Travis' newest noncommisioned officers Published March 29, 2007 By Chief Master Sgt. Michael Williams 60th Air Mobility Wing command chief TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Last Friday, we hosted our monthly Noncommissioned Officer Induction Ceremony and inducted approximately 71 new staff sergeants into the NCO tier...congratulations to Team Travis' NCO's. Each stripe they have earned in their brief Air Force career is equally important and brings with it a sense of accomplishment and growth. However, joining the ranks of the NCO corps is a milestone they should be extremely proud of achieving. The Travis Conference Center overflowed with commanders, chiefs, supervisors, co-workers, family members and friends...all showing their support and encouragement to our newest NCOs. The guest speaker, Senior Master Sgt. Darwin Peters, 60th Equipment Maintenance Squadron first sergeant, eloquently shared his thoughts on the journey our newest staff sergeants are about to embark upon. One statement in particular from his speech resonates with me today and that is our new staff sergeants are, "leaders today!" Not tomorrow but today...that is so true. It's obvious that they are; however, I some how viewed them as leaders in the making or en-route to becoming a leader. But they are leaders in every sense of the word because we now entrust them with developing, equipping, training and caring for our next generation of leaders...our Airmen. Caring for and developing our airmen is one of the most challenging and yet, rewarding responsibilities we will ever experience. It's especially daunting when you are stumbling through one of the most difficult transitions you will encounter in your Air Force career...transitioning from airman to NCO. Life in our Air Force as they knew it has changed because of their new status. NCOs, as we know them today, were not always held in high regards. The enlisted men and women that came before us earned the respect and trust of our officers. Therefore, our new NCOs must take great pride in this new status and never forget their comrades in arms that paved the way for them, some paying the ultimate price. You see, those pioneers embodied our core values, took pride in mission accomplishment, took care of their people and subsequently became known as the backbone of the most formidable Air Force ever assembled. Our new staff sergeants will now carry the torch, ensuring at all times they lead by example, and their conduct both on and off duty reflects that of a NCO. I'd like to add a nugget or two to the advice Sergeant Peters recited; simply be the BEST NCO you can be and never lose sight of the NCO you once inspired to become. Never forget the Basics...remain true to your foundation and remember the customs and courtesies and values instilled in you during basic training. Always be the Example, through your actions and words for others to emulate. Know the Standards, ensure you clearly articulate the standards to your subordinates and strive to exceed the standards. Continue to Train and become a highly skilled technician and strive for greater supervisory competence. I wish you the very best on your journey and again welcome you to that elite group of men and women referred to as our NCO corps. Be safe, make responsible choices and I'll see you around campus.