Wright-Patt hosts first NCO Induction ceremony

  • Published
  • By Daniel Peterson
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  

A total of 35 Airmen gathered with family, friends, and base leadership to celebrate their achievements during the very first NCO Induction ceremony held at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Nov. 7, 2024.

The ceremony recognized newly and soon-to-be promoted noncommissioned officers as they transition from the rank of senior airman to staff sergeant. The event highlighted the accomplishments of the inductees while calling attention to the new responsibilities that come with their new rank.

Chief Master Sgt. Tessa Fontaine, 88th Air Base Wing command chief, gave opening remarks and emphasized the significance of NCOs while congratulating them on this milestone.

“The role of a noncommissioned officer in our military, not just the United States Air Force, but our entire military is vital,” Fontaine said. “We need to celebrate and recognize the journey these young Airmen are about to endure.”

Fontaine continued by thanking the family members of Wright-Patt’s newest NCOs, as well as the contributions and guidance of their supervisors and leadership.

Chief Master Sgt. Joshua Malyemezian, 88th Mission Support Group command chief, was the guest speaker for the event and spoke on the importance and role of being an NCO.

“NCOs are trusted experts who execute directions and are responsible for the combat readiness and general well-being of their subordinates,” Malyemezian said. “We entrust leadership to our NCOs.”

“As a leader and technical expert, you will enhance organizational effectiveness and directly contribute to mission success,” he added. You are the indispensable link between command guidance and execution.”

Malyemezian finished his speech with advice on how to be a successful NCO, emphasizing the importance of making their subordinates feel valued every day and the impact those actions have on morale and mission success.

“Relationship building is a daily activity. Every interaction matters,” he said. “Think about the impact you can make on someone you supervise.”

After the inductees were presented their promotion memento, a glass stein with a staff sergeant chevron etched on, the group took the NCO charge. Though agreed upon collectively, the charge is an individual oath that outlines the responsibilities and expectations for all NCOs. Among the charge is the importance on how to be an effective leader, maintaining the highest level of communication with fellow Airmen and building trust and rapport in the process.

During the closing remarks, Col. Dustin Richards, 88th Air Base Wing and installation commander, praised the newest NCOs and reiterated the importance of the charge they just took.

“The charge you just heard, those are not just words, those mean something” Richards said. “If you just operate according to that charge every day, the rest of the time you wear this uniform, you are probably not going to be wrong.”

Richards touched upon leaving a lasting impression on their peers by reminiscing back to a staff sergeant, that he met 27 years prior, who helped him navigate the Air Force as a young cadet.

“Put yourself in those shoes and remember that the junior officers, the enlisted airmen, and the civilians that you work with, they are going to remember you for decades to come,” he concluded. “So, make it matter. Make it count.”