Class of 2009: Lead, Follow, Inspire and Care

  • Published
  • By Desert Lightning Team Top 3
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  All D-M members are invited to attend the third annual Senior NCO Induction Ceremony Aug. 1 at 6 p.m. in the Mirage Club here. 

The ceremony, hosted by the Desert Lightning Team (DTL) Top 3, will honor 137 master sergeant selectees and recognize each individual with certificates and mementos as they are inducted into the senior NCO corps. 

This year's theme is "Lead, Follow, Inspire, and Care," and, like our inductees, we all accept the challenges and strive toward this goal. 

The event will kick off with a social hour prior to Guest Speaker Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Robert D. Gaylor addressing the inductees. 

This date will mark a significant milestone for the new inductees. As new senior noncommissioned officers, our inductees' roles will change as they face an increasing responsibility and demand on their time. And they will continue to lead by example, consistently rack and stack priorities, and remain at the forefront as the epitome of professionalism. 

For some, this induction will be their last major event. For others, it will be the beginning of a journey through the senior NCO tier. It is an accomplishment that warrants tremendous respect. 

This ceremony will allow our selectees to share their achievements with those who matter the most - our friends and family. 

For those who have been inducted and those still striving, it is widely recognized we don't get there completely solo. We depend on the support of our families, supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates. 

Promotion to master sergeant is the first step in assuming the role of a senior NCO where they are expected to provide senior leadership; their advice and counsel is sought by superiors and subordinates alike. 

Easily recognized by the addition of the first stripe on the top of the chevron rank insignia, also known as the "roof", master sergeants have mastered the skills and demonstrated the dedication required of senior NCOs. 

What they have achieved is admirable, and tradition demands that we honor and respect this significant career milestone. From this point on, they will always be held to a higher standard. 

This annual event takes place across the Air Force, and it is the DLT Top 3's pleasure to plan this ceremony and give all the inductees here proper due for a job exceedingly well done. 

The DTL Top 3 formed a subcommittee in the spring and this group has been working tirelessly to plan an exceptional Senior NCO Induction Ceremony to recognize our new inductees. 

For more information, contact Master Sgt. John Brown at 228-0144, or Master Sgt. Angela James at 228-9880.