459 ARW holds historical induction ceremony

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Amber Russell
  • 459th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. --  Since World War II, the role of the non-commissioned officer has shifted from being a liaison for enlisted and officer servicemembers, towards NCOs providing the experience and leadership it takes to develop up and coming Airmen.

In pursuing this vision, Chief Master Sgt. Clifford B. Van Yahres, 459th Air Refueling Wing command chief, implemented the first combined senior non-commissioned officer and non-commissioned officer induction ceremony, also sponsored by the 459th ARW Top 3. The inaugural ceremony was held this year in the wing auditorium here July 17.

During the ceremony, wing Reserve Airmen newly promoted to staff sergeant and master sergeant ranks from October 2010 to May 2011 were recognized. Part of the ceremony also included the reading of the respective rank creeds, which reminds the Airmen of their responsibilities as leaders and their devotion to service.

"The official and formal recognition of this ceremony is very important in making newly promoted sergeants aware of their increased responsibilities as NCOs," said Chief Van Yahres. "This jump to a new status is a big step that will require an increased level of professionalism."

Colonel Russell A. Muncy , 459th Air Refueling Wing commander, attended the induction ceremony and helped Chief Van Yahres in handing induction certificates to the Airmen. During his closing remarks, he recognized that leadership skills at the wing are important at every level and must be used on a daily basis, especially for the newly inducted SNCOs and NCOs.

"These Airmen most definitely earned their rank for the work they have done and the leadership they have brought forth. They're now faced with the challenging part, which is the increased responsibility that comes with this new stature in their careers," said Colonel Muncy.

Leadership and responsibility is not something SNCOs like newly inducted, Master Sgt. Alfonso Betiong, III, 459th Aeromedical Staging Squadron, shy away from.

"In order to be the next rank, you have to act like the next rank in advance," the cardiopulmonary specialist mentioned. "With proper guidance, I entrust my Airmen to complete many important duties. I also understand that my position requires me to correct them when they do wrong, but I make sure to give them kudos when they do well," said Sergeant Betiong.

Leadership, tradition and responsibility served as central themes for the SNCO and NCO induction ceremony. Airmen like Sergeant Betiong, who were formally recognized at the event for their new rank, are now charged with upholding those themes as they continue their careers at the wing and beyond.