AVCOE NCOA SLC Graduation Class: 26-003

Added: 2026-05-30

[00:00:06]Good morning, distinguished guest, ladies and gentlemen. On behalf of the commanding general and command sergeant major of the United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence in Fort Rucker, Major General Claire A. Gill, the command sergeant major Ruben A. Davila, and the command command out of the non-commissioned officers academy, Command Sergeant Major Jermaine Baldwin.

[00:00:22]We welcome you to the graduation ceremony of the 15 series career management field senior leaders course.

[00:00:27]Please feel free to come forward and take pictures at any time other than during the opening ceremony and the plane of honors.

[00:00:34]Ladies and gentlemen, please rise for the invocation given by Staff Sergeant Penny Morgan and remain standing for the playing of our national anthem.

[00:00:48]>> Heavenly Father, we pause this morning to ask for your blessing on the men and women of this graduating class.

[00:00:54]Thank you for the insight and knowledge they have gained.

[00:00:56]Thank you for their commitment to lead the way. Thank you for the dedicated teachers and mentors who have had the opportunity to instruct and share with them over the past several weeks.

[00:01:06]Grant each graduate wisdom to apply themselves to the challenges that lie ahead. May they rise to every occasion to lead with professionalism and honor.

[00:01:14]Their formal learning is ending and their time of gaining wisdom is just beginning.

[00:01:18]Help them to grow strong in wisdom in order to weather life's storms. Give them strength to be men and women of integrity and compassion in order to lead in a way that is redemptive and capable where they are called to serve.

[00:01:30]In your precious name we pray. Amen.

[00:01:41]>> [music] [music] [music] >> Please be seated.

[00:02:55]The mission of the senior leaders course is to develop within the non-commissioned officers of the aviation branch those characteristics and leadership traits that ensure the necessary competence, self-confidence, and sense of responsibility required of military leaders. These courses accomplish this by developing an understanding of their responsibilities as leaders, self-confidence in their technical and tactical abilities, the ability to effectively communicate with seniors and subordinates, and the high professional standards of the non-commissioned officer corps. These leadership traits enhance their ability to maintain discipline in the United States Army.

[00:03:23]Ladies and gentlemen, the commandant of the AVCO NCO Academy, Command Sergeant Major Jermaine Baldwin.

[00:03:29]>> [applause] >> Morning, everybody. How y'all doing?

[00:03:41]Distinguished guests, friends, and family of today's ceremony, welcome to the graduation of the ceremony for non-commissioned officers senior leaders course class 26-003.

[00:03:55]First, I would like to thank AUSA, USAA, First Command, Sergeant Audie Murphy Club, V2X, and the Wiregrass Sergeant Major Association for their continued sponsorship of our awards program. So, thank you all for that. Uh the academy and the recipients appreciate your recognition of their achievements.

[00:04:18]I'd also like to recognize soldiers and civilians that make the Aviation Center of Excellence NCO Academy a top-tier center.

[00:04:27]To the esteemed cadre and SGLs, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering professionalism and commitment to duty.

[00:04:37]Your pride and discipline, coupled with a relentless pursuit of progress and continuous improvement, exemplifies the essence of what it means to be a professional non-commissioned officer.

[00:04:51]Thank you for your countless contributions you make behind the scenes and for your selfless dedication.

[00:04:58]You embody the true spirit of professional leadership and resiliency.

[00:05:05]Your determination to surpass yesterday's achievements is reflected in the stellar reputation you all have cultivated and the accountability you uphold for one another.

[00:05:17]Because of each of you, this academy is producing some of the finest aviation NCOs our army has to offer.

[00:05:26]Please join me in a round of applause for my cadre.

[00:05:30]>> [applause] >> I would like to also express my appreciation to the Aviation Center of Excellence, uh the staff, uh 101st 1AB, uh First of the 145th, and the Garrison Command team for continued support. Uh, now to our graduates.

[00:05:53]Throughout [clears throat] your journey at the premier non-commissioned officer academy in the army, you have confronted physical, mental, and academic challenges head-on.

[00:06:03]Over the past weeks, your leadership skills, technical expertise, and tactical acumen have been rigorously tested. Ensuring you are equipped to be agile, adaptive, and ready to enhance warfighting readiness at your home stations.

[00:06:21]As you step into the future leadership roles, remember there are only two categories of soldiers.

[00:06:29]Junior enlisted and officers.

[00:06:33]We have the warrant officer.

[00:06:35]We have the commissioned officer.

[00:06:38]And then we have the non-commissioned officer.

[00:06:42]You, we, are the catalyst and the driving force that will propel our nation's sons and daughters forward in large-scale combat operations and multi-domain operations.

[00:06:55]You have demonstrated your passion, capability, and competence as leaders in both tactical and technical arenas.

[00:07:04]Your motivation, professionalism, and performance both on and off duty have been exemplary.

[00:07:11]You entered this academy to learn and now you are more than prepared to lead.

[00:07:17]So, on behalf of the cadre and the entire Aviation Center of Excellence team, thank you for your dedicated service to our soldiers, their families, the army, and our great nation.

[00:07:29]Now to introduce our guest speaker.

[00:07:32]All right, he has served in the army with pride and distinction for many years.

[00:07:37]He He is a 15 November avionics mechanic. You know, that's a little bit of on my heart. I'm a aircraft electrician by trade, so me and this uh senior non-commissioned officer uh are in the same realm of electrocuting ourselves when we work on helicopters.

[00:07:56]But, by trade, right? He has served our country, our Army, and our soldiers across the globe, both in garrison and while deployed. He currently serves as the Command Sergeant Major for 1st Battalion, 2-2 3rd Aviation Regiment here at Fort Rucker.

[00:08:13]Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming our guest speaker, Command Sergeant Major Joshua E. Ricketts.

[00:08:22]>> [applause] [clears throat] >> Graduates of the Senior Leader Course 26-003.

[00:08:43]Fellow leaders and distinguished guests, good morning.

[00:08:45]It is my distinct honor to stand before you today and celebrate this pivotal moment.

[00:08:51]>> [clears throat] >> To the families and friends here in person and those that could not make it, but maybe watching, thank you. Your unwavering support and sacrifice are the bedrock that allow allows these leaders to serve and excel.

[00:09:04]We are all grateful for your commitment.

[00:09:06]Throughout my career, I've seen that the most effective leaders are those who understand the weight of their new responsibilities.

[00:09:13]They anchor their leadership in a few core unshakable principles.

[00:09:18]As you prepare to take this next critical step, I want to I want to share with you the principles that I believe are essential to leading effectively at this level.

[00:09:29]First and most importantly, people over hardware.

[00:09:32]Our Army has the finest equipment in the world, but But nothing without the skilled and dedicated soldiers who operate and maintain it.

[00:09:40]Your primary responsibility is growing.

[00:09:42]You are the custodians of our most valuable asset, our people.

[00:09:47]Your core mission is to take care of our is to take care of your soldiers so they can take care of the mission.

[00:09:55]The practical application of this principle is trust.

[00:09:58]Trust is the bedrock of every elite unit and as senior leaders, you are the architects of that trust.

[00:10:05]It must be earned daily and fostered with intention.

[00:10:08]You will build stronger teams through trust.

[00:10:12]Pur- purposeful soldier development.

[00:10:15]Challenge your soldiers, invest in their growth through tough adaptive training and a relentless focus on their professional education.

[00:10:24]When your soldiers know you are committed to making them better, trust deepens.

[00:10:28]Unwavering respect.

[00:10:30]Every soldier deserves to be treated with dignity.

[00:10:33]This is a non-negotiable baseline for all interactions. As senior leaders, you must enforce this standard for everyone in your formation.

[00:10:43]Transparency.

[00:10:44]Your dis- Your soldiers deserve the truth.

[00:10:47]Be transparent in your words and actions. Open, honest communication builds an unshakable foundation of trust and demonstrates your integrity.

[00:10:57]Steadfast consistency.

[00:10:59]Trust is built through predictable and fair leadership.

[00:11:03]You do not have to You do not get to pick and choose when you when you want to lead. You must lead at all times and through all situations.

[00:11:13]This consistent consistency Yeah, struggling, sorry.

[00:11:17]Leads directly to my final point. Uphold the standard.

[00:11:21]We have all heard the phrase, "If you ignore a deficiency, you have just accepted a lower standard."

[00:11:26]For you, this is no longer just a phrase. It is your charge. A lapse in standards threatens the discipline and cohesion of the entire organization.

[00:11:36]You are now the leaders who must model high ethical and moral character.

[00:11:40]Enforcing established standards firmly, fairly, and without compromise.

[00:11:46]Graduates, you are here today because you have proven you are ready.

[00:11:50]You are returning to your units to take on one of the most sacred duties in our army. Leading American soldiers.

[00:11:56]This is an important step.

[00:11:58]Embrace the responsibility involved in this endeavor.

[00:12:02]Lead with purpose.

[00:12:04]Build your teams on a foundation of trust.

[00:12:07]Uphold the standard in everything you do.

[00:12:09]Do this and you will forge disciplined, ready, and lethal teams capable of accomplishing any mission.

[00:12:16]Again, congratulations and thank you for honoring me with the privilege of speaking with you today.

[00:12:24]>> [applause] [applause] >> Today, we are honoring all NCOs of cycle 26-003 who have successfully completed senior leaders course. As the graduates identify themselves today, you'll hear select students identify their placement on the commandant's list. Placement is determined by those who meet stringent requirements of the honors program is limited to the top 20% of the graduating class. All students receiving honors will have their achievements annotated on their academic records.

[00:12:58]The graduates will now receive their diplomas. Immediately following, you'll recognize individual achievements and awards.

[00:13:05]The SGL and graduates of 15 Charlie Whiskey SLC.

[00:13:09]>> Sergeant First Class Huffman, small group leader.

[00:13:15]>> Staff Sergeant Arnold, Camp Humphreys, Korea.

[00:13:23]>> Staff Sergeant Daniels, Fort Hood, Texas.

[00:13:29]Staff Sergeant Ferguson, Fort Wainwright, Alaska.

[00:13:36]Staff Sergeant Hagen, Fort Huachuca, Arizona.

[00:13:44]Staff Sergeant Kelly, Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

[00:13:51]Staff Sergeant Schuler, Fort Hood, Texas.

[00:13:57]Staff Sergeant Tong, Fort Irwin, California.

[00:14:02]>> The SCL and graduates of 15 Papa SLC.

[00:14:06]>> SERGEANT 1ST CLASS MONTES, SMALL GROUP LEADER.

[00:14:11]>> Staff Sergeant Sisneros Danilo, California JFHQ.

[00:14:17]>> SERGEANT 1ST CLASS CROXTON, Fort Hood, Texas.

[00:14:22]>> Sergeant 1st Class Hernandez, Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii.

[00:14:29]>> Sergeant 1st Class Shakespeare, Fort Huachuca, ARIZONA.

[00:14:36]>> Sergeant 1st Class Washington, Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia.

[00:14:43]>> The SCL graduates of 15 Quebec SLC.

[00:14:46]>> Staff Sergeant Mims, small group leader.

[00:14:52]>> Staff Sergeant Armstead, Camp Humphreys, Korea.

[00:14:59]>> Staff Sergeant Bivens, Fort Rucker, Alabama.

[00:15:05]>> Staff Sergeant Morgan, Fort Bliss, Texas.

[00:15:10]>> Staff Sergeant Reed, San Antonio Recruiting Battalion.

[00:15:16]>> Staff Sergeant Reese, Fort Rucker, Alabama.

[00:15:23]>> Staff Sergeant Starr, Fort Carson, Colorado.

[00:15:29]Staff Sergeant Watson, Fort Rucker, Alabama.

[00:15:35]Staff Sergeant West, Fort Rucker, Alabama.

[00:15:40]>> The SCL and graduates of 15 maintenance SLC, first platoon.

[00:15:45]>> Sergeant First Class Ott, small group leader.

[00:15:51]>> Staff Sergeant Baez, K-16, South Korea.

[00:15:58]>> Staff Sergeant Johnson, Fort Carson, Colorado.

[00:16:03]>> Staff Sergeant Cano, Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

[00:16:09]>> Staff Sergeant Long, Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

[00:16:14]>> Sergeant First Class Limas, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

[00:16:22]>> Staff Sergeant Marico, Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia.

[00:16:28]>> Staff Sergeant McGregor, Fort Riley, Kansas.

[00:16:33]>> Sergeant First Class Willington, Fort Bliss, Texas.

[00:16:39]>> The SCL graduates of 15 maintenance SLC, second platoon.

[00:16:43]>> Sergeant First Class Bannister, small group leader.

[00:16:50]>> Staff Sergeant Crawford, Fort Jackson, South Carolina, Commandant's list.

[00:16:58]>> Staff Sergeant Cross, Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

[00:17:05]>> Staff Sergeant Doty, Fort Hood, Texas.

[00:17:13]>> Staff Sergeant Hamilton, Fort Rucker, Alabama.

[00:17:19]>> Staff Sergeant Lloyd, Camp Humphreys, Korea.

[00:17:25]>> Staff Sergeant Peter, Fort Eustis, Virginia.

[00:17:31]>> Staff Sergeant Pena, Fort Hood, Texas.

[00:17:37]>> Staff Sergeant Roche, Fort Wainwright, Alaska.

[00:17:42]>> The SLC graduates of 15 maintenance SLC, third platoon.

[00:17:47]>> Staff Sergeant McKenzie, small group leader.

[00:17:52]>> Staff Sergeant Lawrence, New Century, Kansas.

[00:17:58]>> Staff Sergeant Lloyd, Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

[00:18:03]>> Staff Sergeant Martinez, Miami Recruiting Battalion.

[00:18:09]>> Sergeant First Class McCoy, Fort Eustis, Virginia.

[00:18:15]>> Staff Sergeant Metzger, Nashville Recruiting Battalion.

[00:18:21]>> Staff Sergeant Ontiveros, Fort Bliss, Texas.

[00:18:27]>> Staff Sergeant Phillips, Fort Carson, Colorado.

[00:18:33]>> Staff Sergeant Props, Camp Humphreys, South Korea.

[00:18:40]>> The SLC graduates of 15 maintenance SLC, fourth platoon.

[00:18:44]>> Staff Sergeant Ricketts, small group leader.

[00:18:49]>> Sergeant First Class Boyd, Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

[00:18:54]>> Sergeant First Class Collins, Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

[00:18:59]>> Staff Sergeant Deputy, Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

[00:19:05]>> Sergeant First Class Drew, Fort Rucker, Alabama.

[00:19:11]>> Staff Sergeant Mitchell, Fort Eustis, Virginia.

[00:19:17]Staff Sergeant Newbold, Fort Rucker, Alabama.

[00:19:23]>> Staff Sergeant Phillips, Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

[00:19:28]>> Staff Sergeant Sutton, Fort Drum, New York.

[00:19:34]>> Staff Sergeant Villaya, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

[00:19:42]>> Please remain seated for the following awards.

[00:19:45]Distinguished honor graduates are students who have achieved the top GPA in the graduating class and have met all honor program requirements.

[00:19:51]Distinguished honor graduates will receive an Army Achievement Medal, a letter of congratulations from the branch command's sergeant major, and a plaque sponsored by the Association of the United States Army presented by Commandant.

[00:20:01]In recognition of their accomplishments, the following non-commissioned officers are the distinguished honor graduates.

[00:20:18]>> Staff Sergeant Emmanuel Puerto, 15 Quebec SLC.

[00:20:25]>> [applause] >> Staff Sergeant Shawn Doll, 15 maintenance SLC, first platoon.

[00:20:40]>> [applause] >> Staff Sergeant Tyler Lewis, 15 maintenance SLC, second platoon.

[00:20:57]>> [applause] >> Staff Sergeant Drew Kincaid, 15 maintenance SLC, third platoon.

[00:21:07]>> [applause] >> Staff Sergeant William Dennen, 15 maintenance SLC, fourth platoon.

[00:21:17]>> [applause] >> Staff Sergeant Ryan Watkins, 15 Charlie Whiskey SLC.

[00:21:27]>> [cheering] [applause] >> The Iron Sergeant competition is a grueling physical challenge that requires students compete in multiple physical events. The winner is a student that completes all events in the fastest time.

[00:21:50]Kristi Metzler will will present a certificate and a token of recognition to the Iron Sergeant winners.

[00:22:05]Staff Sergeant Ryan Watkins, 15 Charlie Whiskey SLC.

[00:22:10]>> [applause] >> Sergeant First Class Kayla Nebeker, 15 maintenance SLC, second platoon.

[00:22:24]>> [applause] >> The Iron Sergeant competition is a physical team challenge that requires team communication, physical mental toughness. The winning team is a team that exemplifies of these traits and completes all events in the fastest time. Kristi Metzler will present certificates and tokens of recognition to the Iron Squad winners.

[00:23:23]Staff Sergeant Blaine Benton.

[00:23:31]Staff Sergeant Marcus Davila.

[00:23:38]Staff Sergeant Shawn Doll.

[00:23:45]Staff Sergeant Austin Haneca.

[00:23:50]Staff Sergeant Anthony Jackson. 15 maintenance, first platoon.

[00:24:13]>> [applause] >> The professional writing award is presented to the students who distinguish themselves by demonstrating outstanding research and writing ability. On behalf of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club, Staff Sergeant First Class Alex Montes will present a personalized writing utensil set and a certificate of achievement to the winner.

[00:24:46]The recipient of the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy professional writing award is Staff Sergeant First Class Deonte Nathaniel, 15 Papa SLC.

[00:24:55]>> [applause] [applause] >> The physical fitness award is presented to the student who showcased the highest overall achievement based on their army fitness test score. On behalf of USAA, the commandant will present a coin and a certificate of achievement.

[00:25:25]The recipient of the physical fitness award is Sergeant First Class Kayla Nebeker, 15 maintenance second platoon.

[00:25:32]>> [applause] [applause] [applause] >> The commandant's inspection involves students from each class nominated by their small group leader. On inspection day, the commandant evaluates the appearance and general military knowledge of all nominees and personally selects the top performer. Today, on behalf of USAA, the deputy commandant First Sergeant Jonathan Felts will will present a certificate of achievement and a gift card for $50 as a token of recognition to the commandant's inspection winner.

[00:26:15]Staff Sergeant Shawn Doll, 15 maintenance SLC first platoon.

[00:26:19]>> [applause] [applause] >> The Non-Commissioned Officer Academy Leadership Award is presented to the Senior Leader Course student who distinguished themselves by demonstrating outstanding leadership, a high degree of tactical and technical knowledge, teamwork, and commitment to the Non-Commissioned Officer Corps.

[00:26:45]Students are nominated by their peers and selected by their small group leaders to compete for this award that requires exceptional appearance in full service uniform and appearance before board. Board questions cover a range of general military knowledge on doctrine and experience. Final selection was made by the commandant, deputy commandant, and the branch first sergeant. On behalf of the Aviation Center Chapter of Army Aviation Association of America, the recipient will receive a certificate of achievement and a year-long membership to Quad A. The winner is also presented a token of recognition by the Wiregrass Our Majors Association. Today, the Command Sergeant Major David L. Spears SLC Leadership Award will be presented by Command Sergeant Major retired John Bonilla.

[00:27:23]The recipient of the Command Sergeant Major David L. Spears Award of Cycle 26003 is Staff Sergeant Emmanuel Puerto, 15 Quebec SLC.

[00:27:32]>> [cheering] [applause] >> Every cycle, we would like to identify a singular individual who has gone above and beyond. For Cycle 26003, the competition was fierce. Each nominee exemplified professionalism, dedication, and commitment to developing future leaders, creating a highly competitive environment that reflects the strength of our academy. V2X has graciously sponsored this award, presenting our winner with a plaque and a $50 gift card. Today, we recognize an individual whose performance, leadership, and impact has set the standard for excellence. The winner of Cadre of the Cycle for Class 26003 is Staff Sergeant First Class Alex Montes.

[00:28:16]>> [applause] >> So, each cycle, we give out the Cadre of the Cycle.

[00:28:28]And it's each each cycle, it gets increasingly harder and harder to select one of these outstanding non-commissioned You know, if you don't know the individuals that work at this academy interviewed and are selected to come here to They want to be here. So, we have a lot of high speed non-commissioned officers in this organization and it gets really hard to select which one is the best, right? So, it's like cream of the crop and all of them is cream, right?

[00:28:59]So, we got the top of the cream, the middle of the cream, and the bottom of the cream and none of them will touch the bottom people.

[00:29:05]So, uh so, when it comes down to select it's really difficult.

[00:29:09]And again, uh this one wasn't easy and the competition was stiff, but you know, our first sergeant, Montes, as you can see is a stellar non-commissioned officer and congratulations on him being selected this time.

[00:29:25]>> [applause] >> At this time, the student first sergeant will present our guest speaker, Command Sergeant Major Joshua Ricketts, with a token of recognition to thank him for sharing his wisdom and words of encouragement with them.

[00:29:58]>> How you doing?

[00:30:00]On behalf of class >> 2016-003 >> Thank you for your kind words, Sergeant English.

[00:30:09]>> [applause] >> The student first sergeant will now lead the class in reciting the Creed of the Non-Commissioned Officer.

[00:30:28]>> The Creed of the Non-Commissioned Officer.

[00:30:32]>> No one is more professional than I.

[00:30:35]I am a non-commissioned officer, a leader of soldiers.

[00:30:38]As a non-commissioned officer, I realize that I am a member of the backbone of the Army, which is known as the backbone of the >> Ladies and gentlemen, please rise and join us in the singing of the Aviation Branch song and the Army song.

[00:34:23]>> Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in congratulating the graduates of Cycle 26003.

[00:34:29]>> [applause] >> On behalf of the graduates and cadre of the United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence Noncommissioned Officer Academy, we thank you for attending.

[00:34:43]This concludes today's ceremony.