ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. -- The U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command inducted Sgt. 1st Class Sergei Volodin into the elite Sergeant Audie Murphy Club at ATEC headquarters Jan. 25.
The Sergeant Audie Murphy Club is a prestigious enlisted organization comprised of noncommissioned officers who have demonstrated innate leadership traits and capabilities characterized by those of Sgt. Audie Murphy.
Sgt. Audie Leon Murphy is an American hero who made history by consistently demonstrating the highest standards of leadership through his professionalism and regard for the welfare of his Soldiers. Murphy is one of the most highly decorated Soldiers in American history earning every medal for valor that America gives.
Volodin, ATEC G3 operations NCO, was selected after undergoing a rigorous selection process which started with him being recommended by his chain of command and culminated in his appearance before a panel of senior NCOs who asked tough questions to test candidates' knowledge and expertise as an NCO. He was unanimously recommended to receive the SAMC award.
Induction into the SAMC is a privilege awarded to exceptional Army NCOs who have set the standard for excellence in leadership. These members have contributed significantly to the development of a professional NCO Corps and to the Army's combat readiness. Members exemplify leadership characterized by personal concern for the needs, training, development and welfare of Soldiers and a concern for their families.
"Sergeant First Class Volodin demonstrates the character, skills, knowledge and attributes that embody what we expect our senior NCOs to be," said Command Sgt. Maj. Allen Fritzching, ATEC's command sergeant major. "He is an excellent leader, role model and competent noncommissioned officer."
According to Fritzching, Volodin's exceptional military bearing, physical fitness, technical and tactical competence, demonstrated leadership skills and his vast knowledge of military subjects are what made him stand out from the rest of his peers.
Volodin, a Soldier of few words who finds it difficult to talk about himself, considers the recognition to be more than just an award but instead a constant reminder of what the standard is.
"Membership and the ideology of the club will be the rudder with which I will steer my decisions when pertaining to leadership, taking care of Soldiers and professionalism," he said.
Command Sgt. Maj. Carlton Handy, command sergeant major of the U.S. Army Evaluation Center, was the guest speaker at the induction ceremony. Maj. Gen. Genaro Dellarocco, ATEC's commanding general, presented Volodin with the award. Dellarocco also presented Volodin with the Army Commendation Medal in recognition of his selection to the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club.
ATEC plans to utilize Volodin's leadership development and mentoring skills by assigning him to a position of increased responsibility where he can be of greater service to the Army, its Soldiers and their families.
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