CLAY NATIONAL GUARD CENTER, Marietta, Ga. - Army Sgt. Maj. Carmen Morales recently became the first female in the history of the Georgia Army National Guard to be appointed to the position of command sergeant major.
Morales was formally appointed as the Command Sergeant Major of the Georgia Guard's Recruiting and Retention Battalion during a ceremony attended by distinguished guests and family.
"This is truly a historic and memorable day," said Army Brig. Gen. Joe Jarrard, commanding general of the Georgia Army National Guard. "Because of our long history, we do not get to observe many firsts, but we do here today."
James Nelson, the state command sergeant major for the Georgia Guard, commented on the importance of the occasion.
"Today another barrier for women has toppled," Nelson said. "This appointment represents the changing face, direction, and attitude of the Georgia National Guard. We celebrate the accomplishments of Command Sergeant Maj. Morales, but we also recognize that her work and achievements can inspire others and let them know doors are open for them in the Georgia Guard."
A command sergeant major is the senior enlisted Soldier in Army units of battalion size or larger. In her new position, Morales will advise the battalion commander on matters impacting Soldier training and management of more than 1,400 members of the Georgia Guard to include recruiters, full-time Soldiers, and traditional Guard members as well as civilian employees and contractors.
Morales recounted her history with the military following her initial three-year enlistment in 1988.
"I reenlisted in Kuwait," Morales said. "I had not meant to serve more than the initial enlistment, but as I learned English, I learned words like 'honor' and 'duty'. In the Army, I learned the true meaning of these words."
Twenty-three years later, Morales is still in the military.
"I always go back to the fact that I love this job," said Morales. "I love Soldiers and I love being ."
A native of Naranjito, Puerto Rico, Morales joined the Army in 1988. During her 14 years of active Army service, Morales served at Fort Jackson, S.C; Fort Bragg, N.C.; Johnston Atoll; and Alexandria, Va.
After joining the Georgia Guard in 2001, Morales served 11 years as a Recruiting and Retention NCO, Team noncommissioned officer in charge, and First Sergeant in the recruiting and retention battalion.
In her years of distinguished service she has earned the Meritorious Service Medal, eight Army Commendation Medals, ten Army Achievement Medals, and seven Good Conduct Medals, and several other awards. Additionally, Morales has achieved the Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, Basic Airborne Parachutist Badge, Australian Parachutist Badge, and M-16 Rifle Expert Qualification Badge.
When asked how she had ascended so high in the organization, Morales offered the following observations: "Never quit; never make excuses. The sky is your limit, and opportunities are there if you apply yourself. It is ultimately up to you."