Deployed Louisiana Soldiers inducted into the NCO corps

Courtesy Photo | Louisiana Guardsman, Sgt. Justin Smith (center) of Natchitoches, La., poses for a picture with Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen Hickman, DeRidder, La., resident and senior enlisted advisor for 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment, and Command Sgt. Maj. LeRoy Haugland, senior enlisted leader for the 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), after accepting a certificate of formal induction into the noncommissioned officers corps. More than 30 recently-promoted sergeants from the Louisiana 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team’s 3-156th Infantry Regiment, of Lake Charles, La., took part in the rite of passage ceremony. (Photo by: Sgt. Tresa L. Allemang)  

JOINT BASE BALAD, IRAQ

10.15.2010

Courtesy Story

3rd Division Sustainment Brigade

Story by: Sgt. Tresa L. Allemang

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq— More than 60 deployed soldiers from the Louisiana Army National Guard formally joined the “backbone of the army” when they were inducted into the noncommissioned officer corps during a ceremony at Joint Base Balad, Iraq.

The recently promoted NCO's with 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment, headquartered in Lake Charles, La., took part in the traditional ceremony as they committed to keep the NCO Creed’s two basic responsibilities foremost in their mind: accomplishment of the mission, and the welfare of their soldiers.

Prior to the rite of passage portion of the ceremony, Spc. Anjanette Turner, an Alexandria, La., native, and Spc. Jeffrey Almand, a Ragley, La., native, stood in full “battle rattle” before the inductees, and recited “A Soldier’s Request,” as a plea for the new leaders to remember the importance of their role.

“Treat me with respect, Sergeant, for no heart in all the world is more loyal than the heart of an American soldier,” recited Almand.

“Do not break my spirit with your words, Sergeant,” Almand and Turner continued. “For though I will do what you demand, your guidance, patience and understanding will more quickly teach me to ‘be, know and do.’”

One at a time, each sergeant walked through the cross sabers held to honor them, and accepted their certificates from the battalion’s leading senior NCO, Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen Hickman, as well as the 103rd Sustainment Brigade’s senior enlisted leader, Command Sgt. Maj. LeRoy Haugland.

They were then addressed by the enlisted leaders who reminded them that their recent promotion was more than a pay raise and a new decoration on their uniform.

“You have responsibilities now,” explained Haugland. “As a specialist, you primarily had to worry about you. Now you have soldiers who will depend on you.”

“Your duties are never-ending,” he stressed. “Your title doesn’t go away, even when you’re home with your family. You are always a sergeant, and it is always your job to take care of the men and women who, in return, will take care of you.”

Hickman echoed the importance of being a NCO, and offered some light-hearted encouragement, as he compared their position to a vehicle wheel.

“Don’t be hubcaps,” said the DeRidder, La., native. “While they may look good, they serve no other purpose. Be the wheel, and do the job.”

• Date Taken: 10.15.2010
• Date Posted: 11.10.2010 03:17
• Story ID: 59790
• Location: JOINT BASE BALAD, IQ