BETHESDA, Md. -- Two non-commissioned officers, Staff Sgt. Justin D. Reichenbach and Staff Sgt. Freddy L. Drayton, were inducted into the Command Sergeant Major Jack L. Clark, Jr. Chapter of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club (SAMC) in an induction ceremony held at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Feb. 5.
The Sergeant Audie Murphy Club, named for the most decorated Soldier in U.S. Army history, is an elite organization of U.S. Army non-commissioned officers who are leaders in the Army and in their communities. Leadership, achievement and performance are the hallmarks of SAMC, as well as a desire to improve the lives of Soldiers.
The Jack L. Clark, Jr. Chapter is named for the 13th Command Sergeant Major of the U.S. Army Health Services Command and Army Medical Command.
The chapter president, Sgt. 1st Class Kevin D. Conner, said after the ceremony that induction gives non-commissioned Soldiers a chance to make the Army even stronger. "As non-commissioned officers, you are inducted into the NCO Corps," Conner said. "By being inducted into this elite group, you are better able to positively impact your organization, the command and the community, as well."
The Clark chapter is very active in the local community. They sponsor the "Partnership in Education" with Woodlawn Elementary School in Alexandria, Va. During the school year, SAMC joins guidance counselors to sponsor "Fun Lunch Fridays," where Soldiers mentor students. The event offers students an opportunity to meet with outstanding role models.
Fort Belvoir Community Hospital Junior Enlisted Association also participates, giving junior enlisted Soldiers an opportunity to mentor under the leadership of elite NCOs. SAMC members also participated in the 7th annual Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps High School Drill Competition as judges and mentors.
The chapter worked well with youth in the community, but it also acknowledged the services and sacrifice of the Soldiers who preceded them in the ranks. They walked with Veterans organizations as they participated in the Commander-in-Chief's Veterans Day Wreath Laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery and served in the Non Commissioned Officer Association Color Guard at the ceremony and presented the association?'s wreath to the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
"The extension of what you do in the community is remarkable," said Northern Regional Medical Command Commanding General Maj. Gen. M. Ted Wong, who was the presiding officer at the induction ceremony. "It shows that our commitment to the community doesn't end when you take off the uniform."
The leaders of the Clark chapter hope to grow that commitment as its membership increases. "It's very important to extend the membership to more leaders," Sgt. 1st Class Gloria D. Butler, Command Sgt. Maj. Jack L. Clark, Jr. Chapter vice president said. "We know they're out there, and it's very important to recruit them so they can help us make a bigger impact in the community and for our Soldiers."
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