MTANG enlisted inducted into NCO and SNCO ranks

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Eric Peterson
  • 120th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Great Falls, Mont. --  Four Montana Air National Guard senior non-commissioned officers and 17 non-commissioned officers were inducted into their respective rank tier at the 120th Fighter Wing November 3.

The NCO induction ceremony recognized two of the major career milestones reached by members of the enlisted ranks.

When a United States Air Force enlisted member is promoted to staff sergeant they enter the NCO corps. Being promoted to master sergeant and becoming a senior NCO means even more sacrifice and responsibility.

Family, friends and unit members watched as each group of master sergeants and staff sergeants stood in formation, raised their right hands and recited the NCO Creed in unison.

After each creed was recited, 120FW Command Chief Master Sgt. Timothy Huffman shook hands with the NCOs and presented them with a certificate of induction.

The newly-appointed NCOs and senior NCOs then formed a reception line where senior leadership, unit members and families congratulated each of the honored Airmen.

MTANG NCO and senior NCO induction ceremonies have been held for many years and reflect the importance senior leadership places in the promotion process. The new rank brings with it additional authority and responsibility to the promoted NCO.

"These ceremonies are deep-rooted in tradition," said Senior Master Sgt. Kim Gunter, who serves as the commander's administrative assistant. "In the Air Force we have this tradition so that these individuals are aware of the significance of the tier that they're moving into. It's not just another rank-it's a significant increase in responsibility."

120th Communications Flight Staff Sgt. Holly Heffley was inducted into the NCO ranks during the ceremony and had good advice for younger MTANG Airmen as they progress through their enlisted career. She encourages them to look to their wingman for assistance when help is needed.

"Put in the hard work," Heffley said. "Ask for help if you need it. There's always somebody out there that's going to help you in anything that you need, whether it be at work, your fitness test, or even Airman Leadership School. Just ask for help, you'll get there eventually."

Gunter organized the event held in the Larsen Room of the Headquarters Building and was happy to see such a large turnout of unit members come to support the honored NCOs.

"It was important for wing members to come and participate and show their encouragement to our new staff sergeant and senior NCOs because it's very it's a very important and special time for their career," Gunter said.

The effort to recognize the newly-promoted NCOs was appreciated by those recognized at the event.

"It shows everybody that it's important to strive to make it to the next level, to get promoted, put on another stripe and show that becoming a supervisor and making it to the next level is a really big deal," said Heffley.

The NCO and senior NCO induction ceremonies follow the promotion cycles at the 120FW and are scheduled to be held every six months.