PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (Aug. 28, 2014) -- The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command has welcomed its newest members into the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club.
Originating in 1986 at Fort Hood, Texas, the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club is an exclusive Army organization for non-commissioned officers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and performance. To be inducted the NCOs must be recommended, pass a physical training test, as well as appear before several rigorous selection boards.
"I am pleased to announce that 10 non-commissioned officers from the command have been selected for induction into the SMDC/ARSTRAT Sergeant Audie Murphy Club," said SMDC Command Sgt. Maj. James N. Ross. "The SMDC/ARSTRAT Sergeant Audie Murphy Club is a means of recognizing that NCOs contribute significantly to the development of a professional NCO corps and combat ready Army. All candidates exemplify leadership characterized by personal concern for the needs, training, professional development, and welfare of Soldiers and their families. It is a privilege earned by a few exceptional NCOs.
"The Sergeant Audie Murphy Club process involves a series of boards at the battalion, brigade and SMDC/ARSTRAT level," Ross added. "Sergeant Audie Murphy Club selection is an important part of the SMDC/ARSTRAT commanding general and command sergeant major NCO development program. It provides special recognition to an elite group of NCOs who have demonstrated superior performance and inherent leadership qualities and abilities characterized by those of the legendary Sergeant Audie Murphy."
Approximately two percent of NCOs in the Army have distinguished themselves by being inducted in the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club.
The newest members of the SMDC Sergeant Audie Murphy Club include:
Sgt. 1st Class Justin Hanley and Sgt. Brandon Lairscey, 4th Space Company, 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.
Staff Sgt. Derek Day, 1st Space Company, 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade, Misawa, Japan; and Staff Sgt. Brian Hester, Joint Tactical Ground Station Korea - C Detachment, 1st Space Company Osan Air Base, Korea.
Staff Sgt. Alfonso Martinez and Staff Sgt. John Schaefer, Headquarters, SMDC, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.
Staff Sgt. Adam Tripses, Delta Company, 53rd Signal Battalion, Wahiawa, Hawaii; and
Sgt. Christina Podskalan and Sgt. Tricia Snider, Bravo Company, 53rd Signal Battalion, 53rd Signal Battalion, Fort Meade, Maryland.
Sgt. Robert Haas, 49th Missile Defense Battalion, 100th Missile Defense Brigade, Fort Greely, Alaska.
Born in Hunt County, Texas, Audie L. Murphy joined the Army in 1942. While serving in the Mediterranean and European theaters of action in nine military campaigns, he was recognized as the most decorated combat Soldier during World War II. Murphy earned the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars, three Purple Hearts, the French Legion of Honor, French Croix de Guerre and Belgian Croix de Guerre.
Not only was he highly decorated, Murphy also rose through the ranks and received a battlefield commission.
"I feel proud to be a part of an elite group of NCOs," Martinez said about his induction. "Some of the past great leaders that I had the pleasure of serving with were members of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club. I told myself that one day I will be a member as long as I continue leading and taking care of Soldiers."
As the new members reflected on being inducted, one Soldier spoke about what this means to them and how they can inspire others who will follow in their footsteps and continue to lead future Soldiers.
"I don't think it's completely set in yet," Schaefer said. "I have always held the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club and its members in very high regards. It is strange to think I am part of that now and that I am a part of a group of NCOs who are held to a higher standard.
"I wanted to join the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club because of the NCOs who mentored me during my Army career," he added. "There are always those NCOs who you see and you think, 'He or she is squared away,' and you look what you can take from them. More times than not, I found out those NCOs were part of the club and they were out there training, teaching and mentoring other NCOs and Soldiers to better their unit and the Army. That is what I wanted to a part of."
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