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Remembering the Former SMs
MSgt Timoteo C Coronel (CE) PA Acting Brigade Sgt Major

In commemoration of the 44th Anniversary of the Brigade, the Office of the Sgt Major initiated a visitation to former Sgt Majors of the brigade who have served as principal enlisted advisor to past commanders of the 51EBde since its activation. It was fun talking and sharing with them, reminiscing happy moments and experiences while in their active duty. Most impressing is MSgt Peter Sumalabe (Ret), the first 51EBde Sgt Major, who in spite for almost 80 years of age and being aid by a wheelchair, can still recall the serial numbers of his former brigade commanders and superiors.

As the old Filipino saying goes ”Ang hindi lumingon sa pinanggalingan di makararating sa paroroonan”, one way of showing our respect and gratitude for these brigade sgt majors during the visit, the Brigade Sgt Major office presented a blow-up copy of bust pictures taken during their incumbency as Sgt’s Major. For the record, the first three Bde Sgt Majors had served the office for 4 decades, MSg Peter C Sumalabe have been the Bde Sgt Major for 14 years, MSgt Marcelino E Corrales Sr for 10 years and MSgt Jose M Guzman Jr for 16 years, a feat which is very hard to be duplicated. These 3 gentlemen who have been the forerunners of the office and enlisted personnel’s “Manong”, Kuya (Big Brother) and counselor on matters pertaining the service or even personal problems that the enlisted personnel have encountered.

Likewise, as an addition in improving the SM office, the “Lineage of Sgt Majors, 51EBde, PA” is now existing. It is represented by portraits of past and present Brigade Sgt Majors who have served the office. It really took time to produce the needed pictures as some of them have long been retired in the service. Some photos required restoration before display due to faded sepia and black & white color prior photo enlargement. Thanks to the advance computer technology, these photos turned into colored pictures. By mere looking to these portraits, the former SMs who have shared their contributions in the history of the Brigade can now be remembered easily by the younger generation of the 51st Army Engineers.

As the unit commemorates its 44th Founding Anniversary, the Office of the Bde/ Bns Sgt Major as well as the Non-Commissioned Officers and enlisted personnel of the brigade pledge to remain steadfast, dedicated and united in the accomplishment of the unit’s mandated tasks.