New leaders welcomed to brigade

Photo By Amy Christopherson | A soldier passes through an arch signifying his transition into the corps of non-commissioned officers during the 4th Sustainment Brigade’s NCO induction ceremony Sept. 30 on Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq.  

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, IRAQ

10.03.2011

Courtesy Story

4th Sustainment Brigade

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq – The north-side chapel was filled with leaders welcoming 37 soldiers to the corps of non-commissioned officers at the 4th Sustainment Brigade’s NCO induction ceremony on Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq Sept. 30.

“Today’s ceremony signifies the transition from specialist to sergeant,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Erik Frey, the command sergeant major of the 4th Sustainment Brigade, 310th Expeditionary Sustainment Command and a Pierce, Neb., native. “That transition is the most challenging and important that a soldier will experience.”

Several soldiers received their promotions from specialist to sergeant during the ceremony, then NCOs lit three candles that traditionally signifying the past, present and future of the Army’s non-commissioned officer corps.

The red candle represents the bloodshed and the courage showed by those who served and continue to serve in the Army. The white candle represents the soldiers who gave their life for their country. The blue candle represents honor and fidelity to the country.

Command Sgt. Maj. Debbie Schroder, command sergeant major of the 310th Expeditionary Sustainment Command and a Bloomington, Ill., native, was the guest speaker at the event.

“All leaders have faced challenges,” she said. “How we deal with these challenges is important to our success.”

Schroder offered her words of advice to the new NCOs.

“In your future as a non-commissioned officer, you’re going to encounter many mountains,” she said. “To overcome these mountains, remember what sets you apart from others in your ranks: your motivation, your ingenuity and your professionalism.”

• Date Taken: 10.03.2011
• Date Posted: 10.08.2011 04:20
• Story ID: 78210
• Location: CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, IQ