 My frozen hands pulled Washington across the Delaware. I struck from the swamps in the Carolinas, from Lexington to the Cowpins. When the loam started joined to the north and the Alamo fell, I marched south. Gathering along the Rio Grande, I prepared my forces for the long hot fight. A nation divided in 61, we went our separate ways. I fought my brother, my father, my son. Both blue and gray were the colors I wore. Once again I stirred when Pancho Villa attacked from the south. I mounted my steed and chased him back, the last of the classic battles I fought. On to France was the battle cry, and on to the modern battlefield. A generation older, I returned to duty. Like a slumbering giant, I awoke at Pearl. I hid the sand in Africa, cutting my teeth at Casserine. Up through the Italian countryside, I pushed, driving into Rome. The English Channel was no match for me, as I jumped out of the boats and on to the sand at Normandy. To arms, I left a Korea's call. I held the line for a while, but soon fell back after the mall. I gathered my forces around in Busan. Soon, I outflanked the Reds at Incheon. I brought peace to my southern neighbor in the Dominican. But again, I was needed across the world, so off to Vietnam I went. From the Mekong to the Highlands, Yandrong to Saigon. For 15 years, I fought the long fight. In Panama, the canal was threatened. Drugs were at hand. Again, I jumped in. I fought from the sky. I fought from my barracks. In the burning sands of the Middle East, so that others may live free of naked aggression and injustice. Where brave soldiers fought, there I fought and was always commanding. Follow me. I served the UN and NATO till the oppression was through. Once again, I traveled to the Middle East. From the mountains and valleys of Afghanistan to the violent streets of Iraq, I led my soldiers. I engaged the enemy on their ground to protect ours, the United States of America. I am a sergeant. I fight a new kind of war without boundaries and tactics that I've used before. They may have hit us in our homeland, but we're stronger than ever and will make our stand. From Kabul to the Khyber, Baghdad to Tikrit, the hunt I will win around the world and back again. Today, I stand ready for tomorrow's great fight. From high in the mountains to under the sea, steamy wet jungles, dark, cool forests. First sergeant fields from the Lightfighter School will light the red candle above the red letter N, which represents the past and the blood which was shed. From the Army of the United States of America, where for 243 years I have trained and led our nation's soldiers and with them have purchased freedom with our blood. To the tyrant, I am the day of reckoning. To the oppressed, I represent the hope for the future. I was there at the beginning. First sergeant day from the signal intelligence and sustainment company will now light the white candle above the white letter C, which represents the present and purity. The mountains of Afghanistan and through the streets of Baghdad, taking the fight to those who want to destroy the American way of life. Prudently, the American Army is the strength, force and fight factor for freedom and the American way of life. First sergeant Edwards from Headquarters and Headquarters Battery will now light the blue candle over the blue letter O that represents the future and loyalty to our country. I am the sergeant, leading my soldiers on patrol, manning checkpoints and security in the cities. I am a warrior. I train my soldiers to live the warrior ethos. I am prepared to go anywhere on this earth to project the power of our country to implement peace and guaranteed democracy. Who presents this NCO to be inducted into the Corps of National Commissars? I, Staff Sergeant Pontein, present this NCO to be inducted into the Corps of National Commissars. Step forward. Sergeant Versailles Jiggins, welcome to the Corps. Who presents this NCO to be inducted into the Corps of National Commissars? I, Staff Sergeant Pontein, present this NCO to be inducted into the Corps of National Commissars. Step forward. Sergeant Jane Novitska, welcome to the Corps. As an NCO, you are imparting knowledge, instilling discipline and guiding support towards success. So I say congratulations to joining an elite team that is not only envied by so many other countries but is revered by other corps. You are inducted and now a member of the one and only backbone of the Army. Climb the glory. Command Sergeant Major Del Rio will now present Command Sergeant Major Gibbons with a token of appreciation. The NCO is on overwatch and it says three words of wisdom. My favorite point. Inductees, attention. Raise your right hand and repeat after me. Aye. State your full name. Aye. We'll discharge carefully and diligently the duties of the grade to which I have been promoted and uphold the traditions and standards of the Army. I understand that soldiers of a lesser rank are required to obey my lawful orders. Accordingly, I accept responsibility for their actions as an on-commissioned officer. I accept the charge to observe and follow the orders and directions given by supervisors. Acting according to the laws. Articles and rules. Governing the discipline of the Army. I will correct conditions. Detrimental to the readiness thereof. In so doing. I will fulfill my greatest obligation as a leader. And thereby confirm my status as a non-commissioned officer. Inductees, do you swear or affirm to uphold and secure the value and the responsibilities of the non-commissioned officer corps? Yes, Sergeant Major. Take seats. Soldier, I will treat you to accomplish various tasks which require necessary thought and minimal hesitation. For when it is time to utilize your training, reaction time will not be a factor. I will be a factor. I'll provide you with the necessities of food and drink. I will train you to overcome many obstacles, soldier. You will be trained to be subsufficient so that you will have the courage to step up and lead the way in my absence.