Photo By Spc. Charlene Apatang Mendiola | (Left) Chief Warrant Officer 5 Steven Yatkowski, air standardization officer and...... read more read more
BAGHDAD - More than 100 warrant officers from around the Iraq joint operating area gathered to commemorate 93 years of the warrant officer corps in the Al Faw Palace, May 27.
On July 9, 1918, warrant officers were inducted into the Army to serve as experts in various fields. They became a corps of specialized individuals.
“Today is significant because it represents the history of the warrant officer corps,” said Chief Warrant Officer 5 Anor Burnside, senior signal network advisor with directorate of communications, United States Forces – Iraq.
“While you may have a relatively short lineage in our military history,” said Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, commanding general for USF-I. “You are all members of a highly respected corps.”
The traditional role of the warrant officer as a technical expert and trainer within multiple complex professions fills a vital position in today’s Army.
“Each and every one of our warrant officers plays a critical role in what we have to do,” Austin said during the celebration. “You can see that you are indeed a greater and important asset within the formation.”
As masters of respected professions, warrant officers are indeed the experts commanders turn to for answers to extremely hard questions, Austin said. “I am grateful for what you have done and I am proud to serve alongside you.”
“It is great to have our commanding general come out and speak to us during this celebration,” said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Timothy Cox, maintenance officer, 4th Infantry Division, United States Division – North. “I was proud that he mentioned that we have been the true continuity in the unit throughout this conflict.”
Camaraderie within the warrant officer corps was displayed during the event, as the chiefs interacted with former and new colleagues. Periods of laughter, group photos, and conversations against a musical backdrop provided by the 25th Infantry Division band, contributed to the celebration’s success.
The symbolic cake-cutting ceremony, conducted by the oldest and the youngest chief in the room, was a highpoint in the event.
“This is the most important part of this celebration,” said Chief Warrant Officer 5 Joseph Correa, military intelligence systems technician with military intelligence directorate, USF-I. “It symbolizes the passing of knowledge and wisdom of the most senior warrant officer to the most junior warrant officer.”
“I am glad I was invited to this event tonight,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Darryl Sullivan, personnel officer with the manpower section, human resources directorate, USF-I. “It is a lot different than I expected considering I am the only Marine warrant officer in Iraq.”
“These warrant officers have a bond and I don’t feel alone. As a matter a fact, I feel like I am one with them.” Sullivan said. “As part of the corps, it is easy to bond with each other.
Cox, an Operation Desert Storm veteran, said it was significant to be a part of this birthday celebration as deployed warrant officers come together to build their strength and unity.
“This was an opportunity to meet and reunite with members of the corps,” Correa said. “The bond we have in this corps and the years of experience shared in one room is extremely priceless.”
As a conclusion to the event, chiefs of all ranks recited the warrant officers’ creed loudly and proudly as their final birthday celebration in Iraq was dedicated to their fallen brothers and sisters within the corps.
| Date Taken: | 05.27.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 06.05.2011 10:36 |
| Story ID: | 71623 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 262 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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