Independence Gazette - Military News Network

Chaplain’s reflection ....Combat tour provides greater insightMemorial Day is viewedas the “unofficial start” ofsummer. With the temperaturesnow routinely climbing intothe hundreds I believe we cansafely call it the official start.In addition to Memorial Daythe summer months containsome of the most special andcelebrated holidays of our civicyear.June 14 is Flag Day andalso the birthday of the U.S.Army. On this date in 1775 the15,000+ Soldiers, encamped onthe green in Cambridge, Mass.were officially established asthe Continental Army.July 4 is Independence Dayand the remembrance of the daywhen the 13 original coloniesdeclared to Great Britain andthe entire world that we werenow a new nation dedicatedto the principles of liberty andSoldier to Soldier ...freedom.These days are usuallycelebrated with much fanfareand festivities. We may thinkourselves slighted by not havingthe opportunity of spendingthese days with family andfriends doing what we normallydo, however I believe thatthese days can and will havea profound impact on how weview these events in the future.Knowing that we celebratedFlag Day and the Army’sBirthday in the uniform ofour nation’s military may giveus greater insight into theimportance of our flag and whatit stands for. Remembering thatwe were on active duty servingin the Army in a combat zoneon its birthday may help us feelmore rooted and connected tothose thousands of dedicatedmen and women who have wornthat same uniform in difficulttimes throughout our nation’shistory and its wars. CelebratingIndependence Day in a countrythat is still in the midst ofestablishing liberty, freedomand justice for its people mayhelp us appreciate all the morethe wonderful benefits that weenjoy as a nation and often takefor granted in our lives.As with our lives in general,great benefit can be gainedby taking advantage of theopportunities that are presentedto us at pivotal moments. Atfirst it might seem that little ifanything can be gained by ourbeing here and missing out onspending these days with ourloved ones and friends, but ifwe reflect and truly rememberwhat these days mean thenI think that we can grow ina much deeper awareness ofSenior NCOs must develop young leadersWith more than 200 years ofserving the U.S. Army, theNoncommissioned OfficerCorps has been recognized asthe world’s most accomplishedand distinguished group ofmilitary professionals. Inrecognition of this service andsacrifice, Secretary of the ArmyPete Geren established 2009 as“The Year of the NCO.”The history of the NCO beganin 1775 in the ContinentalArmy and the following rankswere established: Corporals,Sergeants, First Sergeants,Quartermaster Sergeants andSergeants Major. In 1778Inspector General BaronVon Steuben established thestructure of the NCO Corpsin the “Blue Book”—TheRegulations for the Order andDiscipline of the Troops of theUnited States. The NCO Corpshave commonly been referredto as the “Backbone of theAmerican Army.” In fact, theNCO Creed states these verywords:NCO CreedNo one is more professionalthan I. I am a NoncommissionedOfficer, a leader of soldiers. Asa Noncommissioned Officer, Irealize that I am a member ofa time honored corps, which isknown as “The Backbone of theArmy”. I am proud of the Corpsof Noncommissioned Officersand will at all times conductmyself so as to bring credit uponthe Corps, the Military Serviceand my country regardless ofthe situation in which I findmyself. I will not use my gradeor position to attain pleasure,profit, or personal safety.Competence is my watchword.My two basic responsibilitieswill always be uppermost in mymind -- accomplishment of mymission and the welfare of mysoldiers. I will strive to remaintechnically and tacticallyproficient. I am aware of myrole as a NoncommissionedOfficer. I will fulfill myresponsibilities inherent in thatrole. All soldiers are entitled tooutstanding leadership; I willprovide that leadership. I knowmy soldiers and I will alwaysplace their needs above my own.I will communicate consistentlywith my soldiers and neverleave them uninformed. I willbe fair and impartial whenrecommending both rewardsand punishment.Officers of my unit will havemaximum time to accomplishtheir duties; they will not haveto accomplish mine. I will earntheir respect and confidenceas well as that of my soldiers.I will be loyal to those withwhom I serve; seniors, peers,and subordinates alike. I willexercise initiative by takingappropriate action in theabsence of orders. I will notcompromise my integrity, nor mymoral courage. I will not forget,nor will I allow my comrades toforget that we are professionals,Noncommissioned Officers,leaders!Many things have changed overthe years but the role of the NCOis still basically the same. NCOsnot only lead by example but theyalso lead from the front. It is everyNCO’s job to train their soldiers.NCOs must also use theirown initiative to get things done.Senior NCOs and leaders needto use their experiences learnedhere in Iraq to coach, teach andmentor our junior NCOs andfuture leaders. This is where anNCO develops his or her leadershipabilities and style.Our NCOs must take the leadand lead by example, enforcestandards and discipline. Frombasic training to the battlefield,the NCO is truly the back bonewhat these days are truly about:duty, honor, courage and awillingness to sacrifice for thegreater good of our nation, oursociety and our people.“Pro Deo et Patria”By Col. (Chaplain) BertKozen56th SBCT Chaplainthat holds the Army together. Tothe NCOs of the 56th StrykerBrigade Combat Team I wouldjust like to recognize you foryour dedication to duty, strengthof character and professionalism.You truly are the best and brightestthis country has to offer andit is my honor to serve in theseranks with you.The following quote byRosalynn Carter sums it upwell: “A leader takes peoplewhere they want to go. A greatleader takes people where theydon’t necessarily want to go,but ought to be.”See you on the BattlefieldJohn E. JonesCommand Sergeant Major56th SBCT“Strength through Honor”Page 12 Independence Gazette May 2009