Two Soldiers get inducted into Sergeant Audie Murphy Club

Courtesy Photo | Staff Sgt. Elbert Baltrip (left), Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, and Sgt. 1st Class JennyAnne Canlas, HHC, 18th CSSB, were inducted into the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club at Joint Base Balad, Feb. 19. "It is an honor to be among an elite group of non-commissioned officers," Canlas said. "I want to strive to be the best leader I can be, make a difference, always lead, train Soldiers, and to take pride in the non-commissioned officers' corps. Becoming a member of the SAMC is a commitment to set an example and to hold the highest standards of leadership."  

BALAD, IRAQ

03.11.2009

Courtesy Story

16th Sustainment Brigade

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq — Two Soldiers from the 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Contingency Operating Site Marez-East, became members of the prestigious Sergeant Audie Murphy Club here Feb. 19, 2009.

The SAMC is a means of recognizing those non-commissioned officers who have significantly contributed to the development of a professional NCO corps and combat ready Army. Members exemplify leadership characterized by personal concern for the needs, training, development and welfare of Soldiers and their families.

Sgt. 1st Class Jenny Anne Canlas, a native of Virginia Beach, Va., one of the inductees, said she was proud to join the ranks of outstanding NCOs.

"It is an honor to be among an elite group of non-commissioned officers," Canlas said. "I want to strive to be the best leader I can be, make a difference, always lead, train Soldiers, and to take pride in the non-commissioned officers' corps. Becoming a member of the SAMC is a commitment to set an example and to hold the highest standards of leadership."

Canlas said this board was not like other Army boards.

"It was not a traditional board," she said. "It is based on your leadership and your experience as a leader. It's not about how you can quote a regulation, or about trying to impress them on what you think they want to hear, but it is how you lead and take care of Soldiers."

Staff Sgt. Elbert Baltrip, a native of Houston, Texas, said SAMC members are not average non-commissioned officers.

"SAMC members stand-up to challenges and are not afraid to do so," Baltrip said. "This club is for true leaders who enjoy mentoring Soldiers and subordinate NCOs."

Baltrip said the SAMC is not for everyone.

"If a SAMC member encourages another NCO to try and become a member, it is because he or she sees the potential in that individual and knows that individual would represent the club well," Baltrip said.

• Date Taken: 03.11.2009
• Date Posted: 03.11.2009 02:23
• Story ID: 30984
• Location: BALAD, IQ