Air Defense Soldier inducted into Sergeant Audie Murphy Club

For some, responsibility may not be the first thing on the mind of a child. Some are able to enjoy their youthful years without much worry within their household. Growing up in a single parent household, Staff Sgt. Paul Navarrete was introduced to responsibility early, as he learned the meaning of dedication and hard work. These very qualities have propelled him through his childhood and followed him through his years in U.S. Army. These are the same qualities that have not only set him apart from his peers, but also earned him a lifelong membership in the prestigious Sergeant Audie Murphy Club.

He's dedicated, determined, self-less, motivated and he genuinely wants to do right by his peers, said Sgt. 1st class Jason E. Spears, the supervisor of Navarrete and the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command Asset Management non-commissioned officer in charge. I couldn't have asked for a better non-commissioned officer stated Spears.

Navarrete's work ethic and dedication to excellence continue to lead him to and through milestones in his life and career.

Navarrete was born and raised in Naples, Florida, a place that he called, "the beach lifestyle." His mother brought him up in a single parent household alongside his sister Linda. Although tasked with more responsibilities than some of his peers, he still found time to play sports such as football, soccer and lacrosse in addition to working to help provide for his family.

"I always looked out for my family and felt like I had to provide in some way regardless of my age," Navarrete stated. "That carried me on throughout the years and into the military."

Like many, growing up he witnessed 9/11 as a civilian, and those events were part of his inspiration to join the Army.

"Seeing all the Soldiers, post 9/11, gave me a huge respect for the military and I knew that I wanted to be part of that," he remarked. "The "Soldier" is one of the noblest professions in my opinion."

He currently serves in G33, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. He has been in the Army for nine years, originally beginning his career as an Infantryman and later re-classifying to an Air Defense Battle Management Systems Operator for better job opportunities post-retirement.

Throughout his career he has accomplished everything he has set his mind to and his latest accomplishment is one of his greatest to date. He was recently selected for induction in the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club.

The Sergeant Audie Murphy Club is for U.S. Army non-commissioned officers whose leadership and performance may earn them membership in this prestigious club. It is named after Audie Murphy, who is one of the most decorated U.S. Army Soldiers of World War II. The membership process includes submitting a packet, a physical fitness test and appearing before a board of senior non-commissioned officers prior to selection.

He was inducted into the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club on February 20, 2019, at Weyland Field, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

"It is the greatest feeling ever, I'm still shocked that I have been given the great opportunity to represent the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club (SAMC) but most importantly the 94th AAMDC as a leader who now has great purpose," he said. "I have been entrusted to sustain on a higher level the empowerment of our non-commissioned officers and the welfare of our Soldiers."

He has blazed a trail of excellence for his leaders, peers and subordinates to follow.

It makes me proud watching him continue to grow as a non-commissioned officer; he's achieving his goals faster than we envisioned said Spears.

Although Navarrete has reached his goal of being inducted into the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club, he understands that his induction is only the beginning. But with his work ethic and dedication to excellence, there is no doubt that he will continue to lead the way.

"Audie Murphy doesn't stop after induction, its only the beginning and a lifetime dedication," Navarrete stated.