COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The 14th Flying Training Wing hosted the annual Noncommissioned Officer induction ceremony specifically for the rank of Staff Sergeant on Nov. 22, 2024, at the Columbus Air Force Base Event Center.
Nine Columbus Air Force Base Airmen were formally inducted into the noncommissioned officer corps after completion of the NCO Foundations Course 500.
The NCO Foundations Course 500 replaces the base level NCO Professional Enhancement Seminar and will be a prerequisite for the Noncommissioned Officer Academy. The course provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to lead by setting the example. It also enhances the students’ capacity to continually advance factors that shape organizational culture, offer guidance that empowers students to reflect on their behaviors in relation to the Airmen Leadership Qualities and facilitate students’ comprehension of techniques that contribute to establishing robust networks.
NCOs are trained in various key leadership skillsets such as attention to detail, effective communication strategies and essential problem solving that cultivate a culture of trust.
Tech. Sgt. LiConstance Hayes, 14th Contracting Squadron section chief, shared her career experience as the guest speaker for the ceremony. Hayes, a native of Alabama, began her Air Force career in 2007 as a Material Management Apprentice at Bolling Air Force Base, District of Columbia. Her expertise and professionalism in the Material Management arena led her to serving as the NCO in Charge, Readiness at Thumrait Air Base, Oman.
The following CAFB Airmen are staff sergeant selects and will promote in 2025:
Staff Sgt. Serena J. Horn, 14th Wing Staff Agencies
Staff Sgt. Hannah J. McCormick, 14th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron
Staff Sgt. Chris M. Savinon, 14th Healthcare Operations Squadron
Senior Airman Andrea Martinez-Quevedo, 14th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron
Senior Airman Nicholas R. McDaniel, 14th Wing Staff Agencies
Senior Airman Evan M. Mooney, 14th Civil Engineer Squadron
Senior Airman Elijah M. Salinas, 14th Operations Support Squadron
Senior Airman Damian C. Sharpe, 14th Operations Support Squadron
Senior Airman Charlie D. Sweetland, 14th Wing Staff Agencies