Kamaal Mclean-Felix had an unforgettable 13th birthday surprise when six Reserve Soldiers from the 80th Training Command (TASS) presented him with a birthday gift, then asked his classmates to join in and sing happy birthday at Pathways Academy, Danbury, Conn. Sept. 10, 2014.
The eighth grader scored a camouflage blanket and a handmade greeting card signed by all six Soldiers. They also brought cupcakes, which Mclean-Felix's classmates eagerly ingested in recognition of the occasion.
"I've never had a birthday like this before," he said. "It's very special because they were able to make time to get me a birthday gift."
The Soldiers, members of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club U.S. Army Reserve chapter, learned of McLean- Felix's birthday during a two-day visit to the all-male academy for at-risk sixth, seventh and eighth graders. They shared their life experiences with the students while emphasizing the benefits of education, hard work and determination.
"Anybody who's a little further ahead in life needs somebody to take them by the hand and say this is how you do it, this is how you succeed in life," said Staff Sgt. Amy Justice, 7/95th Regiment, 4th Brigade, 94th Training Division.
On day two, the Soldiers demonstrated to the students the proper way to fold the American flag, and then quizzed the group on flag history.
Sgt. 1st Class Cavornia Scott, 7th Battalion 95th Regiment, said she plans to stay in touch with the group and maybe attend their high school graduations.
On the evening of the second day, the 80th TC inducted three members from the group into the SAMC during a dinning in at the Portuguese Cultural Center in Danbury: Justice, Sgt. 1st Class Nadya Rand, also a member of 7/95th, and Sgt. Bridget Hoffman, 3rd Brigade, 100th Training Division.
"These individuals absolutely reflect the character of everything you'll find within the NCO creed," said Command Sgt. Maj. Jim Wills, the command's senior noncommissioned officer, referring to the efforts of all six Soldiers while talking to a room full of senior NCOs from across the command. "I'm certainly proud of each and every one of you for what you have committed to this program these last two days representing the 80th Training Command and the Army Reserve."
The command also presented Command Sgt. Major Kelly Largent, senior NCO 7/95th Regiment, with an honorary SAMC induction.
"He's been out front for everything we've done," Wills said. "Instructor of the Year [competition], Best Warrior competition, and the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club. Anything to do with Soldiers, Kelly has been there."
The SAMC is a private U.S. Army organization for enlisted NCOs only. Candidates are formally recommended for membership based on their leadership abilities, and for showing genuine concern for Soldiers and the Soldiers' families. Candidates must also score 90 or better in each event of the Army Physical Fitness Test before appearing in front of a panel of senior NCOs for a painstaking verbal examination.
Cedric Rice, the Pathways Academy principal said, though the institution is not a military school, there are similarities, and the Soldiers who visited exemplify the type of individuals the school strives to produce.
"We teach a lot of discipline," Rice said. "They all wear a uniforms…they must have their shoes tied, they must wear a belt, their shirts must be tucked in, and their pants can't be hanging below their waist."
"When I give tours I show off our rest room because it's always neat," Rice added. That's how the boys are taught to keep it."
Jalen Mcphaul, a 12-year-old eighth grader at the school, said the Soldiers started him thinking of things he needs to do now to prepare for his future.
"Hope they do this at other schools so other kids can get this experience," said Mcphaul, who wants to be a lawyer when he grows up.
During the quiz on flag history Mclean-Felix earned three lollipops for answering questions correctly. He said his plan is to give the lollipops to family members.
"I have a little brother named Zaire, and my mom," Mclean-Felix said. "I don't know if my grandma eats lollops. Maybe, but I don't know."
Related Links:
Official Website, 80th Training Command
100th Training Division NCO inducted into prestigious Sergeant Audie Murphy Club
80th Training Command 2014 Best Warrior selected for Sergeant Audie Murphy Club
Sergeant Audie Murphy Club inductees say family members reason for success
Second time's a charm for SAMC selectee
Sergeant Audie Murphy Club inductee focuses on leading Soldiers instead of selection
Official Twitter account, 80th Training Command
Social Sharing