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Soldiers helping other Soldiers reach their potential is a time-honored military tradition. The small but growing chapter of the Kaiserslautern Sergeant Morales Club, however, prides itself on taking that dedication to fellow comrades one giant step further.
The club, named after a fictional noncommissioned officer who represents the ideals of soldierly competence, integrity and professionalism, is open to all NCOs in the Kaiserslautern and surrounding military communities. Its main purpose is to help Soldiers personify the highest caliber of Army leadership, which requires an NCO to always lead by example.
“A Sergeant Morales member is an NCO who knows how to lead a Soldier. He’s educated, physically fit, and stands out above his peers,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jesus Arellano, the launcher platoon sergeant with Charlie Battery, 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, and the vice president of the club.
The majority of club members belong to units associated with the Kaiserslautern-based 10th AAMDC, and the organization prides itself on playing an active part in the community. Being an entirely self-funded organization, various community projects often help to provide the resources needed to assist with Soldier mentoring and other outreach efforts.
Recently, the club jumped at the chance to not only spread the word about the club, but to share some yuletide greetings. Knowing the last thing on the minds of many people is to wrap presents after an exhausting day of shopping, the club offered its gift wrapping services to the masses at the Kaiserslautern Military Community Center. Donations were happily accepted, and will be used to fund upcoming events and professional development.
“We wanted to make sure we provided a free service to the community,” said Staff Sgt. Angela Rotondo, the chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear noncommissioned officer for 5-7 ADA. She also doubles as the club president, and cited her primary reasons for being involved were the volunteer opportunities and getting to be a part of “exceptional NCO leadership.” Other community projects underway include a food and toy drive for those less fortunate in the KMC.
The SMC meets the first working Monday of each month, U.S. Army Europe holidays excluded, at Kleber Kaserne. All interested NCOs are welcome to join and may contact any member or officer for more information. Starting in January, study groups will be held offering prospective members the chance to brush up on subjects like weapons and leadership that may surface among Sergeant Morales board questions. Another highlight for the club in 2013 will be the opportunity to host the USAREUR conference of SMC chapters in early April.
A Facebook website is presently under construction. For questions regarding membership or other matters, email sergeantmoralesclub@gmail.com.
