Alamo Wing recognizes newest NCOs at semiannual ceremony Published Jan. 6, 2019 By Tech. Sgt. Carlos J. Treviño 433rd Airlfit Wing JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-Lackland, Texas -- The 433rd Airlift Wing held a noncommissioned officer and senior NCO induction ceremony sponsored by the Alamo Wing Top 3 at the Robert D. Gaylor NCO Academy here Jan. 5. Fourteen NCOs were inducted during the combined senior NCO and NCO ceremony. Due to training, more newly appointed NCOs would have participated, but could not attend. “Congratulations on this step in your careers,” Col. Thomas K. Smith Jr., 433rd AW commander, said. “I want you to think of Neil Armstrong when he stepped out onto the moon. One small step for you, one giant leap for your career.” Smith challenged the inductees to think about what it means to be professional. “Selfless leadership, that’s what all of you will be doing for everyone out here," said Smith. "Those names you see signed on the bottom of your certificates, I expect to see your names there in the future.” The keynote speaker was 433rd Operations Group superintendent Chief Master Sgt. Edward Ramirez. “Your past must connect with your present to create your future,” Ramirez said. “You are an important aspect to the community and the wing. Keep aiming high, Airmen. One day you will replace me as a chief. If you need anything, we as senior leaders will be here to guide you and mentor you.” Master Sgt. Ernesto Compean, 433rd Maintenance Group management analyst and Alamo Wing Top 3 member believes that an NCO and senior NCO induction ceremony is meaningful for Reserve Citizen Airmen. “It accomplishes two major things that I feel are essential for wing members," Compean said. "First, we are able to recognize and highlight member’s accomplishments in reaching the NCO and senior NCO tiers. Second, by holding this ceremony we review the NCO and senior NCO creed and NCO and senior NCO charge with the inductees.” Before the end of the ceremony, leadership reminded the Reserve Citizen Airmen what they expect from their new NCOs and senior NCOs. “It allows our senior leaders an opportunity to address inductees and tell them in their own words what is expected from them,” Compean said. “Every inductee leaves with a precise understanding of their responsibilities as a NCO and senior NCO in the Air Force,” Compean said. The next induction ceremony is scheduled for the July 2019 UTA and inductions will typically take place semiannually according to Compean.