Promotees honored at senior NCO Induction ceremony Published Aug. 2, 2009 By Master Sgt. William Bower 644th Combat Communications Squadron ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- Thirty-seven Airmen from Andersen, to include several deployed from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., and Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, were inducted into the senior noncommissioned officer corps in the ballroom of the Palm Tree Golf Course Convention Center July 17. The annual ceremony recognizes technical sergeants that have displayed the potential for assuming the next higher enlisted grade and whom have earned the right to be called master sergeant. Master Sgts. Ryan Speck of the 644th Combat Communications Squadron, and Dennis Nelson, 36th Civil Engineer Squadron, chairpersons of the 17-member ceremonial planning committee, said they have always wanted to be part of this time-honored tradition and help make a positive impact on the new leaders of tomorrow. The event began with the introduction of the inductees and their guests as they walked through a saber arch. The guest observed the singing of the National Anthem and the Guam Hymn and the posting of the colors by the base honor guard. Chaplain (Capt.) David Leonard conducted the invocation. The inductees, along with the audience, were enlightened by the powerful words of wisdom from the guest speaker Senior Master Sgt. Gregory Stone, 36th Mobility Response Squadron superintendent. He spoke in regards to leadership under fire, and how in a moment's notice, all leaders must be ready to execute precise and effective leadership to ensure mission accomplishment, regardless of their environment. Afterward, Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Wheeler, 36th Communications Squadron, Senior Master Sgt. Raymond Sprague, 644th CBCS, and Master Sgt. Cedric Barron, 36th Maintenance Squadron, held a candle-lighting ceremony. As the ceremony neared completion, Brig. Gen. Phil Ruhlman, 36th Wing commander, addressed the masses, as he highlighted how the island of Guam was liberated from the Japanese in the 1940's and the highest ranking enlisted member managing airfield operations at that time was a master sergeant. He further emphasized the important role master sergeants play in today's Air Force and challenged all new promotees to live up to that standard. The event concluded with the singing of the Air Force song and a "Thank You" to all who helped plan the evening's event.