Staff sergeant selects: your Air Force journey continues Published Aug. 14, 2007 By Chief Master Sgt. Michael Williams 60th Air Mobility Wing command chief TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Congratulations to Team Travis new staff sergeant selects ... well done! Selectees, life in the Air Force as you now know it will change because you will soon join the non-commissioned officer tier. Therefore, you will now be held to a higher standard because you are an NCO. Transitioning from an Airman to an NCO will be one of the most daunting challenges you will encounter in your Air Force career. Take great pride in this milestone you have accomplished. However, I caution you, the term NCO alone doesn't mean you have arrived. In my opinion, it means there's a long and arduous journey ahead of you. One which entails making sure the mission gets accomplished and continuing both your personal and professional development while developing the next generation of leaders ... our Airmen. In the midst of winning the war against terrorism, taking care of our Airmen and their family, and recapitalizing the force, we need you to be the BEST. 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. This new status you will soon be granted has absolutely nothing to do with you or your personal desires to be called sir, ma'am or sergeant. No, on the contrary, it is about those NCO chevrons you will soon display on your uniform. As an NCO you are referred to as sir or ma'am because of the many sacrifices of the men and women that came before you. They earned the respect that we as NCOs enjoy today. Therefore, when someone refers to you as sir or ma'am, remember they are paying homage to those that have elevated the NCO status to what it is today. Today our Air Force is confronting some serious challenges and uncertainty. We need supervisors/leaders that are dedicated and committed to upholding the standards and leading from the front. We need serious leaders. You are the ones with the opportunity to shape our Air Force for tomorrow by ensuring the Airmen that follow you are properly trained, equipped and prepared to sustain this great institution. Take great pride in your new status and never forget, a lot of people paved the way for you, some paying the ultimate price. NCOs as we know them today were not always held in high regards. The enlisted men and women that came before you earned the respect and trust of our officers. 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 and Space Force ever assembled. You will now carry that torch, ensure at all times you lead by example, and your conduct on and off duty reflects that of a non-commissioned officer. Good luck! Be safe, make responsible choices and I'll see you around campus.