Staff Sgt. Roderick Turner Photojournalist, 314th PAOC
VICKSBURG, Mississippi – In recognition of the “Year of the NCO”, a cake cutting ceremony was held June 13th during the 2009 Warfighter Seminar at the Vicksburg Convention Center.
Secretary of the U.S. Army, the Honorable Preston M. Geren, established 2009 as Year of the NCO in recognition of their commitment to service and willingness to make great sacrifices on behalf of our Nation.
The U.S. Army Noncommissioned Officer Corps, also known as the backbone of the American Army, has distinguished itself as the most accomplished group of military professionals in the world. NCOs have been celebrated for decorated service in military events ranging from Valley Forge to the current conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Command Sgt. Major Guy Taylor, Command Sergeant Major of the 412th Theater Engineer Command said this is a great and well deserved recognition of the NCO Corps. “The Year of NCO highlights the accomplishments of the great corps of NCOs we have in the Army,” said Taylor. “We’re trying to get the NCOs in the limelight because they really work behind the scenes. You always see the officers out in front but behind the scenes there is always a NCO making sure the mission gets carried out.”
During the ceremony, NCOs from past generations, dressed in the uniforms that represented their time, were honored and applauded for their service and continued dedication to the NCO Corps and the Army.
John Turner, former Command Sergeant Major of the 412th Engineer Brigade, and Carroll Garrett, former Staff Sergeant with the 82nd Airborne Division were two of the seven soldiers thrilled to be honored at the ceremony.
“It is amazing to see the NCOs of today and see how far they have come from my days in the Army,” said Turner. “The training they receive today enables NCOs to perform the mission more efficiently and effectively and that is vital in today’s battlefield.”
“The comradery amongst NCOs is one of the greatest assets of the NCO Corps,” said Garrett. “And the esprit de corps amongst the NCO Corps is still very high and the training they received is excellent and just as hard as it was during my tenure in the Army.”
Taylor said honoring the soldiers from years past gave him chill bumps. “We stood on their shoulders and if it were not for them, we would not be where we are today,” Taylor said. “They are truly America’s heroes.”
Taylor hopes that recognition of the NCOs continues well past 2009 and beyond. “We have been at war for eight years now and our active duty, reserves and national guard NCOs continue to step up to the plate time and time again,” said Taylor. “They put their lives on hold, and leave their families and jobs behind in order to serve their Army and Nation. Our NCOs are the unsung heroes.”
