Photo By 1st Sgt. John Etheridge | Seven NCOs were inducted into the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club during a ceremony at...... read more read more
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KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – The dignitaries lined the stage of the Morale Welfare and Recreation Fest Tent waiting for the next inductee to be called forth to receive a medallion and award. A loud voice crackled above the nearly silent auditorium.
“My Sgt. Audie Murphy is!” thundered a junior enlisted soldier standing in the audience as she called the name of her first line leader, introducing the next noncommissioned officer to be called forward.
After the introduction, an NCO marched onto the stage and received her medallion and award, ending a months-long process of late nights studying Army regulations and Army leadership guides as she was formally inducted into the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club.
In total, seven International Security Assistance Force Regional Command South NCOs were inducted into the SAMC during a ceremony at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, sponsored by the 82nd Sustainment Brigade-Central Command Materiel Retrograde Element, May 24.
The Sergeant Audie Murphy Club is a private U.S. Army organization that allows noncommissioned officers to earn the reward of membership if their leadership achievements and performance merit special recognition.
“I’ve put in a lot of hard work and it feels like a load has been lifted from my shoulders,” said Staff Sgt. Frederick Hill, 82nd SB-CMRE. “It feels amazing to be a part of something bigger than myself and to be able to set a path that others can follow.”
Becoming a Sgt. Audie Murphy Club member is a major milestone, said Command Sgt. Maj. Alberto Delgado, 82nd SB-CMRE, about the new inductees. “It sets them up in their careers to be great leaders and teaches them what it means to take care of Soldiers and be dedicated to something bigger than the mission.”
Club membership doesn’t come easy. To be considered as a SAMC candidate a Soldier must be a noncommissioned officer and recommended by their NCO support channel. Candidates must also pass a series of brigade and division level boards, comprised of senior NCOs, where they are tested on their knowledge of Army regulations and leadership doctrines.
“Studying the regulations and standard operating procedures and knowing them backwards and forwards was very challenging,” said Staff Sgt. Randy Anthony, 82nd SB-CMRE, who said he has been working toward the goal of being a SAMC member since he was a junior enlisted Soldier.
“The biggest challenge for me was maintaining the discipline to study every day and to remain focused and not to lose hope,” said Sgt. Jennifer Gonzales, 551st Medical Logistics Company, who has been working towards becoming a member for six months.
Although all the Soldiers who were inducted received an Army Commendation Medal for their achievement, all of them understand that to be inducted into the SAMC means more than receiving an award and a medallion. It means a commitment to leadership for the Soldiers they lead as well as to the community they live in.
“It’s no longer just about myself,” explained Gonzales, “it’s about something bigger: the Army and the community and keeping the faith from the community to the military.”
A central part of the ceremony was an explanation of the SAMC crest and what the various parts represent. The three stars separating the SAMC represent the “Be Know Do” ethos which is the core of NCO professionalism. The Lightning bolt represents the quick decisiveness of the NCO. The sword represents the ability of the NCO to cut to the heart of the matter and lead the charge. The Bald Eagle is the national bird and symbol of freedom, and the powder blue streamers with the words Loyalty, Caring, Discipline, and Professionalism define the quality of an NCO.
Gonzales explained that the part of the SAMC crest that she identifies with most is the sword.
“To me, cutting to the heart of the matter means knowing how to lead your Soldiers and what it is about your Soldier that gets them going and motivates them,” she said. “Leading the charge means to always lead by example and always be willing to take charge.”
For newly promoted Sgt. Tori Hernandez, 551st Medical Logistics Company, who introduced Gonzales as her Sergeant Audie Murphy, the ceremony was a deserved award for her mentor and a source for inspiration.
“I’m very proud of her; it’s a great milestone,” she said. “She’s leading by example and paving the road for me.”
| Date Taken: | 05.24.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 05.27.2014 07:39 |
| Story ID: | 131131 |
| Location: | KANDAHAR, AF |
| Web Views: | 242 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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