Fort Sill Sergeant Audie Murphy Club adds three Soldiers

FORT SILL, Okla. (sept. 11, 2014) -- Fort Sill celebrated its newest Sergeant Audie Murphy Club inductees in a ceremony Sept. 4 at Snow Hall's Kerwin Auditorium.

Staff Sgt. Nicholas Marshall, B Battery, 2nd Battalion, 4th Field Artillery; Sgt. 1st Class Michael Delgado, 529th Network Support Company and Sgt. 1st Class Angelia Witter, A Battery, 1st Battalion, 19th Field Artillery, donned the SAMC medallion after proving themselves worthy.

"I feel like it's a culminating event for myself and a lot of people. I don't feel like this award is just mine because a lot of people helped me get here. People had to believe in me and obviously them to put us in this position and help us get ready and give us their experiences and their guidance in order to be where we're at right now, and now it's our turn," said Delgado.

Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Lindsey, Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill CSM, was the guest speaker. He said the three inductees were the example to follow when speaking of good leadership.

"We must always remember that as a leader none of us are given the authority, status and position as a personal reward to enjoy for comfort. We are given them so that we may be of greater service to our subordinates, units and families. A noncommissioned officer cannot lead without determination," said Lindsey. "As a leader you don't choose the best or most opportune times to lead. A good leader takes the challenge whenever and wherever it presents itself."

Each inductee took up the challenge to strive to be a part of the distinguished club and the process took months, and in some cases years, to accomplish.

They spent countless hours preparing, performing hands on tasks and appearing before boards from battalion to the post level. Their dedication and knowledge of the Army Noncommissioned Officer Corps was recognized.

"It was hard work. It was a lot of time dedicated to this. It's definitely worth it. People will tell you it's worth it before you go ahead and do it. It's definitely a rewarding feeling," said Delgado.

"I know for myself having been a drill sergeant when I went through the process, it was a lot of long hours studying and also training Soldiers so to finally have the medal is a great relief and an accomplishment," said Witter. "I'm just overall thankful for my husband and first sergeant and sergeant majors that have really pushed me and all my battle buddies that are still on the trail as a drill sergeant. Everybody together has made this a success for me."

"The past year for me has been a very fast train ride. I've had a lot of things come my way. And it's just a relief to have it done and knowing that I accomplished it. I know a few people that are in the club so I'm happy to be with them and going forward to see what comes with it," said Marshall.

Each inductee received the Army Commendation Medal, Sergeant Audie Murphy Club medallion, a custom made flag, a Forces Command and Training and Doctrine Command certificate of membership and the Fort Sill SAMC Chapter coin.