Paratroopers enter elite NCO Club

Photo By Sgt. Maj. Alejandro Licea | The 11 newest members of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club stand together and recite the non- commissioned officer creed, Sept. 12, during the SAMC ceremony held Forward Operating Base Hammer, Iraq, located outside eastern Baghdad. The NCOs earned the right join the elite club after competing in a two-day event last spring.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

09.12.2009

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Alejandro Licea 

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division

BAGHDAD — Following months of preparation, studying and a demanding two-day competition, 11 non-commissioned officers saw the fruit of their hard work pay off when they were inducted into the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club, Sept. 12.

The NCOs from 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Multi-National Division — Baghdad were honored during an official ceremony commemorating their induction into the club.
The SAMC was established to recognize NCOs who demonstrate high leadership qualities, professionalism and care for their Soldiers' welfare.

The SAMC is named after the most decorated Soldier in U.S. history, Audie Murphy. Despite being denied entry into the Marines and the Paratroopers for his height, the 5 ft., 5 in., Texas, native earned every medal for valor including the military's highest award, the Medal of Honor, during World War II.

During the ceremony, Command Sgt. Maj. Steven Payton, of Grenada, Miss., with 1st Battalion, 319th Field Artillery Regiment, told the newest members of the club that they displayed perseverance, determination and resilience during the competition and their service to their country. He said these qualities are the same as those demonstrated by Audie Murphy.

Payton also said that the ceremony represents the legacy of Audie Murphy and recognizes the great leaders in the NCO ranks of the 3rd BCT, 82nd Abn. Div and the Army. He added that the event was fitting in honor of the Army's year-long theme "Year of the Non-Commissioned Officer."

"These NCOs are battle-tested and cannot be discouraged by any obstacle," he said. "I'm proud to stand beside you all. You are all great leaders, professionals and lead from the front."

In order to be bestowed the honor of being called a member of the SAMC, Paratroopers had to pass a series of events such as a physical fitness test, a hands-on evaluation on the functions of several crew-served weapons, proper first-aid procedures and a leadership board where the NCOs were asked a series of leadership-based situational questions.

For Staff Sgt. Nichalas McNair, of Richmond, Va., assigned to A Company, 1st Bn., 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, this has been a long time in the making.

"I have been preparing for this since I joined the Army," he said. "It feels really good to earn this honor."

• Date Taken: 09.12.2009
• Date Posted: 09.13.2009 07:43
• Story ID: 38701
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ