Liberty Wing inducts newest NCOs

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Andria J. Allmond
  • 512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Twenty-five noncommissioned officers were inducted at the fourth annual 512th Airlift Wing NCO Induction Ceremony Aug. 5 at the Air Mobility Command Museum here. 

Col. Randall Bright, 512th AW commander, spoke to the new inductees, telling them that NCOs are the backbone of the Air Force. He stressed the importance of leadership at the NCO level. 

Retired colonel and former 512th AW member Eugene A. Herbert was the guest speaker. In his speech, he thanked the families for their sacrifices, which make the Air Force Reserve possible. He continued by thanking the officers and senior enlisted members present for mentoring the new leaders and asked them to be open to the innovative and fresh ideas of the junior NCOs. 

The function was organized by the Reserve Wing's Top 3, a leadership organization comprised of senior NCOs. The event was created by the Top 3 to recognize the achievement of becoming an NCO and show appreciation for the rank, said Senior Master Sgt. Ara Shishmanian, Top 3 president and 46th Aerial Port Squadron member. 

The Top 3 president congratulated the newly inducted NCOs and instructed them to keep their families involved with their military future. 

"I'm very proud of him," said Crystal Miles, wife of Staff Sgt. Duane Miles, a member of the 512th Maintenance Squadron. "I was in the military, and I know how important this is. It's a big step being an NCO and we try to support him as much as possible."