Courtesy Photo | Brig. Gen. William Grimsley (right), a native of Charleston, S.C., who serves as a...... read more read more
By Sgt. Shana Henline and Staff Sgt. Brock Jones
Multi-National Division –Baghdad
BAGHDAD – The history of the United States Army is full of heroic and miraculous stories. These stories become examples to live by for all who wear the Army uniform.
Audie Murphy, a World War II hero and the most decorated combat Soldier in the Army's history, is one such historic example. One of the highest honors that any non-commissioned officer could hope to achieve is to be inducted into the club that bears Murphy's name: the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club.
In a ceremony held on the same day as the Army's 233rd birthday, 10 Multi-National Division –Baghdad non-commissioned officers were inducted into that highly esteemed club at Freedom Rest in the International Zone in Baghdad, June 14.
"As we celebrate your accomplishments today, it is fitting that we do so on the Army's 233rd birthday," said Brig. Gen. William Grimsley, a Charleston, S.C., native, who serves as a deputy commanding general with Multi-National Division – Baghdad and the 4th Infantry Division, as he reflected on the significance of holding such a ceremony 233 years to the day the Army was born – highlighting the connections between Soldier, Army and America.
"Our nation's history is the Army's history. They're interdependent and unbreakable," he said.
As he closed his remarks, Grimsley commended the inductees on achieving such an honor.
"You're recognized, each of you, as the best of today's non-commissioned officers, the future of our Army. Congratulations on that achievement."
The induction ceremony is the culminating event in a long chain of preparing oneself to stand with confidence before many rigorous boards.
"Several steps have to be completed," said Staff Sgt. Curtis Talley, a native of Phoenix, who serves as non-commissioned officer in charge of the personal security detachment for the division command sergeant major, and who is also a member of Company D, Special Troops Battalion, 4th Inf. Div.
"First, you need to be recommended by your first sergeant. You then go through boards, starting at the company level and finishing up with a division board. You need to be recommended in order to move on to each board in the process," said Talley.
For all the hard work and long hours put in by NCOs vying for a spot in the Audie Murphy Club, there are definite benefits to enduring so much preparation.
"This award opens a lot of doors for you in the aspects of professionalism," said Command Sgt. Maj. John Gioia, a Buffalo, N.Y., native, who serves as the senior enlisted soldier with the MND-B and the 4th Inf. Div., and who is also a member of the Audie Murphy Club.
"When these Soldiers go to their next duty station, their commanding general will write a note letting their new unit know they are the epitome of an NCO. Less than 10 percent of the Army is represented in the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club," said Gioia, reflecting both the prestige and responsibility that comes with achieving such a milestone.
Inducted in the ceremony were the following: Sgt. Jonathan Berg, Sgt. Kyle Busby, Sgt. 1st Class Chad Fisher, Staff Sgt. Bryan Knox, Staff Sgt. Jeremy Mathis, Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Miller, Staff Sgt. Joshua Motley, Sgt. Roy Smith, Staff Sgt. Curtis Talley and Staff Sgt. Walter Waite.
| Date Taken: | 06.14.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 06.20.2008 09:27 |
| Story ID: | 20673 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 99 |
| Downloads: | 44 |
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