| Duty
Position(s): Sentinel Assistant Relief Commander Relief Commander Assistant Sergeant of the Guard Relief: Brief Army History: Units: |
|
| 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 NCO Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 2) Tomb Guard Identification Badge Expert Infantryman Badge Parachutist Badge Air Assault Badge |
Highest Rank:
Staff Sergeant |
| Home
City / State: Carey, Ohio |
Date of Birth: |
After the Army:
In case anyone was wondering or curious, I changed my name from Grubel
(the name I used in school and the Army) back to Welker (my birth name) in
October 2001.Kind of a long story that we can talk about over a beer if you’d like.
In 2001, I enrolled at Ohio University to complete my degree in Social Studies Education. I graduated in 2004 with a B.S. in Education and certified to teach Social Studies to grades 7-12. After the search for a teaching position came up empty, I substitute taught for two years at schools around my area. Finally in 2006, I was offered a position at the Hardin County Academy in Kenton, Ohio.
Family Information:
Single
Current
Occupation:
I am currently teaching at the Hardin County Academy in Kenton, Ohio. The Academy serves the entire
county and all of its schools. I facilitate classes for credit deficient Junior and Senior level students. These are typically students that have struggled in the traditional
classroom and are behind in meeting their credit goals for graduation.
Degrees/Schooling:
Ohio State University
Central Texas College
Northern Virginia Community College
Ohio University – BSEd
Combat Lifesaver Course (Distinguished Honor Graduate)
Primary Leadership Development Course (Commandant’s List)
Basic Non-Commissioned Officer’s Course
Field Sanitation Course
Airborne School
Air Assault School
Dragon Weapon System Course
Most Memorable Moment at Tomb:
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.
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