ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. -- Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Davis of the U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Support Operations, Lead Materiel Integration Directorate, was inducted into the R.I.A. Sergeant Audie Murphy Club Sept. 25 in the foyer of Building 390 here.

The club is named after Sgt. Audie Leon Murphy, America's most decorated World War II Soldier. Soldiers who achieve this prestigious award have proven to be true professionals of the noncommissioned officer corps.

"I heard the SAMC was about NCOs that demonstrated exceptional NCO quality," Davis said. "I wanted to be a part of something that recognized NCO leadership."

Davis said he was challenged by senior leadership at ASC, Command Sgt. Maj. Joe Ulloth and Sgt. 1st Class Linda Hermesmeyer, a member of the SAMC, prior to making his decision to go before the board.

"I learned a lot, it (preparing) was more than memorization," Davis said. "I talked to subject matter experts in different areas in the command. It's a lifelong learning experience," Davis said of SAMC.

Those selected to the organization are judged based on demonstrated leadership, professionalism, and overall general military knowledge. These NCOs demonstrate their excellence daily. The SAMC candidates also complete several tasks before the final division level board.

"Soldiers must first be nominated by the command, they cannot just volunteer. They take an Army Physical Fitness Test where candidates must get at least 90% in each event," Hermesmeyer said. "There is a (weapons) range, written test, and two essays."

Hermesmeyer said the oral portion consists of a brigade and division level board.

"Selfless service is Sgt. 1st Class Davis's best quality," Hermesmeyer said. "He is a big volunteer in the community; he also showed up to every study session and helped other people study."

"You have to be the cream of the crop to be selected into the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club," Hermesmeyer said.