"Professionalism," said Staff Sgt. Jeffrey A. Bailey.
"Effective," added Sgt. 1st Class Antonio G. Murray.
These were the words two Sergeant Audie Murphy Club members gave when asked to describe the SAMC in just one word.
The SAMC is a unique and prestigious organization whose goal is to assist in the welfare, morale and espirit de corps of Soldiers and their Family members. Its roots began in 1986, in Fort Hood, Texas, in honor of Audie L. Murphy, a Soldier who served valiantly during World War II.
Murphy is the most highly decorated Soldier in American history, having been awarded every medal of valor the military gives, to include the Medal of Honor, three French medals, one Belgium medal and he also earned a battlefield commission for his leadership ability.
Originally the club was for NCOs assigned to III Corps in Fort Hood, Texas, but in 1991, it was expanded to encompass all NCOs in the III Corps. In 1994, at a Sergeant Major of the Army conference, the club was recognized Army wide with installation commands retaining the right to select who was inducted into the club.
NCOs who look to join the ranks of the SAMC do so knowing they will become a lifetime member of one of the most renowned organizations in the Army.
"Those who are inducted into the [club] stand for what the noncommissioned officer should be, or should strive to be," said Bailey, 92nd Chemical Company.
Bailey, who was inducted into the club in March 2008, acknowledged his previous first sergeant from the 6/8 Cavalry as the main reason he first looked into the club.
"He explained to me what the [SAMC] was," said Bailey, a Tampa Bay, Fla., native. "It was for elite NCOs; recognizing them for what they've done to develop a professional NCO Corps."
Bailey described the process of becoming a member of the SAMC as challenging but very rewarding.
"It was a lot of studying, through Army Regulations, Field Manuals and Technical Manuals," described Bailey. "As NCOs we are supposed to know these, [but also] apply these as it pertains to our Soldiers."
NCOs looking to join the SAMC must first obtain a letter of recommendation from their command.
"The biggest advice I can give [someone] is they must have their chain of command's support," said Murray, U.S. Army Central SAMC Chapter President. "If they don't have their chain of command's support, it's going to be very hard to become a member."
After receiving a letter of recommendation, applicants attend an initial selection board. Afterwards they must receive another letter of recommendation to continue onto the final selection board. During the final selection board, applicants are questioned by a group of command sergeant majors, or senior SAMC members, about leadership questions covered in ARs, FMs and TMs, as well as situational leadership questions.
"I would tell [applicants] to talk to every first sergeant and every sergeant major, and ask them about different situations they have encountered when dealing with Soldier's issues," advised Murray about the final board. "The more you know about dealing with Soldier's issues, the easier it is to answer the situational questions."
If the applicant is selected to join the SAMC, they receive a Certificate of Achievement and Membership, the SAMC medallion and a lifetime membership card.
"The biggest reward is being around other NCOs who are in the top of their field," said Bailey, describing the immediate benefits of being a SAMC member. "If [someone] has a situation that they're unfamiliar with, we have a wealth of resources to say 'how do you deal with this''"
SAMC members volunteer their time and service throughout the year to aid in the setup, planning and execution of various events on posts across the Army.
"On Camp Arifjan, we have been a part of Operation Christmas, Operation Thanksgiving, memorial services, naturalization ceremonies, the Sergeant Major of the Army Tour and any and everything that happens here," explained Murray, a Jacksonville, Fla., native.
During these events, SAMC members can be easily distinguished by the silver medallion with blue ribbon they wear around their neck. In addition, they wear a brassard depicting the crest of the SAMC. The crest includes an Eagle with the letters SAMC above it separated by three stars representing the "Be", "Know" and "Do" which are at the very core of the NCO professional spirit.
The motto of the SAMC describes the mentality that members take with them every day, "You lead from the front."
"We strive to set the example in everything that we do," explained Murray.
During the past holiday season, when both Army Chief of Staff, Gen. George Casey and Central Command's Commanding General, Gen. David Petraeus came to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, two SAMC members had the privilege of introducing them before their speeches, an honor reserved for only a select group of Soldiers.
Social Sharing