JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — JBER hosted its 2023 Senior Noncommissioned Officer induction ceremony to celebrate new master sergeants at the Marriott Anchorage Downtown hotel in Anchorage, Alaska, Oct. 20, 2023.
This annual event brings together future JBER senior NCOs to celebrate with their friends, families and coworkers, honoring their achievements.
The roles and responsibilities of senior NCOs include preserving the legacy and heritage of the U.S. Air Force by leading teams and shaping the future force.
“I think as a master sergeant, it could hopefully open more doors to take care of our people and maybe be taken a little more seriously,” says soon-to-be Master Sgt. Colin Owens, 673d Air Base Wing Religious Affairs NCOIC. He went on to say that he’s very excited to help his people as a SNCO.
As they ascend to the next enlisted tier, these Airmen will grow from first-line supervisors and trainers into team leaders prioritizing operational competence and overall effectiveness.
U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Heath Tempel, senior enlisted leader of the Alaska NORAD Command Region and Alaskan Command, and the Command Chief Master Sgt. for the Eleventh Air Force, was the key speaker at this ceremony.
“This is a big event, it’s a big moment for all of us to be able to come here and celebrate with one another,” said Tempel.
U.S. Air Force Col. David Wilson, 673d Air Base Wing and JBER commander, spoke at the event as well.
“To our selectees, tonight we are darn proud of you; we’re celebrating with you,” said Wilson.