JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq - Four noncommissioned officers with the 15th Sustainment Brigade were inducted into the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club during a ceremony at the Morale, Welfare and Recreation center here April 16.
The Soldiers were inducted into the club after a long process of hand-selection, recommendations and qualification boards.
The ceremony's guest speaker was Command Sgt. Maj. Arthur L. Coleman, the III Corps senior noncommissioned officer.
There are often moments in life, in which one remembers exactly where they were, Coleman said.
"NCOs, this will be that moment," he said.
Murphy was a true NCO, in every sense, Coleman said. Murphy led from the front, cared for his Soldiers and was dedicated to the mission.
These NCOs are joining a long history of Sergeant Audie Murphy Club members, he added.
For one of the NCOs, the induction meant a great deal.
"To become a member of the SAMC is very humbling," said Staff Sgt. Mario Curtis, a shop foreman with the 1st Maintenance Company, 260th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion. "To now be a member inspires me to make a greater impact in mentoring and leading my Soldiers."
Curtis, a Victorville, Calif., native, began his studies in January and was inspired by his Soldiers.
"My inspiration has always come from my Soldiers and my family," Curtis said.
Curtis said his mentors are those fellow NCOs in his unit and command, but especially Command Sgt. Maj. Dwight Williams, the 260th CSSB senior noncommissioned officer, for his leadership style and his passion towards Soldiers.
Curtis has some advice for future NCOs looking to join the club.
"Know what programs are in place to help your Soldiers," Curtis said. "The Army is constantly changing and improving for the better. Know your Soldiers and what tools are in place in order for them to be successful."
In the end, he did it for his Soldiers.
"I wanted inspire them and to lead from the front," Curtis said. "I know I will see them as members in the near future."
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