Six non-commissioned officers from the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research and two from the Fort Sam Houston Dental Activity were inducted into the NCO Corps during an induction ceremony Dec. 3 at the San Antonio Military Medical Center auditorium. The NCO induction ceremony is for recently promoted sergeants who are joining the ranks of a professional Army Corps that highlights and builds the pride shared by all members of the elite Corps. The ceremony is also designed to honor the memory of men and women of the NCO Corps who have served with pride and distinction.

The longstanding traditional ceremony was hosted by the USAISR Sgt. Major Quinton Rice Jr. with Command Sgt. Maj. Darlene C. Taylor from the 264th Medical Battalion as the guest speaker.

During her remarks, Taylor congratulated the newly inducted NCOs and stressed that they are part of the leaders who will help transform the Army of the future.

"Commit yourself to one word, and you will succeed," she said. "That word is 'lead.' In order to succeed as a leader you need to lead by example; know your Soldiers and their families; and lead by knowing yourself."

USAISR First Sgt. Natasha Turrell administered the Oath of the NCO and said this ceremony is more than just an induction into the NCO corps. "It's about building the future of the Army and promoting professionalism," she said. "A promotion to the rank of an NCO is more than a pay raise'it's a significant increase in responsibility; an empowerment to lead Soldiers and make tough decisions."

Sgt. Jeremy S. Walden was among the eight inductees and said the ceremony gave him a sense of pride and honor.

"Induction into the NCO ranks is a tradition that is honorable beyond words," he said. "To be officially recognized as the true 'Backbone of the Army' is recognition that I have truly earned my stripes''a responsibility that I definitely take seriously."