FORT SILL, Okla. June 25, 2015 -- The newest noteworthy noncommissioned officers joined the ranks of many others with an induction ceremony into the prestigious Sergeant Audie Murphy Club June 18 inside Kerwin Auditorium.
Staff Sgt. Shamal McCoy, Staff Sgt. Maira Sanchez, and Staff Sgt. Maria Woods received an Army Commendation Medal, SAMC award medallion and a SAMC certificate.
The ceremony showcased the accomplishments of others who have paved the way for Soldiers in today's Army. The examples included Cpl. Freddie Stowers who was the first of only two African Americans to receive the Medal of Honor for actions in World War I. Stowers led an assault on German trenches, continuing to lead and encourage his men even after being twice wounded.
Another club member was William McKinley who fought in the Civil War and became the 25th president of the United States.
While their sum of achievements has not yet been reached, the newest SAMC members felt being awarded the powder blue ribbon with medallion was the first of many goals conquered.
"People always think that's too hard, that takes too much time, but you'll set yourself ahead of your peers or apart from your peers. It takes hard work and dedication to get somewhere because not everything is just given," said Sanchez.
The 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 Audie Leon Murphy.
Murphy, son of poor Texas sharecroppers, rose to national fame as the most decorated U.S. combat Soldier of World War II. Among his 33 awards and decorations was the Medal of Honor, the highest military award for bravery that can be given to any individual in the United States of America, for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty." He also received every decoration for valor, some more than once, including five decorations by France and Belgium.
Credited with killing over 240 of the enemy 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.
"What set him 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 terrible, terrible tasks that they were sure to face," said Drill Sgt. (Staff Sgt.) Jeremy Logan, 1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery.
The SAMC began at Fort Hood, Texas and In 1991, then III Corps Commander Lt. Gen. Pete Taylor and Command Sergeant Major Richard Cayton expanded the it to include all of III Corps. This included forts: Riley, Kan.; Bliss, Texas; Polk, La.; Carson, Col.; and Sill.
In 1993, Cayton was voted into the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club by the membership and then became the Forces Command sergeant major. Soon thereafter, the club became Forces Command-wide, including the Reserves and National Guard.
In 1994 at a Sergeant Major of the Army conference, the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club spread to all Army commands with installations retaining the selection process for their own NCOs. In 1998, it was estimated that the club membership was over 3,000 Soldiers and was steadily increasing the club to include all of III Corps.
"You're going back an Audie Murphy club member. Your leaders should expect a little bit more from you and you should expect more from yourself," said Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Lindsey, Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill. "The bottom line you should be proud to wear chevrons and have the opportunity to lead America's finest."
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