I was not asked to say a word. If I were, I knew I couldn’t have uttered “Thank You” without tripping on the syllables and triggering tears.

Thus did Brod Maximilio “Mel” S. Gonzales, Jr., Eta ’73D-Zodiac say in an email sent to all brothers and sisters in Alpha Phi Omega after he received the prestigious National Alumni Distinguished Service Key (DSK) Award, the highest honors handed by APO-USA to a brother in Alpha Phi Omega.  

Said award was given to Gonzales during the Fellowship Banguet of the APO-USA 40th Biennial Convention held last December 28, 2008 in Boston.

The National Alumni Distinguished Service Award recognizes those alumni who have continued to further the principles of Leadership, Friendship, and Service beyond their college years in Exceptional ways. The key is given in recognition to alumni for outstanding service to the community, not just to the fraternity.

DSK Award is no new to Etans in the United States. In 2003, Brod Bernie Y. Castillo, Eta ’70, also received an award from APO-USA but the Distinguished Service Key (DSK) Award. He received the APO National Service Fraternity Regional Service Award in 1977. 

APO-Philippines national president Magleo “Mel” V. Adriano, Eta ’69, congratulated Gonzales on his well-deserved honors.

“You brought honor and prestige not only to yourself but to the whole APO Philippines,” Adriano said.

Gonzales is at the forefront of the Dr. Librado I. Ureta Foundation that envisions to put up the Dr. Librado I. Ureta Center for Alpha Phi Omega. He also handled key positions in APO Philippines in the past.

“It was all too much for the humbled me. Much is expected of one given much,” said Mel Gonzales.