Wright-Patt holds SNCO induction ceremony Published Aug. 26, 2026 By R.J. Oriez 88th Air Base Wing WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The Wright-Patt community celebrated the future of the U.S. Air and Space Forces as 33 Airmen and Guardians were inducted into the senior NCO ranks, August 21, 2026, at the National Museum of the Air Force, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Rivera, Occupational & Environmental Health Dept of the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine senior enlisted leader, gives keynote remarks Aug. 21, 2026, at the Senior NCO Induction Ceremony, Aug. 21, 2026, in the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Rivera challenged the inductees to act in ways worthy of having Airmen want to be like them. (U.S. Air Force photo by R.J. Oriez) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res “Your role as a senior noncommissioned officer is pivotal in shaping the future of our force,” the inductees were told in the Senior NCO charge. Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Rivera, Occupational & Environmental Health Dept of the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine Senior Enlisted Leader, joined in the stressing of the future. He spoke of a challenging time in his career and family and of the senior NCOs who came to their assistance. “His leadership legacy lives on in me. He's long retired. My supervisor retired,” he said. “Just because they take off the uniform, it doesn't mean that the way they live disappears or goes away. Their leadership legacy will live in me until my time in USAF is done.” Rivera told the new master sergeants they may not know their legacy until later, if at all, but it will be in the way they lead and live. “My challenge to inductees today, I want you to put yourself in that position. Understand that when you respond to a call, when you show up for a crisis, when you help an Airman in your flight, you never know the legacy that's going to live on in that Airman,” Rivera said. Along with legacy, Rivera spoke to the inductees about passion and influence in his keynote address. He also assured the inductees that they are ready for their new responsibilities. An U.S. Air Force master sergeant selectee takes the Senior NCO Charge, August 21, 2026, at the Senior NCO Induction Ceremony, Aug. 21, 2026, in the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Thirty-three Airmen and Guardians were honored for being promoted into the ranks of senior noncommissioned officers with the additional responsibilities for the future of the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by R.J. Oriez) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res “The Air Force and the Space Force—they got it right this year because we have an amazing group of leaders. They are hungry, they're passionate,” he told the attendees. “You are here, getting ready to sew on this rank, not because you have to sew on and then prove yourself,” Rivera said later. “You're here because you've already done it. Your leaders have seen in you the qualities, and the attitude, and the fire in your heart to be the next senior NCOs in this Air Force to lead the next generation of airmen.” Tech. Sgt. Taylor Heuton, USAFSAM, is a master sergeant selectee who was one of the inductees. “Tonight means everything to me! It’s the next big step in my career,” she said. “The senior NCO rank is a huge accomplishment, and it’s always been a goal of mine and I got it! So, yes, I’m ready to lead my people! I’m ready to do what we are charged to do as senior NCOs!”