FORT SILL, Okla., June 9, 2016 -- The Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill Chapter of the Sgt. Audie Murphy Club added six Soldiers to its ranks during an induction ceremony June 2, at Snow Hall followed by the announcement for Soldier of the Year and NCO of the Year.

Family, friends, fellow Soldiers, SAMC members and post leaders gathered at Kerwin Auditorium for the quarterly ceremony. The newest members inducted were: Staff Sgt. Anthony Bryen, B Battery, 3rd Battalion, 6th Air Defense Artillery; Staff Sgt. Alonzo Chavez, B Battery, 1st Battalion, 19th Field Artillery (FA); Staff Sgt. Megan Finkhousen, C Battery, 1st Battalion, 19th FA; Sgt. John Hartley, B Battery, 2nd Battalion, 18th FA; Staff Sgt. Dustin Randall, B Battery, 1st Battalion, 79th FA; and Staff Sgt. Janina Simmons, C Battery, 1st Battalion, 40th FA.

A video presentation rolled as four SAMC members narrated the life of Murphy depicting his heroic efforts during his time in service.

The SAMC recipients were chosen because they have contributed significantly to the development of the professional corps of noncommissioned officers and displayed personal concern for the needs, training and welfare of Soldiers and their families in keeping with the example set by Murphy. The son of poor Texas sharecroppers, Murphy rose to national fame as the most decorated U.S. combat Soldier of World War II. His 33 awards and decorations included the Medal of Honor. He also received every decoration for valor, some more than once, including five decorations by France and Belgium.

Credited with killing more than 240 enemy combatants while wounding and capturing many others, he became a legend within the 3rd Infantry Division.

Beginning his service as an Army private, Murphy quickly rose to staff sergeant, was given a battlefield commission to second lieutenant, was wounded three times, fought in nine major campaigns across Europe and survived the war.

Narrators said what set Murphy apart was his natural instinct and willingness to not only ensure the men to his left and right were well equipped, but also that they were physically and emotionally prepared for and up to the tasks that they were sure to face.

The SAMC is dedicated to recognizing outstanding noncommissioned officers who are passionate about taking care of their Soldiers and accomplishing the mission. Furthermore, the members of this club are dedicated to making a difference in the Lawton-Fort Sill community. The club has participated in numerous community activities in the past ranging from painting dog kennels to spending time with veterans at the Lawton Vet Center to combing neighborhoods looking for homeless veterans.

Soldier of the Year

Candidates were Spc. Lawrence MacIntyre, B Battery, 1st Battalion, 78th FA; Spc. Timothy Rackard, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery (HHB), 2nd Battalion, 18th FA; and Spc. Nicholas Thornhill, Patriot Test Detachment, 3rd Battalion, 6th ADA.

Spc. Nicholas Thornhill spoke of his reaction to winning the competition.

"I feel very happy to have come out on top," he said. "The 2 a.m. land navigation was the most difficult because it had rained the evening before and we were trenching through puddles then a couple of us fell in a pond."

He said the competition was stiff, but he appreciated the support he received from his fellow Soldiers.

NCO of the Year

Candidates were Staff Sgt. Nicholas Bogert, F Battery, 1st Battalion, 40th FA, and Staff Sgt. Stacey Ward, HHB, 75th FA Brigade.

Bogert, who finished second in the Fort Sill Drill Sergeant of the Year (DSOY) competition received the award as the post's NCO of the Year.

"It feels great to win this award after a long and grueling competition," said Bogert.

He said his immediate goal is to help Drill Sergeant (Staff Sgt.) Dustin Randall, Fort Sill DSOY, get ready for the Training and Doctrine Command competition in September.