Promotion Speech

Effective 1 July 2008, I am promoted to Sergeant Mark Mansfield. The ceremony was actually on the 30th, at 1700 hours in the evening. I was pinned by LTC Robinette, and CW2 Diaz read the orders. Below is my speech after a flattering introduction by LTC Robinette.

“Thank you, Sir.

As the colonel mentioned, I have a degree in English Literature, and not in Public Speaking, so I’ve written this very short speech out.

There are a few people who I would like to thank for helping me have this privilege of becoming an NCO.

First, my parents and family for providing the support and role models that have helped and inspired me to get here. I have countless old war stories that are not mine, but that I grew up with. Whether they were told by pilots, MPs, Rangers, enlisted, officers, or even military spouses, I grew up to appreciate how incredibly noble it is to serve in the military, and from an early age, I knew I wanted that for myself.

I also want to thank the officers and attorneys I have worked for who have listened and taken my advice. When they disagreed or I didn’t understand, they thought it was important enough to take the time and effort to explain it to me. It has been an education, and a pleasure.

I’d especially like to thank all the NCOs I’ve worked for, SFC Davis, SSG Cooper, SFC Neal, and SFC Preston, all who have taken large amounts of their time to give me advice (whether I asked for it or not), answering my limitless questions, and for taking an interest in this soldier ho wanted to live up to the good things his NCOs have said about him. I am sure I wouldn’t be promoted without their hard work and good graces.

Finally, I’d like to thank my wife and child. They could not be here today, but they are my inspiration to continue to try and make the world a better place; one job, one day, and one soldier at a time.

I’m not going to be cliche and say I know exactly what it is that makes people good leaders, because leadership is not like some object you can hold on to, and tell what color it is. Forms of leadership are as varied as the people who have it. It is one of those qualities that is easily recognized, and hard to duplicate. But I am confidant that with the leadership I’ve had, I will be able to lead soldiers and provide that good example that I have had provided for me.

Thank you.”