Photo By Master Sgt. Daniel Griego | Sgt. Walter Oduk of the 449th Aviation Support Battalion joins the corps of...... read more read more
CAMP SWIFT, Texas - Contemporary novelist Jerry McClain once said, “the best example of leadership is leadership by example.” For non-commissioned officers leading today’s Army, leadership is about more than guidance and direction, it means setting a standard of excellence and living that standard every day.
The 449th Aviation Support Battalion recognized two such leaders with an NCO induction ceremony at Camp Swift in Bastrop, Texas, June 17, 2011. During the observance, the newly promoted Soldiers, Sgt. Dustin E. Turner and Sgt. Walter Oduk, both of B Co, joined the ranks of a time-honored corps of leaders.
“We are gathered here to honor these new NCO’s,” said Staff Sgt. Carlton Jacobs, battalion master of ceremonies, “as well as honor the memory of those men and women of the NCO corps who have served with pride and distinction.”
Throughout the event, the soldiers learned about the history and tradition of becoming an NCO. During the Civil War, soldiers would swear to fight and die for each other after cutting their own hands, establishing blood oaths of brotherhood. Today, this act lives on in tradition to demonstrate the intent to fight for each other.
“We continue this right of passage symbolically with red wine,” said Jacobs.
The new NCOs brushed the red wine against their rank and pressed a thumbprint next to their name on their induction certificate.
Both sergeants demonstrated excitement and reverence for the positions they recently earned.
“[I] hope,” said Turner, “that I can do as well as my NCO’s have done.”
Throughout the ceremony, the guest speaker, Sgt. Maj. Robert W. Hartzog, the 449th ASB sergeant major, discussed the values of being an NCO, referencing the NCO creed and his own personal experiences as a leader.
“Live the Army Values every day and do the right thing,” said Hartzog. “Soldiers want to know they can trust you and they can, as long as you do the right thing and what’s legal at all times.”
Now leaders, the new sergeants look toward their future in the military. Their experiences and the guidance from their mentors will develop them into the senior leaders of tomorrow.
“We have big shoes to fill,” said Oduk, “and hopefully one day someone will say Sgt. Oduk filled them well. He did his duties to the best of his abilities.”
| Date Taken: | 06.17.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 07.27.2011 13:55 |
| Story ID: | 74394 |
| Location: | CAMP SWIFT, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 114 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Ceremony welcomes new leaders into NCO Corps, by PFC Kelly Middleton, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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