Career counselor reaches career milestone with induction into Sergeant Audie Murphy Club

By Sgt. 1st Class Rob Frazier, AFN DaeguJuly 26, 2019

Career counselor reaches career milestone with induction into Sergeant Audie Murphy Club
1 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Army Staff Sgt. Brittany Armstrong, a career counselor for the 94th Military Police Battalion, is recognized for receiving the Audie Murphy Award and becoming a member of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club at the Camp Carroll community activity center. T... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Career counselor reaches career milestone with induction into Sergeant Audie Murphy Club
2 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Brig. Gen. Mark Simerly, commanding general of the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, presents a certificate of achievement to Army Staff Sgt. Brittany Armstrong, a career counselor for the 94th Military Police Battalion, for earning the Audie M... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Career counselor reaches career milestone with induction into Sergeant Audie Murphy Club
3 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Army Staff Sgt. Brittany Armstrong, a career counselor for the 94th Military Police Battalion and Brig. Gen Mark Simerly, commanding general of the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, participate in a ceremonial cake cutting during a Sergeant Aud... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Career counselor reaches career milestone with induction into Sergeant Audie Murphy Club
4 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Command Sgt. Maj. Laderek Green, the Senior Enlisted Soldier of the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command and previous recipient of the Audie Murphy Award, congratulates Army Staff. Sgt. Brittany Armstrong, a career counselor for the 94th Military P... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Career counselor reaches career milestone with induction into Sergeant Audie Murphy Club
5 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Army Staff Sgt. Brittany Armstrong, a career counselor for the 94th Military Police Battalion, receives the Audie Murphy Award during a ceremony held at the community activity center on Camp Carroll. This award recognizes those non-commissioned offic... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

CAMP CARROLL, South Korea -- The Area IV Sergeant Audie Murphy Club welcomed its newest member during a ceremony at Camp Carroll's community activity center, July 25.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Brittany Armstrong, a career counselor assigned to the 94th Military Police Battalion, admitted she didn't know much about the organization until her prospective sponsor, Sgt. Major Dale Dukes, informed her of the competition.

"[Staff Sgt. Armstrong] was the runner up for the United States Army Pacific Career Counselor of the year, [won] Eighth United States Army Career Counselor of the Year, and I capitalized on her excellent board performance," said Dukes.

The Valliant, Oklahoma, native stated it took only one meeting for her to realize that being part of the SAMC was something she wanted to do.

"Being part of Team 19 as a SAMC member means being able to assist future leaders from across the peninsula and networking with a group of individuals who share the same interests of being involved within our communities," said Armstrong.

The SAMC first began at Fort Hood, Texas, in 1986 and was named in honor of Sgt. Audie Murphy, the most decorated Soldier of WWII.

Although he received a battle field promotion to second lieutenant and later earned the rank of major with the Texas Army National Guard, it was his leadership as an NCO that defined his legacy, which included 33 decorations including the Medal of Honor.

In the spirit of Audie Murphy's commitment to serve, the Area IV SAMC stands ready to answer the call when needed.

"We're an organization of NCOs who consistently contribute our time to the installation and the local communities," said Sgt. 1st Class Honeymae Weaver, the Area IV SAMC president. "[We enjoy] helping our community, striving for excellence, and being those leaders who ensure that no matter what it takes, Soldiers and their family members are always taken care of."

Sgt. Major Dukes added that members are ambassadors who epitomize the best of the Army Values and NCO Creed and serve as reflections of what a professional should be.

"SAMC members strengthen the NCO corps by investing knowledge that is spread throughout the entire force, which can relate to strengthening units," said Dukes. "Our members provide everyone with an example of what excellence should look like within any civilian or military community."

This past year, the Area IV chapter has led from the front. Some of the events they have supported include: military ceremonies, Habitat for Humanity, Nam-Gu District Social Food Welfare Center, the Boy Scouts of America and multiple initiatives with the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program and Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

But getting to the point of earning the SAMC medallion is a journey and a process Sgt. Maj. Dukes said is not a walk in the park.

"The [induction process] and the program is designed to be challenging yet attainable," said Dukes. "These NCOs respect the challenge and know you must invest time in yourself to eventually become inducted. When it is earned, it is valued."

Armstrong was quick to add that she is ready for the amazing opportunities that lie ahead as she represents her family and her unit as a member of the SAMC.

"I plan to be an example that Soldiers want to emulate, who inspires others and encourages them to challenge themselves," added Armstrong.

The newest inductee said her 'pay-it-forward' attitude is a reflection of her experiences learned from 12 years of service.

"Throughout my career, I've been blessed with great leaders who challenged and supported me," added Armstrong. "I've had selfless leaders who led from the front, set the example and inspired me. They've all molded me into the person I am today."