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    Being a true leader

    Being a true leader

    Photo By Chung Il Kim | Soldiers from the 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade...... read more read more

    PYEONGTAEK, 41, SOUTH KOREA

    06.30.2015

    Story by Pfc. Chung Il Kim 

    2nd Combat Aviation Brigade

    Camp HUMPHREYS, South Korea – Red, white and blue candles were lit signifying courage, commitment and valor. Not only the candles, but also spirits were lit in the hearts of 60 newly inducted non-commissioned officers as they sat in their seats and waited to be brought into the backbone of the U.S. Army.

    Soldiers and Korean Augmentees to the U.S. Army from the 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division participated in the first combined NCO Corps induction ceremony June 30 at the post theatre on Camp Humphreys.

    Throughout history, the transition from junior enlisted to non-commissioned officers has been reserved for the most capable and competent Soldiers. Army tradition prescribes that units honor this milestone with an induction ceremony. For the first time in the Talon history, KATUSAs were also given a chance to be a part of this long-standing tradition.

    Command Sgt. Maj. Estevan Sotorosado, the command sergeant major of 2nd CAB, hosted the ceremony and stressed the importance of this tradition.

    "This ceremony signifies a Soldier's move from being a follower to becoming a leader," Sotorosado said.

    As a guest speaker at the ceremony, the United States Forces Korea command sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. John W. Troxell, spoke to the inductees about the importance of leadership and the potential of competent NCOs in the Army.

    “As an NCO, you are no longer part of the pack where you look for purpose, motivation, and direction,” Troxell said. “You should continue to strive, but instill that excellence into the men and women who follow you. You have to be that example.”

    Sgt. Mark Davis, a UH-60 Blackhawk crew chief with the 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion, 2nd Aviation Regiment, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, was one of the non-commissioned officers who was inducted during the ceremony.

    “As an NCO, I coordinate flight maintenance plans and take care of the Soldiers I’m leading,” Davis said. “Sergeant major has really empowered me and made me more responsible.”

    "I feel exhilarated," said KATUSA Sgt. Jong Hyun Lee, a human resource specialist from 602nd Aviation Support Battalion. "It was the first time for KATUSAs to be part of the NCO induction ceremony. I feel like I’m treated as a part of the U.S. Army community.”

    As the candles burned, so did the pride of each U.S. Army Soldier and KATUSA as they walked one after the other through the NCO archway and underneath the NCO sabers to become part of the NCO corps together for the first time.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 06.30.2015
    Date Posted: 07.02.2015 01:26
    Story ID: 168861
    Location: PYEONGTAEK, 41, KR

    Web Views: 168
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN