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CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait (February 12, 2009) -
"Professionalism," said Staff Sgt. Jeffrey A. Bailey.
"Effective," added Sgt. 1st Class Antonio G. Murray.
These were the words two Sergeant Audie Murphy Club members gave
when asked to describe the SAMC in just one word.
The SAMC is a unique and prestigious organization whose goal is
to assist in the welfare, morale and espirit de corps of Soldiers
and their Family members. Its roots began in 1986, in Fort Hood,
Texas, in honor of Audie L. Murphy, a Soldier who served valiantly
during World War II.
Murphy is the most highly decorated Soldier in American history,
having been awarded every medal of valor the military gives, to
include the Medal of Honor, three French medals, one Belgium medal
and he also earned a battlefield commission for his leadership
ability.
Originally the club was for NCOs assigned to III Corps in Fort
Hood, Texas, but in 1991, it was expanded to encompass all NCOs in
the III Corps. In 1994, at a Sergeant Major of the Army conference,
the club was recognized Army wide with installation commands
retaining the right to select who was inducted into the club.
NCOs who look to join the ranks of the SAMC do so knowing they
will become a lifetime member of one of the most renowned
organizations in the Army.
"Those who are inducted into the [club] stand for what the
noncommissioned officer should be, or should strive to be," said
Bailey, 92nd Chemical Company.
Bailey, who was inducted into the club in March 2008,
acknowledged his previous first sergeant from the 6/8 Cavalry as
the main reason he first looked into the club.
"He explained to me what the [SAMC] was," said Bailey, a Tampa
Bay, Fla., native. "It was for elite NCOs; recognizing them for
what they've done to develop a professional NCO Corps."
Bailey described the process of becoming a member of the SAMC as
challenging but very rewarding.
"It was a lot of studying, through Army Regulations, Field
Manuals and Technical Manuals," described Bailey. "As NCOs we are
supposed to know these, [but also] apply these as it pertains to
our Soldiers."
NCOs looking to join the SAMC must first obtain a letter of
recommendation from their command.
"The biggest advice I can give [someone] is they must have their
chain of command's support," said Murray, U.S. Army Central SAMC
Chapter President. "If they don't have their chain of command's
support, it's going to be very hard to become a member."
After receiving a letter of recommendation, applicants attend an
initial selection board. Afterwards they must receive another
letter of recommendation to continue onto the final selection
board. During the final selection board, applicants are questioned
by a group of command sergeant majors, or senior SAMC members,
about leadership questions covered in ARs, FMs and TMs, as well as
situational leadership questions.
"I would tell [applicants] to talk to every first sergeant and
every sergeant major, and ask them about different situations they
have encountered when dealing with Soldier's issues," advised
Murray about the final board. "The more you know about dealing with
Soldier's issues, the easier it is to answer the situational
questions."
If the applicant is selected to join the SAMC, they receive a
Certificate of Achievement and Membership, the SAMC medallion and a
lifetime membership card.
"The biggest reward is being around other NCOs who are in the
top of their field," said Bailey, describing the immediate benefits
of being a SAMC member. "If [someone] has a situation that they're
unfamiliar with, we have a wealth of resources to say 'how do you
deal with this?'"
SAMC members volunteer their time and service throughout the
year to aid in the setup, planning and execution of various events
on posts across the Army.
"On Camp Arifjan, we have been a part of Operation Christmas,
Operation Thanksgiving, memorial services, naturalization
ceremonies, the Sergeant Major of the Army Tour and any and
everything that happens here," explained Murray, a Jacksonville,
Fla., native.
During these events, SAMC members can be easily distinguished by
the silver medallion with blue ribbon they wear around their neck.
In addition, they wear a brassard depicting the crest of the SAMC.
The crest includes an Eagle with the letters SAMC above it
separated by three stars representing the "Be", "Know" and "Do"
which are at the very core of the NCO professional spirit.
The motto of the SAMC describes the mentality that members take
with them every day, "You lead from the front."
"We strive to set the example in everything that we do,"
explained Murray.
During the past holiday season, when both Army Chief of Staff,
Gen. George Casey and Central Command's Commanding General, Gen.
David Petraeus came to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, two SAMC members had
the privilege of introducing them before their speeches, an honor
reserved for only a select group of Soldiers.
NCOs interested in getting more information about becoming a
member of the SAMC can contact the USARCENT Chapter President, Sgt.
1st Class Murray at DSN 318-430-2307 or email at
antonio.g.murray@kuwait.swa.army.mil.
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