Third Army CSM attends Sergeant Audie Murphy Club Induction Ceremony
December 13, 2011
By By Cpl. Christopher A. Calvert, Third Army/ARCENT Public Affairs
By Cpl. Christopher A. Calvert
Third Army/ARCENT Public Affairs
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Command Sgt. Maj. Stephan Frennier, Third Army/ARCENT senior enlisted advisor and Whitehouse, Texas native, attended the Combined Joint Operations Area Afghanistan Sergeant Audie Murphy Club induction ceremony here Dec. 9.
During the ceremony, six noncommissioned officers were inducted into the elite club after exemplifying leadership characterized by personal concern for the needs, training, development, and welfare of Soldiers and their families.
"The Sergeant Audie Murphy Club induction ceremony culminates an arduous
selection process and recognizes these outstanding NCOs as official members of the program," said Command Sgt. Maj. Frennier.
The induction was led by guest speaker Lt. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, U.S. Army Europe and Seventh Army Commanding General. The St. Louis native spoke on the importance of leadership and said being inducted into the SAMC highlights an NCOs professionalism and ability to provide outstanding mentorship.
"Soldiers look to their NCOs for leadership," Lt. Gen. Hertling said. "It's imperative for NCOs to provide the guidance Soldiers need. The NCOs being inducted today have demonstrated that they are fully capable of leading Soldiers from the front."
One of those inducted was Sgt. Anthony W. Black, a Multiple Launch Rocket Systems Crewmember with B Battery, 2nd Battalion, 4th Field Artillery Regiment and Saxe, Va. native. Black said making it into the SAMC was no small feat.
"It took an extreme amount of courage and support from my fellow brothers in arms, as well as my family," explained Black. "It's an honor and a long time goal I finally achieved thanks to my family and Soldiers."
Sgt. 1st Class Stephanie L. Carl, a Public Affairs Specialist with the 159th Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division and Spring Hill, Fla. native, was also inducted into the organization. Carl said finally being inducted into the SAMC culminated years of hard work and determination.
"This is awesome," exclaimed Carl. "This is something I've wanted since I was a private first class. This achievement means a lot to me, my family, and my Soldiers."
After the ceremony, Command Sgt. Maj. Frennier had the opportunity to meet four Third Army Soldiers stationed here. After awarding them with coins of excellence, Command Sgt. Maj. Frennier said their hard work day-in and day-out does not go unnoticed.
"You guys are the ones behind the scene getting the job done," explained Command Sgt. Maj. Frennier. "The work you are doing here is very important. Thanks for everything you do."
Sgt. 1st Class Sheryl Hussein, Third Army/ARCENT communications and Berkeley, Calif. native, said meeting Command Sgt. Maj. Frennier helped build esprit de corps among her and her fellow Soldiers.
"We're here in an ulterior environment working as liaisons to the Warfighter," Hussein said. "It's definitely a morale booster to see our senior leadership and get to speak with him."
Third Army remains committed to providing Soldiers outstanding leadership. By attending the SAMC induction ceremony and visiting Third Army Soldiers stationed here, Command Sgt. Maj. Frennier is helping to motivate, guide, and inspire Soldiers, the strength of our nation.