Sheppard’s newest Senior NCOs: Don’t just wear the stripe, leave a legacy

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Adawn Kelsey
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  An elite cadre of about 42 Sheppard Airmen will be inducted into the Senior NCO ranks as new leaders in the Air Force at an Induction Ceremony July 22. While taking on their new rank, responsibilities and possibly more or new subordinates, these are the master sergeants that will be responsible for raising the Air Force's newest Airmen.

Senior Master Sgt. Scott Morehouse, Base Career Assistance Advisor, said the inductees are transitioning from technical experts and first line supervisors to leaders. This is an opportunity for the new Senior NCOs to network and to keep progressing.

"This is the time when (master sergeants) can get out of the shops, be first shirts and develop their Airmen," he said. "One of the most important aspects of being a Senior NCO is helping those below you advance and passing along information."

Master Sergeant Select Gurney Lofland, 363rd Training Squadron munitions instructor, said one of his priorities is to set Airmen up for success.

"There is no such thing as a natural Airman," he said. "Airmen need to have a mentor that is willing to share their experiences and knowledge. It's important to find the strengths of your Airman and capitalize those while building on their weaknesses."

Gurney said Airmen who want to be successful in the Air Force need to set the example and stand out from their peers.

"One of the first steps to being successful is finding a good NCO mentor who exudes Air Force core values and has the whole person concept, that aspires you to be like them and follow in their footsteps," he said. "Remember that your mentor does not have to be your direct supervisor, it can be any NCO you look up to or even a neighbor."

Lofland said Airmen should always remember what they put into their careers is what they will get out of it.

"You won't move up in the ranks by yourself," he said. "Yes you have to help yourself but you have to accept help from those above you. If you don't have the greatest supervisor, don't get discouraged. Not everyone can stay in the military so if you can, stay in. Don't let just one person change your mind."

Master Sergeant-select Michael Sirmons, 363rd Training Squadron instructor supervisor, said he is looking forward to being part of the higher ranks after all the hard work that brought him to this point.

"To become a master sergeant you have to study," he said. "You must know your job and learn it very well. It's important to find that NCO that inspires you. My NCOs helped me with insight and to know what I needed to do to get me here today. Now is the time to set up your future, earn awards, studying and continuing education, be at the front of the group and set yourself apart from your peers."