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    Three 1st Infantry Division NCOs join elite ranks of Audie Murphy club

    Three 1st Infantry Division NCOs join elite ranks of Audie Murphy club

    Courtesy Photo | Maj. Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, commanding general for the United States Division-South...... read more read more

    BASRA, IRAQ

    11.26.2010

    Courtesy Story

    United States Division-South

    By Sgt. Raymond Quintanilla

    BASRA, Iraq – Three 1st Infantry Division soldiers in Basra were inducted into the Sgt. Audie Murphy Club, Nov. 26, for exemplifying leadership traits above and beyond the call of duty that were characteristic of WWII hero Sgt. Audie Leon Murphy.

    Staff Sgt. William Laster, Sgt. Ian Dupont and Sgt. Nathan Overturf became three of the newest SAMC members.

    Master Sgt. John Taylor, the headquarters commandant for the 1st Inf. Div. and a former SAMC president considers its members a group of elite non-commissioned officers.

    “The basis of the SAMC is to recognize outstanding NCOs, based on their leadership and professional abilities,” said the native of Hamilton, Texas.

    Taylor said prestige and honor is tied with becoming a member and wearing the SAMC medallion.

    “Just to wear one, to obtain one is an honor in itself,” Taylor said. “It represents the level of excellence you have achieved.”

    Dupont, a targeting analyst, said that being inducted while on deployment added an important element to the honors.

    A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Dupont said junior enlisted soldiers could distinguish themselves through hard work and become a member themselves.

    “Anybody who wants to learn, better themselves,” said Dupont, “better their Army career, SAMC is a wonderful opportunity. The effort you put in will determine the rewards you will reap.”

    Overturf, an infantryman, said he realized the challenges of becoming a member of the club, and attributes his success to the division leadership.

    “I failed the first time,” said Overturf, a native of Stockton, Calif. “The 1st Infantry Division has taught me a lot, which I didn’t learn in my previous unit.”

    Dupont credited his success to Master Sgt. Scott Bosse and Laster.

    “Without those two individuals, I probably wouldn’t be inducted today.”

    A native of Jeffrey, N.H., Bosse said he nominated Dupont for his professional qualities and dedication to his soldiers.

    “He is a very hard working, young NCO who cares about the development of his soldiers and always looks out for their well being,” said Bosse. “He has actively involved himself in the community.

    Those qualities are what every member of the club should strive to uphold, Bosse said.

    Overturf said Murphy’s role in WWII is an inspiration.

    “His achievements on the battlefield,” said Overturf, “to never quit, to demonstrate tenacity in the face of danger. Always keep driving on to the objective, that’s what Audie Murphy means to me.”

    Murphy, a Medal of Honor recipient for ‘conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty,’ is one of the most highly-decorated soldiers in the history of the Army.

    Champagne said the selection process of who represents the SAMC is taken very seriously and induction into the prestigious club, whose membership represents the top one percent of NCOs, comes with responsibilities.

    “It’s not stopping here tonight,” said division command sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. James Champagne. “It’s not just about wearing the medallion, not just about an Army Commendation Medal or the accolades. It’s all about how they contribute to their communities. It’s about how they give back to soldiers within their unit.”

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 11.26.2010
    Date Posted: 11.30.2010 21:42
    Story ID: 61135
    Location: BASRA, IQ

    Web Views: 388
    Downloads: 2

    PUBLIC DOMAIN