917th Wing Senior NCOs Inducted

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston
  • 917th Wing Public Affairs Office
Barksdale AFB, La. --  More than 170 family members, friends, and Airmen of all ranks attended the 917th Wing, 6th Annual, Senior Noncommissioned Officer Induction and Chief's Recognition Ceremony at the Stripes Club on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., October 3, 2009.

The 917th Wing inducted 31 Airmen into the Senior NCO ranks as Master Sergeants, while eight new Chiefs were recognized for their accomplishments.

Chief Master Sgt. Jack Johnson, Jr., who is the Command Chief for the Air Force Global Strike Command at Barksdale, was the guest speaker for the ceremony.

Focusing on the fundamental responsibilities of a Senior NCO in today's Air Force, Chief Johnson told the inductees, to "be teachers - get smart on the issues that affect your Airmen. You've got to be that smart - never stop learning."

Chief Master Sgt. Keith St. Aubin, 917th Wing, command chief, advised the new chiefs to set the example, so all (junior Airmen) will know they can accept feedback at face value.

"Have concern for the people you are responsible for," Chief Aubin said. "We must communicate across all boundaries."

But, for all the speeches, praises and words of advice during the course of the evening, probably none left more of an impact on the audience than the following statement.

"We are at war," Chief Johnson said. "We must remain ready. Honorees - the fight is on."