CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Team Charleston ... again, I extend my congratulations to the team for an excellent showing during the operational readiness inspection. You upheld Team Charleston's reputation by tackling the challenge in award-winning style. The inspector general team threw several fastballs your way and you hit each one out of the park. I accepted the IG's coin with honor on behalf of our enlisted professionals. You all did the team proud!
Becoming a senior NCO is a huge milestone in an enlisted member's career. Last night, we inducted 54 new master sergeants and master sergeant selects into the SNCO Corps. The induction ceremony is a tradition that not only marks their advancement into the SNCO ranks, but it also underscores the increased responsibility that comes with it. This event was an introduction to the pride and respect that accompanies their new and awesome responsibilities.
Now they are more than technical experts and supervisors. Now their primary duties include leadership and management responsibilities consistent with their skill level and rank. As they take charge of work teams and programs, they will begin to manage resources vital to mission accomplishment. They will soon find that their span of control now extends across functional areas and Air Force specialties. They will assume positions as production superintendents, sections chiefs and NCOs in charge of critical work centers. More than ever, Airmen and junior NCOs will look to them for direction. They are a new group of role models and mentors with the experience, responsibility and authority to make the difference.
Inductees, you have earned your place in the SNCO Corps because you have proven yourselves worthy of the enormous trust that has been placed in you. Best wishes as you begin this next chapter in your career. I extend my appreciation to Master Sgt. Charles Washington from the 437th Airlift Wing Legal Office and his committee for an awesome job orchestrating a first-class induction ceremony. I am sure the inductees and their families were equally appreciative.
Team Charleston, join me as I say congratulations to the graduates of Airman Leadership Class 2008-F. We extend special congratulations to the award winners. The Distinguished Graduates were Senior Airman Wesley Taylor, 17th Airlift Squadron, and Senior Airman Michael Leimbach, 437th Logistics Readiness Squadron. The Leadership Award winner was Staff Sgt. Gary Horn, 437th Medical Operations Squadron. The Academic Achievement Award winner was Senior Airman Brent Davis, 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. The top honor of the evening, the John L. Levitow Award winner, was Senior Airman Dale Perchert, 437th Aerial Port Squadron.
The students began their studies with personal expectations for the course as well as what they believed they would glean from it. The feedback I received was positive. They all felt they were prepared and ready to accept new challenges and responsibilities. They left me confident that they will be successful in their respective units.
Finally, congratulations to our September enlisted promotees. Whether it is your first stripe or your last, each one brings increased opportunity, accountability and pride in service. I encourage you to embrace the prospects and seek ways to be the difference in your unit, on the base and in the community.
Team Charleston - Take the Fight to the Enemy!