“This is not only to say congratulations for becoming a senior NCO, but it’s also a challenge,” Chief Master Sgt. Jeff Sloan, of Indianola, said, introducing the two new master sergeants. “It’s a challenge for them to accept the charge of what it means to be a senior NCO.”

Master Sgt. Kelli Brockway, of Denver, Iowa, and Master Sgt. Randale Meyer, of Webster City, were recognized for becoming senior noncommissioned officers.

Five new junior noncommissioned officers were recognized as well: Staff Sgt. Jacob Fricke, of Baxter; Staff Sgt. Alexander Hoffer, of Evansdale; Staff Sgt. Madeline Morris, of St. Paul, Minnesota; Staff Sgt. Jessica Lueck, of Ankeny; and Staff Sgt. Jo Ann Tuason, of West Des Moines.

“Your induction carries with it the obligations to willingly accept greater responsibility while exercising additional authority,” Senior Master Sgt. Mike Kreff told the new staff sergeants.

-Messenger photo by Kelby Wingert
Lt. Col. Jason Kolacia, commander of the Iowa Air National Guard's 133rd Test Squadron, shares some words of advice to the unit's recently promoted junior and senior noncommissioned officers during an induction ceremony at the unit's headquarters on Sunday afternoon.

Meyer has been with the 133rd Test Squadron since he enlisted in the Iowa Air National Guard in 2009. He had served in the United States Marine Corps for four years before that.

“It means a lot, you know,” he said about being promoted to a senior NCO rank. “You’re managing a team, and that’s a huge step.”

Morris enlisted in the Iowa Air National Guard in high school. She came from an Air Force family and was drawn in by the school benefits. Today, she’s a student at Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota, studying exercise science.

In addition to being a full-time college student, Morris has also served in the 133rd Test Squadron for the last five years and is proud to become a noncommissioned officer.

“You’re the one responsible for getting your stuff done. It means a lot that my shop trusts me to do that and to help other people in my shop with their journeys,” she said, referring to her team within the unit.

Morris said she likes being part of the 133rd Test Squadron because it’s a smaller unit and feels more like a family.

“You know, whatever you strive to get, it’s not about any power,” said 133rd Test Squadron Commander Lt. Col. Jason Kolacia. “There’s a level of responsibility that comes along with each one of those stripes, and never forget that.”

As the NCOs continue to rise through the ranks, adding “stripes” to their rank insignias, they’re becoming more mature, becoming technical experts in their fields and building credibility with themselves and their peers, Kolacia said.

“You represent the very few in this nation that have elected to serve and represent your country in the United States Air Force, so wear that rank with pride,” he said.