I know that's certainly true for me.  I grew up, the son of a Marine and I will always consider myself a member of
the United States Air Force.  While on active duty, we NCO's lived by a creed that has been passed down from
generation to generation.  Now that I'm retired, I continue to live by that creed, whether dealing with neighbors,
customers of my shop, or the people I work with in my full-time job.  The military life is forever - this is my creed.  

Creed of the Non-Commissioned Officer

I am a Non-Commissioned Officer, a leader of soldiers.  No one is more professional than I.

As a Non-Commissioned Officer, I realize that I am a member of a time-honored corps,
which is known as "The Backbone of the Military".

I am proud of the Corps of Non-Commissioned Officers and will, at all times, conduct myself
so as to bring credit upon the Corps, the Military Service and my country, regardless of the
situation in which I find myself.  I will not use my grade or position to attain pleasure,
profit, or personal safety.

Competence is my watchword.  My two basic responsibilities will always be uppermost in my
mind -- accomplishment of my mission and the welfare of my soldiers.  I will strive to remain
tactically and technically proficient.  I am aware of my role as a Non-Commissioned Officer.  
I will fulfill my responsibilities inherent in that role.  All soldiers are entitled to outstanding
leadership; I will provide that leadership.  I know my soldiers and I will always place their
needs above my own.  I will communicate consistently with my soldiers and never leave them
un-informed.  I will be fair and impartial when recommending both rewards and punishment.

Officers of my unit will have maximum time to accomplish their duties; they will not have to
accomplish mine.  I will earn their respect and confidence as well as that of my soldiers.  I
will be loyal to those with whom I serve; seniors, peers and subordinates alike.  I will
exercise initiative by taking appropriate action in the absence of orders.  I will not
compromise my integrity, nor my moral courage.

I will not forget, nor will I allow my comrades to forget, that we are professionals,
Non-Commissioned Officers, leaders!



The world would be a much better place if everyone lived by philosophies like this.  It's all about
decency, honesty, integrity and taking care of your fellow man.

Now that my preaching is done, at least for the moment, I invite you to continue to see what my life has
been about.  Click below to continue the path of moral decency I've tried to live all my life.
It's said that once military, always military.