Courtesy Photo | Master Sgt. William McDowell, incoming 440th Army Band first sergeant, prepares to...... read more read more
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RALEIGH, N.C. – Master Sgt. William McDowell, incoming 440th Army Band 1st Sgt. is promoted to the rank of 1st Sgt. and will set the “tempo” after receiving the reigns from Sgt. 1st Class Mark Medlin, outgoing senior noncommissioned officer (NCO) during a change of responsibility ceremony at the NCNG Joint Force Headquarters, here Aug. 22, 2015.
“For me, it is a great accomplishment to get to this position, but now comes the tough part, having to prove to my superiors, peers and subordinates that I am the right person for this job,” said McDowell.
The change of responsibility ceremony signifies the senior noncommissioned officer passing his duties and responsibilities off to the incoming senior noncommissioned officer.
“A first sergeant has many responsibilities. I expect the first sergeant to be the best Soldier/NCO leader in the unit with the highest level of professionalism at all times,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Linda Horton, 440th Army Band Commander. “I expect him to look out for the health and welfare of the soldiers and his own. Last certainly not least, demonstrate a positive attitude.”
The acting first sergeant had a number of different roles to fill in assisting the band commander as well as maintaining the welfare of the soldiers within this unit.
“This unit is unique and usually has a Bandmaster Commander, CW2 Horton, so I had to help with all the Bandmaster type duties, like auditions, having unit members attend noncommissioned officers education system (NCOES), and new enlistee auditions,” said Medlin. “Take care of the soldiers and they will take care of you.”
McDowell will be joining the Guard with knowledge obtained from active duty that will push the program to the next level while strengthening the existing relationship already set in place with Horton and Medlin.
“I have been fortunate to have served on active duty (as an army musician) for eight years and have learned a lot from my previous supervisors,” said McDowell. “I have also played in many bands, orchestras and ensembles for the past 30 years, both civilian and military."
A sword was used in the change-of-responsibility ceremony. The tradition of a sword being associated with the noncommissioned officer corps started in 1840 with the selection of the sword not only intended for its functional use, but also symbolizing hard work and dedication. NCOs wore the sword for over 70 years during great battles such as the Mexican American War, the Civil War, and the Spanish American War, forging a part of America’s history.
The symbolism and history of the ceremony exemplifies the importance a commander places on the position of the senior NCO in a unit. The sword presentation reminds the soldiers of the unit that the senior NCO is responsible for the good order and discipline of the troops. It’s also a reminder to the senior NCO of the responsibility of taking care of the troops.
“Being able to touch and inspire people, music gives us the 440th Army Band a chance to make a difference in the organization,” said Horton.
| Date Taken: | 08.22.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 09.03.2015 15:04 |
| Story ID: | 175197 |
| Location: | NC, US |
| Web Views: | 199 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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