KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany " The 21st Theater Sustainment Command welcomed its newest members into the Sergeant Morales Club during a special induction and retreat ceremony on the Panzer Parade Field here, Aug. 18.
The ceremony recognized an elite group of non-commissioned officers from the 21st TSC as they became lifetime members of the United States Army Europe's prestigious club.
Maj. Gen. Patricia McQuistion, the commanding general of the 21st TSC, addressed the hundreds of Soldiers, Civilians and family members in attendance.
"We are here today for a very simple reason; to honor the demonstration of excellence by five Soldiers who are willing to stand up, test themselves and be found worthy of induction into the elite ranks of non-commissioned officers," said McQuistion in her remarks.
The five new inductees were:
- Sgt. Eti Vele, 515th Transportation Company, 391st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, Mannheim, Germany.
- Staff Sgt. Elvia Bourland, 66th Trans. Co., 39th Movement Control Bn., 16th Sustainment Bde., Kaiserslautern, Germany.
- Staff Sgt. Ronis Gutierrez, U.S. Army Garrison, Mannheim, Germany.
- Staff Sgt. Jordan Moore, 615th Military Police Co., 709th MP Bn., 18th Military Police Bde., Grafenwoehr, Germany.
- Staff Sgt. Angela Rotondo, 357th Air and Missile Defense Detachment, Kaiserslautern, Germany.
Sgt. Vele, a wheeled vehicle mechanic and squad leader from Tafeta, American Samoa, believes being a part of the SMC will help improve his leadership role. "It's a wonderful day. I have been working hard for this and being part of an elite group is only going to help me take better care of my Soldiers," said Vele.
The SMC is an exclusive organization which recognizes Soldiers who exhibit the highest ideals of integrity, professionalism and leadership. The selection process can be long and grueling, but succeeding can bring significant advantages for NCOs looking to advance their careers.
"This is truly an honor," said Staff Sgt. Bourland, a motor transport operations squad leader from San Bernardino, Calif. "It is because of my Soldiers. That is the reason why I am here," said Bourland.
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