SAMC board inducts soldier

13th Public Affairs Detachment
Story by Staff Sgt. Shelia Fourman

Date: 04.28.2012
Posted: 04.30.2012 10:11
News ID: 87599
SAMC board inducts soldier

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait – Third Army/ARCENT held a Sergeant Audie Murphy Club induction board here April 28.

“This is a program exclusively for non-commissioned officers that exceed the standards,” stated Command Sgt. Maj. Stephan Frennier, Third Army/ARCENT, senior enlisted adviser and Whitehouse, Texas, native. “This is the final selection process before entering the club.”

Although, there were six candidates slated to attend, only two took the next step to become a member of the SAMC.

“It takes a lot of courage to compete in this program,” stated Frennier. “These soldiers represent the future of the NCO Corps.”

The SAMC board tested each soldier mentally through memorization of the biography of Sergeant Audie Murphy and responses to situational and scenario based questions.

“This board was like any other board,” said Sgt. Ebony D. Penton, automated logistic specialist, 580th Signal Company, and Minden, La., native. “You must be mentally prepared for this board.”
Soldiers who choose to compete in boards like this, do so to make themselves standout from their peers.

“This board was a challenge, but I accepted and completed the challenge,” Penton stated after finding out she was inducted. “I was proud of myself for just competing.”

Although each candidate used this board as a lesson, both walked away with the experience needed to complete any task thrown their way.

Candidate Sgt. 1st Class LaChad Jefferson, acquisitions NCO, 408th Contracting Support Brigade, and Belle Rose, La., native, was not inducted; he stated that he would be at the next board more prepared from this experience.

For Jefferson, participating in this SAMC board not only showed his peers his mental toughness but also had a very special meaning for him.

“Sergeant Audie Murphy was an individual who sacrificed his life for his soldiers,” stated Jefferson. “Being able to attend this board was an honor and means a lot.”

He also stated that to become a part of an organization that he respects and holds dear to his heart, shows other soldiers and NCOs that anything can be accomplished if the effort is put forth.

Although this was a very hard board, the advice given to their peers and future inductees from both candidates was to study, study, and study.

Alongside each candidate was a sponsor who dedicated long hours, support and mentorship to the future inductees.

“Soldiers reflect their sponsors,” stated Command Sgt. Maj. Charles Tobin, 1st Sustainment Command (Theater), senior enlisted adviser and Samoa native. “Sponsors put in dedication, long hours and teach study habits.”

With outstanding NCOs in its ranks, Third Army is shaping, preparing, mentoring, educating and inducting soldiers into programs like the SAMC.