KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany - Key leaders from U.S. Army Europe and the 21st Theater Sustainment Command (TSC) welcomed eight new members to the Sgt. Morales Club during a jam-packed ceremony Jan. 7 at the Armstrong Club on Vogelweh Military Complex.
Command Sgt. Maj. David S. Davenport, Sr., USAREUR senior enlisted leader, helped induct the NCOs into the prestigious organization and served as guest speaker. Maj. Gen. John R. O'Connor, the TSC commanding general, and Command Sgt. Maj. Rodney Rhoades, the TSC senior enlisted leader and event organizer, participated alongside Davenport.
The Sergeant Morales Club, established in 1973 by Lt. Gen. George S. Blanchard, promotes the ideals of integrity, professionalism and leadership for enlisted Soldiers. Its members are role models and enlisted leaders in the Army community.
"January is designated as National Mentoring Month," said Rhoades. "The motto is 'Mentoring Works: Be Someone Who Matters to Someone Who Matters.' I believe there is no better way to honor this month than inducting these outstanding noncommissioned officers into the distinguished Sgt. Morales Club."
During his keynote speech, Davenport praised the inductees and challenged other Soldiers in the audience to strive to become a member of the prestigious club.
"These NCOs being inducted today are perfect examples of fit, disciplined and well-trained Soldiers that work hard to improve their piece of the Army and take care of Soldiers and their Families," said Davenport. "Thanks for being role models and mentors to other Soldiers that make our team stronger."
The eight inductees were: Sgt. Morgan Lewis, Sgt. Michael Perry, Staff Sgt. Oved Cardenas, Staff Sgt. Ronald Murphy, Sgt.1st Class Marc Migala, Sgt. 1st Class Raymond Smith, 1st Sgt. Anthony Forker, Jr. and 1st Sgt. Ryan Sattelberg.
For Migala, the ceremony held special meaning. "I am honored to be following in the footsteps of prior phenomenal leaders, to be a mentor and an exceptional leader who others will follow," he said.
Sgt. 1st Class Justin Puls, senior retention operations noncommissioned officer and two-year leader of the Sgt. Morales Club expressed pride for the new inductees.
"This is a testament to fine hard work and to paying it forward," he said. "I think about how these eight new inductees have the ability to influence 800 noncommissioned officers."
Puls, who departed for his new duty station at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, 5th Recruiting Brigade immediately after the ceremony, is also a member of the Audie Murphy Club, the equivalent to the Sgt. Morales Club in the United States. "In both clubs it's not about us; it's about what we, as leaders and noncommissioned officers, can do together," he noted.
Rhoades described the inductees as ideal role models and future leaders.
"The tremendous turnout and the presence of distinguished leaders like Maj. Gen. John O'Connor and Command Sgt. Maj. Davenport reflects the stature and relevance of the Sgt. Morales Club throughout the region," said Rhoades. "This organization makes an enormous contribution to Soldiers, families and communities throughout Rheinland-Pfalz. It is no coincidence that Soldiers, units and leaders from Wiesbaden to Baumholder to Grafenwoehr are participating today."
Rhoades continued, "The NCOs we inducted into the club today embody everything that is best in the NCO Corps and, for that matter, our Army. They truly are our finest NCOs and are involved leaders who make a difference in their Soldiers' lives every day. I hope every young Soldier who sat in the audience today aspires to emulate their example."
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