WIESBADEN, Germany - Three more outstanding noncommissioned officers were welcomed among the elite ranks of the Sergeant Morales Club during a ceremony in Wiesbaden's Community Activity Center April 24.
"It's an elite organization of the most professional NCOs who exist in the Army today," said keynote speaker Command Sgt. Maj. Harry Mercado, 5th Signal Command's senior noncommissioned officer. "It's not easy to become a member of this exclusive club."
Saying that Sergeant Morales Club members uphold the highest standards day in and day out, Mercado added that they also look for ways to give back to their communities and units. "You are the future of the NCO Corps. … This is a day when you become a member of the elite -- the best of the best."
As Wiesbaden Soldiers, civilians and families looked on, three Schweinfurt-based Soldiers were inducted into the club -- Sgt. 1st Class Eric A. Brace, Company C, 72nd Expeditionary Signal Battalion; Sgt. 1st Class Frederic A. Cureton, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 7th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade; and Staff Sgt. Keviann N. Mckelvey, HHC, 72nd Expeditionary Signal Battalion.
"It's a great accomplishment," said Cureton, attributing his success to having worked in leadership positions in the past. "Working with Soldiers, you learn how to take care of Soldiers throughout the years."
His advice to fellow NCOs? "Never quit -- keep going. Be there for your Soldiers and always take care of your Soldiers."
"It's a great feeling," said Brace. "I learned so much about myself. It's a great award; it's not given, it's earned. It's an honor and a privilege."
Brace added that ultimately, being a Sergeant Morales Club inductee, recognizes that an individual strives to take care one's fellow Soldiers before one's self. "On a daily basis as a leader you try to show,?to the best of your ability, what it means to be a leader," he said. "It's a beautiful thing to be inducted -- the biggest accomplishment for me yet."
Mckelvey thanked her first sergeant for mentoring her on the way to earning the distinct honor, saying now she can also help Soldiers excel. "You are constantly observing Soldiers and seeing their potential," she said, adding that she can help in "grooming them to withstand the process to be inducted into this club."
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