Sheppard inducts newest NCO's

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Matthew Varga
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Sheppard inducted 55 senior airmen to the non-commissioned officer ranks Aug. 28 at the base theater. 

Senior Airman Rodrigo Trevino, 82nd Civil Engineering Squadron, said he is ready to answer the call. 

"It's a challenge getting the promotion but it is also very exciting. It is a great honor and privilege," he said. "It is not just another stripe but a new chapter of my career and a new opportunity." 

Along with another stripe comes more responsibilities, said Airman Trevino. 

"The Air Force has said you're ready, your bosses have said you're ready, you've got the ball, now run with it," Brig. Gen. O.G. Mannon said, "Congratulations, we're awfully proud of all of you. Thank you for being a part of our Air Force," he said. 

Colonel Menker said the newly-promoted staff sergeants would now be part of the solution, they would be instrumental in completing the mission and help guide the junior enlisted ranks to someday replace them as they replaced their NCO's. 

"You are now entering the leadership corps of the Air Force," said Col. George Menker, 80th Flying Training Wing vice commander. 

It was not an easy road to becoming an NCO, and the goal they set out to achieve did not go un-noticed, Colonel Menker said. 

Tech. Sgt. Scott Turner, an instructor in the 982nd Training Group, offered words of advice and encouragement, but also a reminder of the new responsibilities expected of NCO's. 

"You must be a leader and should actively be motivating and put your duties above yourself. Learn all you can from those more knowledgeable, but ensure you pass that knowledge down," he said. 

Airman Trevino said the best thing that junior enlisted Airmen can do to advance and be recognized is show initiative, know their job, practice excellence in all they do and most of all never forget the family, friends and supervisors that help them along the way.