Vicenza Sergeant Morales Club honors NCO excellence, welcomes first retired Italian army honorary inductee

VICENZA, Italy - The Vicenza Chapter of Excellence of the Sergeant Morales Club recognized outstanding leadership, professional excellence and volunteer service during its annual induction ceremony at Caserma Ederle, July 10, 2026.

The ceremony inducted two noncommissioned officers into the Sergeant Morales Club, welcomed an honorary member whose continued service strengthened the enduring partnership between the U.S. and Italian armies, and presented the Dr. Mary E. Walker Award to four volunteers whose dedication enhanced Soldier and Family readiness across the Vicenza military community.

The ceremony highlighted the critical role noncommissioned officers and volunteers play in maintaining a ready and resilient force.

"The moment you put on that medallion, people will wonder if you're one of those board NCOs who only shine under the spotlight," said U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Garric M. Banfield, command senior enlisted leader, U.S. Africa Command. "Prove them wrong. Seek out the toughest challenges, embrace difficult assignments and become exceptional at leading Soldiers."

The chapter inducted U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class LaDonna Saunders, senior career counselor assigned to the 207th Military Intelligence Brigade (Theater), and Staff Sgt. James Germalm, food inspector assigned to Veterinary Readiness Activity-Italy. Retired Italian army Sgt. Maj. Gaetano Massimo Giordano, who continues serving alongside U.S. personnel at VRA-I, was inducted as an honorary member in recognition of his distinguished military career and continued commitment to strengthening the longstanding alliance between the United States and Italy.

Selection into the Sergeant Morales Club reflects sustained excellence in leadership, professionalism and commitment to the Army Values.

"The Sergeant Morales Club represents the pinnacle of NCO leadership, character and professional excellence," said U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Shanett V. Robinson, chief medical NCO and Sergeant Morales Club president, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF). "Membership is not simply an achievement; it is a lifelong commitment to mentoring future leaders, upholding the highest standards of our profession and preserving the legacy of the NCO Corps."

The 2026 inductees earned membership through a rigorous selection process that evaluated leadership, military knowledge, professionalism and dedication to serving Soldiers.

The keynote address challenged members to continue investing in the next generation of leaders across the force.

"Don't just look for candidates who look like you or think like you," Banfield said. "Find the quiet professionals with the grit, character and drive to meet the standard, then mentor them. Our club should produce NCOs who are exceptional at leading Soldiers."

The ceremony also recognized the recipients of the 2026 Dr. Mary E. Walker Award: Angelique Belleville-Harness of SETAF-AF; Rocio Matamoros Aguilar of the 173rd Mobile Brigade Combat Team (Airborne); Martina Doninelli of the 709th Military Police Battalion; and Kimberly Souza of SETAF-AF.

Named for the Army's first female surgeon and the only woman awarded the Medal of Honor, the Dr. Mary E. Walker Award honors individuals whose volunteer service strengthens military communities and directly supports Soldier and Family readiness. The recognition underscores the vital role volunteers play in supporting military readiness beyond the formation.

"Every person recognized today has donated hundreds of hours of personal time to this community," said U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Chad B. Harness, senior enlisted advisor, SETAF-AF. "They're the ones behind the scenes making sure our Soldiers, Families and Department of the Army civilians can do their jobs every single day."

"The support behind every mission-ready Soldier extends far beyond the formation," Robinson said. "Behind every mission-ready Soldier is a strong network of Families, volunteers and community members who willingly give their time and talents to support others. Their selfless service strengthened our military community, enhanced morale and provided the support systems that allowed Soldiers to remain focused on accomplishing the mission."

The selection process also reinforced that membership is earned through sustained performance and perseverance.

"We hold the board once a quarter, and almost none of them earn it on the first attempt," Harness said. "Those recognized today proved themselves over and over again through their leadership, perseverance and commitment to excellence."

The ceremony concluded with a challenge for current and future NCOs to pursue excellence through consistent leadership, humility and service to others.

"My advice is simple: focus on becoming the best leader you can be every single day," Robinson said. "Take care of your Soldiers, master your profession and never stop learning. The Sergeant Morales Club is not something you chase; it is something you earn through years of demonstrated excellence, servant leadership and unwavering commitment to others."

The ceremony concluded by recognizing the lasting contributions of the inductees and award recipients, whose leadership, volunteerism and commitment continue to strengthen Soldiers, Families and the Vicenza military community.

About SETAF-AF

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.

Follow SETAF-AF on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn & DVIDS