Sheppard inducts newest senior NCOs

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Matthew Varga
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  They had come a long way but all the waiting finally paid off July 24. 

Eighty-one technical sergeants joined the ranks of the upper tier of enlisted leadership at the Senior NCO Induction Ceremony at the Multi-Purpose Events Center in Wichita Falls. 

"We want to recognize them first for making it to this level. It is a difficult road to get here," guest speaker Chief Master Sgt. Robert Tappana, command chief of Air Education and Training Command Tappana said. "But we also want to remind them of the added responsibilities and the new tasks before them." 

Prior to the induction ceremony, the master sergeant selects attended a four-day seminar preparing them for the job ahead. Where an NCO might be responsible for a team, a senior NCO would be responsible for coordinating multiple teams and their work. 

Chief Tappana reminded the newly inducted senior NCOs to not become complacent and to remember that they are not just teaching new Airmen of today, but building the Air Force of the future.
 
Tech. Sgt. Danny Saunders, unaccompanied housing manager with the 82nd Civil Engineer Squadron, said he is ready to take on the responsibilities of a senior NCO. 

"I feel proud of becoming a senior NCO. It has been a goal of mine since being an Airman Basic. I believe being a senior NCO will test all of my attained knowledge and skills from Airman Basic through technical sergeant," he said. 

Tech. Sgt. Shane Newsom, instructor supervisor for the 360th Training Squadron, said he also feels proud to have made the rank of master sergeant. 

"For me it's exciting. It means that I have proved my worth to the Air Force by being promoted to the senior NCO ranks. The added responsibilities will be a challenge but I have had great mentors along the way who have prepared me," he said.