WASHINGTON (June 19, 2015) -- The U.S. Army Military District of Washington's Sergeant Audie Murphy Club (SAMC) inducted its newest members during a ceremony held at the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery, Va.
The MDW SAMC is one chapter of an elite organization of non-commissioned officers whose performance and leadership qualities distinguish them among their peers, as those of the club's namesake did on the battlefields of World War II. The stars that separate the initials of the club -- S*A*M*C -- stand for the watchwords of the NCO: "Be, Know and Do."
"Audie Murphy stood for desire, excellence, motivation and a can-do attitude. It is important for our NCOs to replicate those same attributes into their profession and into everything that they do," said Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy A. Guden, U.S. Army Military District of Washington's command sergeant major. "For an NCO to step up and demonstrate those qualities, is worthy of induction into this very prestigious club."
The induction and membership into the SAMC is a reward for NCO's whose leadership achievements and performance merit special recognition. The SAMC is a means of recognizing those NCOs who have contributed significantly to the development of a professional NCO Corps and a combat ready Army.
This year's inductees include: Sgt. 1st Class Deneva L. Payne who serves as Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Dining Facility Manager; Sgt. Ruth Hanks and Staff Sgt. Robin M. Reed from the 289th Military Policy Company; Staff Sgt. Brian Blackmore, Sgt. Patrick Leamy and Sgt. 1st Class John Wirth who are all Sentinels at the Tomb of the Unknowns, and Staff Sgt. Ryne C. Chambers, who currently serves as a squad leader in a community care unit, warrior transition brigade at Fort Belvoir, Va.
Following the induction ceremony the inductees laid a wreath at the gravesite of Audie Murphy. Murphy is one of the most decorated American Soldiers in history. He received numerous citations and decorations including every medal for valor that America has to give.
According to the clubs website, members exemplify leadership characterized by personal concern for the needs, training, development and welfare of Soldiers and their families. Club functions include social, service and professional development activities as well as periodic review of the NCO corps in the National Capital Region for other NCO's to honor with membership.
"I would highly encourage all NCOs to strive to compete to become a member of the SAMC because it is a mark of excellence. It shows Army leadership at all levels that this is an NCO who will always give 100% (and then some), who will never back down from a challenge, who will always seek out the tough assignments and who can be counted on to accomplish the impossible," said Guden. "I know that we don't do this for the money, but, ultimately, induction into the SAMC is a pay raise, because an NCO who distinguishes themselves for induction will undoubtedly be promoted ahead of their peers."
Social Sharing