Wing commemorates promotions

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Alan Abernethy
  • 916th Public Affairs Office
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Members of the 916th Air Refueling Wing who were recently promoted to Staff Sgt., Master Sgt. and Chief Master Sgt. were honored Saturday evening in an induction ceremony held at Walnut Creek Country Club.

The ceremony included remarks from Col. Craig Shenkenberg, 916th vice-commander; Chief Master Sgt. James Loper, 916th command chief; and Chief Master Sgt. Michael Bellerose, Air Force Reserve Command first sergeant functional manager.

Senior Master Sgt. William Lester, 916th Maintenance Squadron first sergeant, served as master of ceremonies and TSgt. Ian Gardner, 916th Operations Support Squadron, led a Prisoner of War ceremony.

One highlight of the evening came with the induction of Chief Master Sgt. Gary Smith, 567th Red Horse manager, as he was joined on stage by all chiefs in attendance.

"To be selected for Chief Master Sgt. is an honor and privilege," said Smith. "I would like to thank the great men and women of the wing for hosting such an event."

While great fanfare came with the chief's induction, there was no shortage of enthusiasm for those being promoted to Staff Sgt. and Master Sgt.

"The NCO Induction Ceremony was an awesome experience for me," said Staff Sgt. Derric Burgess, 916th logistics planner, adding that he felt a great sense of pride being recognized in front of such an impressive group of leaders.

"The event was outstanding," said Loper, "It was an honor to recognize those progressing into the next tier of rank and responsibility."