Audie Murphy Club adds four new members

FORT SILL, Okla. Sept. 24, 2105 -- The Sergeant Audie Murphy Club (SAMC) welcomed four new members to its exclusive ranks during a ceremony at Snow Hall, Sept. 17.

The inductees are Sgt. 1st Class Roberto Mendez, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 30th Air Defense Artillery Brigade; Sgt. 1st Class Calyl Cecilio, D Battery, 1st Battalion, 19th Field Artillery; Sgt. 1st Class Elizabeth Girdner, B Battery, 95th Adjutant General Battalion (Reception); and Staff Sgt. Whitney Mondragon, A Battery, 1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery.

"The Sergeant Audie Murphy Club is a club of (noncommissioned officers) that leads from the front and sets the example for others to follow," said Sgt. 1st Class Miriam Espinoza, B/1-19th FA. "We have to recognize you for your qualities before we sponsor you for this prestigious club."

Soldiers who wish to join the SAMC must have a member act as their sponsor.

As the club's representative for the 434th Field Artillery Brigade, Espinoza said it is her responsibility to help prepare those Soldiers who want to become members of the club, however, Espinoza said she doesn't help everyone. Soldiers have to prove they are worthy to join the club and have shown to possess the drive necessary to become members.

"I look at how bad they want to join," she said. "If I'm looking for you to study, you don't want it bad enough. You have to come find me."

A few months ago Cecilio approached Espinoza about joining the SAMC ranks. Cecilio said he wanted to join because he believes in leading from the front and that his abilities will help improve the NCO Corps. In addition, Cecilio said he wanted to evaluate his own abilities as a Soldier and NCO.

"I think I am the best at everything I do, but to be the best you have to put yourself in those situations," said Cecilio. "What better way to test yourself than through the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club?"

"You could tell he had this focus and that he was going to do whatever he could to get inducted," said Espinoza. "He was after it, trying to study, trying to push so he had no doubt he would make it in."

Espinoza agreed to be Cecilio's sponsor and together they trained, spending time studying board questions and preparing for a 10-minute class he would have to give on sexual harassment and rape prevention. The class evaluation would be in addition to a physical fitness test, weapons knowledge and a board.

"The board was the part I was the most worried about," said Cecilio. "You have a panel of senior NCOs who want to make sure you know what you're talking about. It was nerve wracking."

Now that the studying and practicing is over Cecilio said he looks forward to celebrating with his wife, Erika and their three children. Erika said she is proud of him but knows now that her husband has accomplished joining the SAMC he will be looking for another challenge. Espinoza said it is that driven quality that makes Cecilio an asset to the club.

"He is a lead-from-the-front NCO," said Espinoza. "He's not going to require Soldiers to do anything he can't do. He finds new ways to train Soldiers and if you come to him with a problem he makes it a priority, both NCOs and junior enlisted. We could benefit from that in the club."