FORT BENNING, Ga., (Nov. 26, 2014) -- Four exemplary NCOs were honored Nov. 21 with induction into the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club during a ceremony in Derby Auditorium.
Sgt. 1st Class Sheena Blake of the Fort Benning Dental Activity, Staff Sgt. Rick Zamora of the Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade and Staff Sgts. Douglas Keilholtz and Adam Marzan, both of the 198th Infantry Brigade, were officially welcomed into the club, which is for NCOs whose leadership achievements and performance merit special recognition.
The club is named for Sgt. Audie Murphy, the most decorated U.S. combat Soldier of World War II. Murphy was awarded 33 medals and decorations for his service during World War II, including the Medal of Honor.
According to United States Army Forces Command regulations, club members must "exemplify leadership characterized by personal concern for the needs, training, development, and welfare of Soldiers and concern for Families of Soldiers."
"The four NCOs being inducted today represent the absolute best of our NCO corps and our Army," said ARTB Command Sgt. Maj. Curtis Arnold, the event's guest speaker and SAMC member. "Their hard work and dedication are being rewarded today. ... You join a group of NCOs that is the true backbone of the Army. From this day on, you will be held in higher regard than ever before. From this day on, you will be held to a higher standard, as well it should be. You are what 'right' looks like to not only junior enlisted Soldiers and fellow NCOs, but also to the officer corps."
The inductees said they were excited to receive such a prestigious honor.
"I think this is the best accomplishment for me in my career," Blake said. "It may not be the most challenging physically, but it means the most. ... A lot of my leaders who were people that I look up to and who I consider to be mentors were in the club. They've walked a straight line and done the right thing, so I wanted to be a part of that."
The nominees for induction had to appear before a selection board, which Blake said was both a challenge and a reward.
"The process of preparing for the board was the best part because it forces you to know regulations," she said. "You basically have to prepare for every 'what if?' situation you could face with your Soldiers. You can't just answer based on something you would do on a whim. You really have to get your nose in those references and know how to properly guide everybody through every type of complex situation that could come up. ... For every situation or scenario, there could be three or four references that you absolutely have to know in order to answer correctly."
And while the new inductees were excited to officially join, Arnold said the challenge of SAMC induction has only just begun.
"As a member of the club, you will always be regarded as a subject matter expert on just about anything related to being a Soldier and a leader," Arnold said. "Never embarrass yourself or the club. Always set the example of professionalism. Show your Soldiers how to be the best. Ensure that you remain educated, both personally and professionally. Never turn back from any challenge - look at any challenge as an opportunity to showcase your talents and the talents of your Soldiers."
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