0448
Kevin V. Welker (Grubel)
Tomb Position
Assistant Relief Commander, Assistant Sergeant of the Guard, Commander of the Relief, SentinelTomb Relief
1stHighest Military Rank
Staff Sergeant (E-6)Tomb Dates
Feb 1997 - May 2001Military Dates
Mar 1993 - Jul 2001Society Membership
Lifetime MemberHome City / State
Carey, OHCurrent City / State
Centerburg, OHTomb 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, GAB 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
Support the Society
The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (SHGTUS) is able to provide our programs, events, assistance, scholarships, and services due to the generosity of its members, organizations, and individuals. SHGTUS does not receive institutional funding. Note: The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a 501(c)(3) organization, so your contributions may be fully tax deductible.
Learn More
Did you know?
Are the shoes specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet?
The shoes are standard issue military dress shoes. They are built up so the sole and heel are equal in height. This allows the Sentinel to stand with a straight back and perpendicular to the ground. A side effect of this is that the Sentinel can "roll" on the outside of the build up walking down the mat. Done correctly, the hat and bayonet will appear to not "bob" up and down with each step. It gives a more formal, fluid and smooth look to the walk, rather than a "marching" appearance.
The soles have a steel tip on the toe and a "horseshoe" steel plate on the heel. This prevents wear on the sole and allows the Sentinel to move smoothly during his movements when he turns to face the Tomb and then back down the mat.
Then there is the "clicker". It is a shank of steel attached to the inside of the face of the heel build-up on each shoe. It allows the Sentinel to heel click during certain movements. A guard change is considered great when all the heel clicks fall together and sound as one click. The guard change is occasionally done in the "silent" mode (as a sign of devotion to the Unknowns) with no voice commands - every thing is done in relation to the heel clicks and on specific counts.
