Soldiers, civilian accept awards during quarterly ceremony

FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Thirteen Soldiers and one civilian of the 10th Mountain Division (LI) received honors during the division's quarterly awards ceremony Aug. 13 at Hays Hall.

Eight Soldiers were inducted into the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club (SAMC), while five Soldiers each received the Maj. Gen. Aubrey "Red" Newman Award.

The Sergeant Audie Murphy Club, which was established in 1986 at Fort Hood, Texas, is a private U.S. Army organization for noncommissioned officers whose leadership achievements and performance merit special recognition. To become a member, a Soldier must be nominated and then pass a rigorous selection board where their leadership attributes, character and knowledge are evaluated.

"The board tests not only the candidate's knowledge of doctrinal matters, but also assesses that candidate's leader's book," said Sgt. 1st Class Craig A. DeBournon, an SAMC inductee from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team. "A detailed assessment of what is present, what is omitted, how the information is presented, and the recentness of the information all gives the board members important insight to the leader's actual performance of their duties within their units."

Currently, there are more than 3,000 SAMC members.

"It is a great honor to be selected to join such a prestigious organization, one with a reputation for admitting the very best of the NCO Corps," DeBournon added.

Other new inductees are 1st Sgt. Anthony L. Hunsaker, Noncommissioned Officers Academy; Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Hill, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Brigade Combat Team; Sgt. 1st Class Robert S. Park, Staff Sgt. Steven A. Morgan, Staff Sgt. Antonio I. Quiroga, all of C Company, 1-87 Infantry, and Staff Sgt. Gregory A. Rochefort and Sgt. 1st Class Wayne Santos, both of A Company, 1-87 Infantry.

It was on Leyte Beach during WWII when Maj. Gen. Aubrey Newman spoke these words, "Get the hell off the beach … follow me!" His words became the rallying cry of the 24th Infantry Division, and his actions that day became synonymous with leadership.

To be nominated for the Maj. Gen. Aubrey "Red" Newman award, recipients must be a junior officer or senior noncommissioned officer and demonstrate an outstanding commitment to the development of Soldiers.

Recipients of the award, which recognizes outstanding leadership, are Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Angelo, C Troop, 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment; Sgt. 1st. Class Cedric Oliver and Sgt. Elida Parra, both of Headquarters Support Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 10th Mountain Division; Sgt. 1st Class Bridget Santiago, Intelligence Sustainment Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 10th Mountain Division; and Staff Sgt. Harold Leiter, B Battery, 3rd Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st BCT.

"The most important aspect of leadership is the interpersonal connection -- getting to know your Soldiers, what motivates them and what influences their decision-making processes," Santiago said. "Soldiers won't confide in or rely on a leader they don't trust."

One civilian received the Dr. Mary E. Walker Award for volunteerism.

Originally from Oswego, Walker was one of the first female physicians in the country and the only woman in U.S. history to receive the Medal of Honor.

During the Civil War, Walker served as an unpaid nurse in various camps and hospitals in the Washington, D.C., area and later as a field surgeon. She was noted for her relentless dedication to wounded Soldiers, and her commitment extended to their Families. Walker also was instrumental in establishing an organization that aided needy women who came to visit wounded relatives.

The Dr. Mary E. Walker Award is presented to eligible spouses who have distinguished themselves by outstanding volunteer service contributing to the mission of the Army and to the welfare of the Army Family.

The award was presented to Sheila Swift, a member of the 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment Family.