This is the biography of our guest speaker at Hialeah Gardens High School for our yearly 9-11 ceremony and pictures for 2014, including the two thousand flags planted by our students to represent the victims of the 9-11 tragedy. Staff sergeant Morales spoke to the students about the importance of education, opportunities available for students, and what it means to be an American and how we must never forget the sacrifices others have made to maintain our freedom.

SSG (Staff Sergeant) Ralph A. Morales is currently Unit Administrator for the 13th

Army Band, Florida National Guard

SSG Morales was born in Hialeah, Florida and entered the Army in 1994 as a bandsman. He served in various part-time positions until 2009, when he volunteered to deploy to Kuwait and Iraq with the 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team as part of the 1st Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment.

While a member of the 124th Infantry, he served as a Truck Commander and Convoy Escort Team Leader. The 1st Battalion provided security to supply convoys as they drove equipment into and out of Iraq.

As a civilian, SSG Morales is a graduate of Florida International University and has worked at multiple prestigious organizations such as the Miami Herald, Sun-Sentinel, and University of Miami. 

His military awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal, Florida Commendation Medal, and Combat Action Badge.