INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Team Incirlik will come together tonight for a very special event.

On this day, 35 of our fellow Airmen here will be formally inducted to the Senior Non Commissioned Officer ranks during the SNCO induction ceremony.

This milestone achievement marks a departure from their current roles as technical experts and supervisors to a new primary role of leading and managing teams to accomplish the mission.

Vince Lombardi stated, "Leaders aren't born, they are made, and they are made just like anything else, through hard work. That's the price we'll have to pay to achieve that goal, or any goal."

These individuals have worked hard to get to this level. They are crossing over to a new level of challenge and they will be viewed in a totally new light.

Becoming a SNCO increases their scope of responsibility and broadens their authority. Additionally, the performance expectations change from both their subordinates and leadership.

More will be expected and demanded of them; they have the awesome responsibility now of molding the Air Force's future SNCOs.

These men and women will have multiple opportunities to lead and shape the team; taking individual skills, meshing them together and ultimately creating an atmosphere of team excellence.

They must be aware that junior Airmen and officers alike will be looking to them for advice and guidance.

All of our future master sergeants have demonstrated they're ready for this new challenging role or they would not be at this prestigious ceremony.

As a fellow SNCO, I feel compelled to offer my own advice to them as they embark on their journey.
Become involved in the Wing Top 3, there are opportunities to make a difference in your community and the fellowship of your counterparts can provide you with a wealth of information and experience as you grow in your new role.

Interact with your leaders and ensure you understand their vision for your organization and give them honest feedback. Make sure you translate their vision to your NCO's and Airmen. You are now the most critical link in the leadership chain.

I wish our newest SNCOs the best and congratulations on your achievements.