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SHAPE, Belgium – Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Tod D. Wolters and Allied Command Operations (ACO) Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Siim Saliste attended the 7th annual NCO and Junior Ranks Dinner held at SHAPE on November 7, 2019.

Today’s NCO’s aren’t willing to sit on the bench and be part of the process, they want to get out and lead from the front because they have the confidence and courage to do so.

The event, which is hosted by SHAPE’s International NCO Group (SING), brings together the SHAPE communities’ enlisted personnel to celebrate and recognise their achievements from throughout the past year.

Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) General Tod D. Wolters speaks with guests during the 7th annual NCO and Junior Ranks Dinner at SHAPE on November 7, 2019. 

“Today’s NCO’s aren’t willing to sit on the bench and be part of the process, they want to get out and lead from the front because they have the confidence and courage to do so,” said General Wolters. “This is what makes our militaries so extraordinary, and I as the lucky fellow that gets the opportunity to serve side-by-side with you, can’t thank you enough for the sacrifices you’ve made up to this point and for the sacrifices I know you’ll make in the future.”

Guests enjoyed a catered meal and performances from the SHAPE International Band before SACEUR and CSEL spoke and recognised SING alongside individual service members for their efforts in coordinating NCO engagements throughout the year.

Allied Command Operations (ACO) Command Sergeant Major Siim Saliste gives his remarks during the 7th annual NCO and Junior Ranks Dinner at SHAPE on November 7, 2019. 

“Tonight was planned, coordinated and set up by an all-NCO team; the foundation behind this event are four individuals from the [SHAPE International NCO Group],” said CSM Saliste. “I really want you to look around the room and let that sink it. Four people put in work and got more than 200 of you and your loved ones together in a room to share a moment. This is a small example of what NCO’s can do when they actualize their ideas. I encourage you to find your idea, get involved and make things happen whether its at home, at work or in the community.”

The annual NCO dinner is part of the continued effort of SACEUR & CSEL’s vision to expand NCO engagement programs, promote networking and build esprit de corps.