Gov. Heineman Proclaims 2009 as the “Year of the Army Noncommissioned Officer”

(Lincoln, Neb.) Photo Gallery - Gov. Dave Heineman today proclaimed 2009 as the “Year of the Army Noncommissioned Officer” (NCO) in Nebraska. Approximately 75 Nebraska Army National Guard sergeants attended a proclamation signing ceremony today at the State Capitol.

“Noncommissioned officers are the backbone of our nation’s military,” Gov. Heineman said. “More than ever, enlisted personnel are being called to serve as leaders within their units. These soldiers have distinguished themselves during overseas missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, and during domestic deployments such as when members of the Nebraska National Guard deployed to assist with hurricane recovery efforts and respond to severe weather in Nebraska.”

“It’s important we recognize the contributions of these sergeants and all of our enlisted personnel. As a former Army officer, I am very proud of their accomplishments.”

The ceremony served as the official kick-off of the Nebraska Army National Guard’s year-long recognition of NCOs and their efforts to support the guard’s local, state and national commitments. The observance is part of a year-long recognition led by the U.S. Army.

Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Burch is the senior noncommissioned officer in the Nebraska Army National Guard.

Burch said, “The year-long recognition is designed to build both public and internal awareness of the important roles that sergeants play while also helping focus attention on such enhancements as NCO education, fitness and leadership.”

The Nebraska Army National Guard “Year of the Army NCO” will include a number of formal and informal recognition events held across the state throughout 2009. For further information on the events, please contact the Public Affairs Office of the Nebraska Army National Guard at (402) 309-7300.