CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind. -- An examination board composed of senior noncommissioned officers reviewed three noncommissioned officers from First Army Division East, who were nominated to become members of the Sgt. Audie Murphy Club at Camp Atterbury, Ind., Jul 18.
Of the three NCOs, the board chose to recommend two from the 205th Infantry Brigade for induction into the prestigious club, which recognizes the outstanding leadership accomplishments and the embodiment of the NCO philosophy--loyalty, caring, discipline and professionalism. Their packets will now be sent to U.S. Army Forces Command for final approval.
"Being a member of the Audie Murphy Club is the most prestigious organization that a tried and true steward of the professional noncommissioned officer corps could ever hope to achieve while serving their country," said Sgt. 1st Class Stephanie Scott, a supply specialist for the 205th Infantry Brigade, First Army Division East, First Army.
Scott wasn't the only one to earn the recognition of the board. Her fellow NCO, Sgt. 1st Class Nathan Hepfer, was also selected.
Hepfer, a trainer/mentor with 1-335th Infantry Regiment, 205th Infantry Brigade, First Army Division East, said being selected was validating.
"Induction validates all of the effort I have made to have a positive impact on every Soldier I interact with and validates the sacrifices that not only I have made, but also the sacrifices my family has made to ensure our Army Family is strong, cohesive, and prepared for anything that the future may hold," said Hepfer, a native of Pendleton, Ind.
Induction into the club consists of a very rigorous process. NCOs serving in the Active Army, Army Reserve, and National Guard in the ranks of corporal through sergeant first class are eligible to compete. However, before Soldiers can be accepted into the club they have to be nominated by their leadership, appear at an initial selection board, and then a final selection board.
For the Army, the legacy of Sgt. Audie Murphy is one of conviction, courage, and dedication, said Primus, operations non-commissioned officer in charge for the 1-290th Field Artillery Battalion, 205th Infantry Brigade, First Army Division East.
"Few non-commissioned officers make the jump into the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club. These two members are no longer just a Sergeant First Class they are Sergeant Audie Murphy Club members," said Primus, who became a member of the club in 2006 while a Drill Sergeant at Fort Knox, Ky. "These two NCOs from the 205th have set themselves apart from their peers and will constantly be challenged to live up to the standards set forth by the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club."
Scott said the SAMC is more than memorizing various topics; it's about being a leader who positively represents the Army on and off the battlefield. One of the things the board looks at is how Soldiers balance their work and home lives.
"My biggest cheerleaders during the past seven months, while I prepared for the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club selection board, were my children, Amir and Amonie," said Scott, a native of Philadelphia, Pa. "As a single parent, senior leader, and graduate student, I made time in an already hectic schedule to study the history of Sergeant Audie Murphy and improve both my weapons qualification and my physical fitness score."
In fact, Scott said her son helped her study by quizzing her after dinner every night.
Hepfer said he appreciated the support he received from the brigade and battalion command sergeants major; however, he also gave the majority of the credit to his family.
"My wife and kids made the necessary sacrifices to ensure that I had not only the opportunity to prepare, but an adequate environment to study and memorize all of the material," Hepfer said. "Without them I doubt that I would have maintained the necessary focus to be successful."
The club received its name after Sergeant Audie Murphy, who throughout his nearly 20 years of service, consistently demonstrated the highest qualities of leadership, professionalism and regard for the welfare of his Soldiers.
Murphy is known for being the most decorated United States combat Soldiers of World War II. His awards include the Medal of Honor, the U.S. military's highest award for valor, and 32 additional medals including awards from France and Belgium.
"Audie was a take charge Soldier from day one," said Hepfer. "He flew through the ranks to staff sergeant through battlefield promotions and thanks to his leadership and valorous actions, eventually earned a battlefield commission and medal of honor. He earned every medal for valor that America gives, some multiple times."
However, Murphy also believed in community service -- something the SAMC looks for in its inductees.
"This club is about giving back to the community," said Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis E. Defreese, First Army Division East senior enlisted advisor. "It's about being an example to Soldiers of what selfless service looks like."
Both Scott and Hepfer volunteered in their communities. This summer Scott helped with a program called Project Bold, at Girls Inc., in Franklin, Ind. The girls, ages 11 to 13, learned basic Combative Techniques like the post, frame, and hood. Hepfer recently volunteered to escort home the remains of Pfc. James Constant, a Korean War veteran Missing in Action for 63 years.
Both said they will continue to volunteer in the community and mentor junior enlisted and NCOs in their command.
"As a member of this elite organization, I will continue to stay vigilant in seeking and participating in volunteer opportunities in the community and to teach, coach, and mentor Soldiers to reach their optimal potential, while tirelessly leading from the front in an effort to further strengthen our Iron Sharp Corps," said Scott.
For more information on the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club look up U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Regulation 600-14 and U.S. Army Forces Command Regulation 215-7.
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