Photo By Alexandra Shea | Regional Health Command-Central Command Sgt. Maj. Michael L. Gragg, Staff Sgt. Lowanda...... read more read more
Noncommissioned officers from across Evans Army Community Hospital and the 627th Hospital Center were inducted into the NCO Corps December 13, 2018, at Fort Carson, Colorado. The Centennial Regional Training Institution’s auditorium was filled to capacity with sponsors, family members and fellow Soldiers.
“Today we will witness the right of passage for these inductees into the NCO Corps,” said Regional Health Command-Central Command Sgt. Maj. Michael L. Gragg, guest speaker. “Don’t think of this as a peak or plateau, think of this as a hurdle as you climb the mountain (in your career).”
Each inductee took to the stage of the auditorium to walk through the NCO arch and then between saber bearers as their mentors claimed sponsorship of them. Once through the arch, Evans ACH Command Sgt. Maj. Federico Conde and Gragg handed each inductee a certificate to mark the event.
“Treat me with respect sergeant, for no heart is more loyal than the heart of an American Soldier,” said Spc. Michael R. Knight, a pathology specialist with Evans ACH. “Do not beat my spirit with your words sergeant, for though I will do what you demand your guidance, patience and understanding will more quickly teach me to Be, Know and Do.”
Soldiers dressed in period uniforms dating from 1775 to the present emerged from the back of the auditorium to request the newly inducted leaders live the words of the Creed of the Noncommissioned Officer. The Soldiers dressed in period uniforms requested they be provided with care, mentorship and taught the skills necessary to become strong leaders and fellow NCOs.
“As a noncommissioned officer, I am a builder, a developer of Soldiers. As a leader, I would give you my life twice to save yours,” said Staff Sgt. Lowanda McFadden, a wheeled vehicle mechanic with the 627th Hospital Center. “I am a noncommissioned Officer, a leader. Therefore, at times I must lead you where you need to be and not where you want to be.”
As the ceremony came to a close, Conde presented Gragg with a ceremonial saber in appreciation for attending the ceremony and speaking to inductees. He was then invited along with McFadden and Sgt. Paul Adamo, an ear, nose and throat specialist assigned to Evans ACH, to cut a cake. All four used the saber to make the first cut. Pieces were then served to attendees to celebrate the induction.
Gragg’s final words to the inductees were a charge to carry with them as they left. He explained how trust was a currency that once spent was difficult to regain, not just to listen to Soldiers but to hear what they are saying, and to treat everyone with dignity and respect. He continued to explain how hatred, bigotry and injustice were similar to acid and how that acid corrodes the container that carries it.
“People may forget what you say and what you do, but people never forget how you make them feel,” said Gragg. “I need you to preach the values and tenants of Soldier’s and Army Values every day, and sometimes use words. You are the future of the Army and I need you to do this.”
| Date Taken: | 12.13.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 12.20.2018 12:42 |
| Story ID: | 304565 |
| Location: | FORT CARSON, CO, US |
| Web Views: | 158 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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