Indiana National Guard Welcomes New Sergeants

Photo By Staff Sgt. Hannah Clifton | Command Sgt. Maj. Dale A. Shetler, the senior enlisted advisor of the 38th Infantry Division, addresses incoming enlisted leaders during the noncommissioned officer induction ceremony Sept. 15 in Kokomo, Ind.  

KOKOMO, IN, UNITED STATES

09.15.2018

Story by Cpl. Hannah Clifton 

38th Infantry Division

INDIANAPOLIS -- The 38th Sustainment Brigade inducted more than 80 Indiana National Guardsmen into the noncommissioned officers corps during a ceremony, Saturday, Sept. 15 in Kokomo.

The noncommissioned officer induction ceremony is an age-old tradition that honors the responsibility, commitment and duty soldiers assume when they climb the ranks to become an enlisted leader.

The ceremony included a candle lighting observance, among other traditions, each serving as a representation and reminder of the vital role of Army sergeants.

Distinguished speaker Command Sgt. Maj. Dale A. Shetler, the senior enlisted adviser of the 38th Infantry Division, gave advice to the new leaders. His top 10 tips included leading by example, acquiring a mentor, increasing self-discipline and never forgetting that you’re just a soldier.

The National Guard has developed into a dual mission force not only serving during times of domestic emergencies but also deploying overseas alongside active-duty forces, Shetler said.

“Being an NCO today is hard. It's a lot harder to be a [sergeant] today than it was 20 years ago.” said Shetler. “We have gone from being a strategic reserve to an operational force. So, we are expected to do everything that our active duty comrades do except we have about 12 percent of the time that they do to do it.”

Sgt. Tyler H. Owen, a pararigger with the 338th Quartermaster Company and one of the soldiers being inducted, spoke about the anticipation of becoming a noncommissioned officer.

“It’s really cool to be put into such an honored group and to be recognized as a leader,” said Owen.

Cpl. Sarah E. Terheide, a pararigger with the 338th Quartermaster Company, also described her expectations in regards to her new duties as an enlisted leader in her military occupation.

“It feels nice to have extra responsibility, as a pararigger it is important to teach others so no injuries ever happen,” Terheide said.

Battalions, within the brigade, represented in the induction ceremony included, the Special Troops Battalion, 190th Motorized Transportation Battalion and the 519th Combined Sustainment Support Battalion.

The 38th Sustainment Brigade, headquartered in Kokomo, is a subordinate brigade of the 38th Infantry Division. More than 200 sustainers with the brigade’s headquarters company are deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

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• Date Taken: 09.15.2018
• Date Posted: 09.16.2018 13:26
• Story ID: 293014
• Location: KOKOMO, IN, US