Kevin V. Welker (Grubel)

Tomb Position

Assistant Relief Commander, Assistant Sergeant of the Guard, Commander of the Relief, Sentinel

Tomb Relief

1st

Highest Military Rank

Staff Sergeant (E-6)

Tomb Dates

Feb 1997 - May 2001

Military Dates

Mar 1993 - Jul 2001

Society Membership

Lifetime Member

Home City / State

Carey, OH

Current City / State

Centerburg, OH

Tomb Reflections

I think my saddest moment at the Tomb would have to be the disinterment of the Vietnam Unknown. I remember having to walk down on the lower landing of the steps while work was conducted on the plaza. Then the day came. The Sentinels lined the south side of the plaza and watched as the Unknown was placed into the hearse. My heart felt like it was in my throat the entire time. I still get teary eyed when I think of that day or tell others about it. To me there will always be four Unknowns.

Although I have had many memories from the public side of the Tomb, I think my greatest memories are the private ones I shared with the Sentinels that I worked with. They were literally like brothers to me. We all had common bonds…the Unknowns and our dedication to their memory.

I now have an extended Tomb Guard family...those that served before and after me. Through the Society, I have made new, lifelong friends within our circle. I am proud to have served on the Board of Directors for the Society and hope to see it blossom even more in the years to come as we move towards the Centennial Celebration in 2021.

Units & Campaigns

C Co. 1/50th Inf., I.T.B., Ft. Benning, GA
B Co. 1/14th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division (Light), Schofield Barracks, HI
HHC 1/14th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division (Light), Schofield Barracks, HI
E Co., (Honor Guard) 3d US Inf Reg (The Old Guard), Fort Myer, VA
H Co., (Honor Guard) 3d US Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), Fort Myer, VA

Awards & Decorations

Army Commendation Medal (2nd Award)
Army Achievement Medal (7th Award)
National Defense Service Medal
Army Good Conduct Medal (2nd Award)
Army Service Ribbon
Overseas Service Ribbon
NCO Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 2)
Tomb Guard Identification Badge
Expert Infantryman Badge
Parachutist Badge
Air Assault Badge

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