Four NCOs make a jump into the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club

Photo By Sgt. Dong-weon Kim | Four soldiers induct into the Area IV Korea Theater of Operations chapter of Sergeant Audie Murphy Club wearing their meritorious blue ribbon and medallion Feb. 13 at the Evergreen Community Club, Camp Walker, Korea.  

27, SOUTH KOREA

02.13.2014

Story by Cpl. Dong-weon Kim 

19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command

DAEGU, South Korea – Four soldiers were inducted into the Area IV Korea Theater of Operations chapter of Sergeant Audie Murphy Club wearing their meritorious blue ribbon and medallion Feb. 13 at the Evergreen Community Club, Camp Walker, Korea.

Staff Sgt. Wendy M. Talton, 501st Sustainment Brigade Support operations maintenance noncommissioned officer, Sgt. 1st Class Vincent Joyner, 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command Support operations Class III noncommissioned officer in charge, Sgt. 1st Class Kacie Dunn, U.S. Army Garrison– Daegu Area IV unaccompanied housing noncommissioned officer in charge, and Sgt. 1st Class Latisha Vickers, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 19th ESC sexual assault response coordinator, are now proud members of the Area IV SAMC.

Command Sgt. Maj. Robert F. Austin, 19th ESC senior enlisted leader, expressed complimentary remarks as a representative of the 19th ESC.

“Less than 2 percent of NCOs in the Army are inducted into the SAMC," said Austin. "These outstanding soldiers have worked long and very hard for this and engaged in numerous volunteer projects. The outstanding NCOs will lead their soldiers in an exceptional way."

Founded in 1986, the SAMC is a distinguished private Army organization recognizing those who exemplify leadership characterized by personal concern for the needs, training, development and welfare of soldiers and show care and concern for families their soldiers.

The SAMC is renowned for its stringent and highly selective review processes and board examination. Becoming a SAMC member is an honored accomplishment requiring soldiers to exert their very best, not just by reciting rules and regulations from study guides but balancing out their responsibilities and duties. Noncommissioned officers eager to pursue this title must represent and articulate their knowledge in a fashionable manner.

Sgt. Maj. Nathaniel H. Hatchett, 19th ESC G-6 sergeant major, shared life long pieces of advice to the inductees.

"Sense of humor, time management, responsibility and respect are the four most significant factors that NCOs must have," said Hatchett. "As senior NCOs teaching soldiers these are very important to incorporate in building professional Arms.

SAMC candidates undergo series of boards where sergeants major will test them in a variety of areas pertaining to military knowledge. Especially, the Army physical fitness test is also a critical requirement gaining acceptance to the SAMC. Noncommissioned officers must achieve more than a score or 270 or above to be admitted to the prestigious club.

Talton shared her experience of walking a thorny path and eventually attaining a position at the SAMC.

“I had to gather the information for the board through the internet and went to the library to be better prepared because the information wasn't given to me." said Talton. "More than that, it was most challenging when I wanted to do so much but might let the people who trusted me down even though I tried my best."

Notes from the Army song concluded the induction ceremony. Junior soldiers, peers and senior leaders of the four inductees were present at the ceremony, bestowing blissful words praising their military professionalism. Joyner motivated the audience with words of encouragements, infusing soldiers to strive for the best.

"Stay motivated, remember it is all about taking care of the soldiers and don't forget about the NCO creed, live it!" exclaimed Joyner.

New inductees to the Area IV SAMC have been acknowledged for their perpetual efforts and diligence in establishing steadfast teamwork. The new members will write a new chapter in their lives and look forward to noncommissioned officer corps, to displaying outstanding performances as role models in the Army. They have attributed great credit to the 19th ESC, Area IV and even further across the whole Korean peninsula.

• Date Taken: 02.13.2014
• Date Posted: 02.18.2014 01:31
• Story ID: 120733
• Location: 27, KR