Recognizing future leaders Published April 5, 2014 By Staff Sgt. Karla Lehman 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- Team Dobbins members, families and friends gathered in Hangar 5 to attend the annual Noncomissioned Officer and Senior NCO Induction Ceremony March 2. Hosted by the Dobbins 56 Group and Top Three Organization, the ceremony opened with welcoming remarks from Master Sgt. Engle Coulter, 94th Security Forces Squadron and Tech Sgt. Viki Brown, 94th Airlift Wing Command Post. "Today, we recognize 101 94th Airlift Wing members who have over the past year, achieved the enlisted Air Force ranks, Staff Sgt. and Master Sgt.," said Brown, Dobbins 56 Group President. Guess speaker Chief Master Sgt. Alex Hughes, Headquarters 22nd Air Force aircraft maintenance staff specialist, addressed the inductees on what their roles and responsibilities will be as they continue to excel to higher grades. "When I became an NCO, I remember being excited, but unsure of how I would be successful in the next phase of my career," said Hughes. He discussed the challenges linked with today's Air Force and need for professional leaders in the frequently changing military climate. "When I think of leadership, I think of three C's - Change, Complaining and Choices, said Hughes. "There will always be changes in your people, your superiors or your equipment. The more things change, the more of a need for leadership. When people are uncertain, they are going to look to you." Hughes also discuss of ways to react when complaining starts in your organization. "Complaining only becomes a bigger part of the problem. As an NCO, you have to become a part of the solution," he said. "Finally, when it comes to choices, choose your own path," Hughes concluded. "Don't let others compromise your values." Chief Master Sgt. Wendell Peacock, 94th AW command chief, led the NCO and SNCO Charge, and joined Col. Marshall Irvin, 94th Mission Support Group commander and Hughes in presenting Certificates of Induction. "NCOs are the backbone of the Air Force," said Irvin. "Not only are you leaders, but you are decision makers." Irvin closed the ceremony with remarks for inductees. "Officers look to you for your expertise, and your involvement in the important decisions we have to make," he said. "If you don't live up to the oath you just took, the future of our force is in trouble." According to their mission statement, The Dobbins 56 Group enhances and maintains camaraderie, spirit de corps and prestige of NCOs, while promoting a spirit of unity and honor among all enlisted personnel. The Dobbins Top 3 enhances the customs and values of SNCOs and maintains the "Team Dobbins" spirit by elevating the professional and personal development of the enlisted force, promoting the traditions of our profession of arms, and supporting the Dobbins leadership and local community.
