Promotees honored at first SNCO Induction Ceremony

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Christina D. Kinsey
  • 355th Communications Squadron
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base --  Eighty-one master sergeants from Davis-Monthan were inducted into the senior noncommissioned officer corps July 27 during the first-ever Davis-Monthan SNCO Induction Ceremony at the Holiday Inn Tucson Airport North hotel.

Responding to a challenge from 355th Fighter Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Jim Parkhill, the base Top 3 formed a committee, then organized and hosted the historic event.

Master Sgt. Anthony Hodgson of the 355th Civil Engineer Squadron here, chairperson of the committee, said he stepped up to the challenge because he always wanted to give back to U.S. military history and help implement this new tradition here at D-M.

"The committee has set the bar, providing a high quality template for us to build on," said Chief Parkhill, "This ceremony brings a proper level of recognition to the accomplishments of those Airmen who are selected to serve as a senior NCO and the responsibilities that accompany their selection."

The evening kicked off with the introduction of inductees and their guests as they walked through a saber arch. The National Anthem, posting of the Colors by the base Honor Guard, and invocation then followed.

With the distinction of having the highest line number out off all the inductees, Tech. Sgt. Paul Dunbar of the 355th Medical Operations Squadron here was selected to cut the ceremonial cake with Robert D. Gaylor, the fifth chief master sergeant of the Air Force.

As the guest speaker for the event, Chief Gaylor offered some advice to the group of inductees, emphasizing the importance of authority, responsibility, accountability and compassion.

"In my heart, I believe that the promotion system is working," he said. "With the addition of a chevron, more is expected of you. Learn limits, make things happen, get things done (and) exercise authority invested in your rank."

Following the guest speaker, a candle lighting ceremony was performed by Sergeant Hodgson, Senior Master Sgt. Angela Kamerer of the 355th MDOS and Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Pardue of 612th Air Communications Squadron here, each representing their respective ranks in the SNCO tier.

All inductees were asked to stand as the Oath of Induction was read by Chief Gaylor, followed by the presentation of induction mementos from Chiefs Gaylor and Parkhill.

In closing, the 355th Fighter Wing Commander Col. Kent Laughbaum addressed the audience and said, "The Airman's Creed defines who we are." Then, at his request, every servicemember in the room stood and recited the Creed.

"Throughout the entire night, people were constantly thanking me over and over for what this ceremony did for them and their families," Sergeant Hodgson said. "Everything went as smooth as it could have for this being the first time. It was outstanding. It couldn't have been done without the hard work from the entire committee."