |
| Hometown: | SEATTLE, WA, US |
| Web Views: | 203 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, A Soldier’s journey of honor and growth, by SPC Karesse Clemons, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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