Sgt. 1st Class Brian M. Constantino, 2nd Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, right, is inducted into the Sgt. Audie Murphy Club Nov. 12 at a ceremony in Marshall Auditorium, as presented by Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Ames, commandant of the Henry Caro ...

FORT BENNING, Ga., (Nov.18 2015) -- Sgt. 1st Class Brian M. Constantino, 2nd Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, received a prestigious honor Nov. 12 as he was inducted into the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club.

The SAMC is for NCOs whose leadership, achievements and performance merit special recognition, and is named for Sgt. Audie Murphy, the most decorated U.S. combat Soldier of World War II. Murphy was awarded more than 30 medals and decorations for his service during WWII, including the Medal of Honor.

According to United States Army Forces Command regulations, members of the SAMC must "exemplify leadership characterized by personal concern for the needs, training, development, and welfare of Soldiers and concern for Families of Soldiers."

If an NCO meets these requirements, they may be nominated for membership by their chain of command.

After a nomination is reviewed and approved, nominees advance to the final selection board. There, they are put under pressure and questioned on a variety of topics designed to evaluate them and see what type of leader they are and their ability to perform in a high-stress environment, said Constantino.

Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Ames, commandant of the Henry Caro NCOA, was the guest speaker at the induction. He congratulated Constantino on his work as a drill sergeant with the 198th Infantry Brigade, and charged him with upholding the standards of the SAMC when he arrives at his new post in Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

"It is now your obligation to uphold the traditions and standards expected of a SAMC member," Ames said. "With membership ... comes high responsibility to set the example for others and live the values of a true professional. Don't just wear the medallion; be worthy of it every day."

Constantino said he was honored to join the ranks of the SAMC members, and thanked his wife Emily and fellow drill sergeants for their continued support.

"I am very honored today to join the ranks of the SAMC members and all that the medallion and title entails," he said. "I look forward to participating in the chapter in Hawaii, and taking on the added responsibilities afforded to me."