Non-commissioned officers recognized for outstanding leadership

Photo By Spc. Alicia Clark | Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas T. Treadway accepts a Sgt. Audie Murphy Club Certificate of Appreciation from Col. Bert K. Thompson, commander, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division and Command Sgt. Maj. William W. Gunter, U.S. Army Alaska. (U.S. Army photo/Pfc. Alicia C. Torbush)  

UNITED STATES

04.03.2008

Story by Pfc. Alicia Clark 

20th Public Affairs Detachment

By Pfc. Alicia C. Torbush
20th Public Affairs Detachment

FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska- "The goal of the Sgt. Audie Murphy Club is to recognize outstanding leaders in the Army and in the community," said Staff Sgt. Jorge M. Osorio, Ft. Wainwright SAMC representative, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division.

Several non-commissioned officers were inducted into the SAMC during a ceremony held at the Last Frontier Community Center, April 3.

Through demonstrated leadership and commitment, Ripley, Tenn. native, Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas T. Treadway of the Forward Maintenance Company, 25th Brigade Support Battalion, was inducted into the SAMC.

Command Sgt. Maj. Gabriel Cervantes of San Antonio and 1st Sgt. Juan S. Cornett of Columbus, Ohio, both with HHC 1/25 SBCT, were made honorary inductees into the SAMC.

Sgt. Audie Murphy was a national war hero during World War II and awarded every medal for valor that the Army presents, including a Congressional Medal of Honor and medals from both France and Belgium. The SAMC was started at Fort Hood, Texas in 1986 to recognize outstanding leadership in non-commissioned officers.

The SAMC represents what every NCO and every Soldier should strive to be said Command Sgt. Maj. Cervantes. The club recognizes leader performance and the care of Soldiers.

"This honor makes me a part of a distinct group of NCOs and gives my Soldiers someone that they can be proud of," said Sgt. 1st Class Treadway. "I can teach other Soldiers what this (club) is about and show them how to handle the situations that make a good leader."

"It is an honor and humbling to be recognized," said 1st Sgt. Cornett. "I've sat on the (SAMC) board; I've seen what it takes. I am honored to even be mentioned in the presence of (Treadway). It's an honor to become a member or an honorary member."

"The process to be inducted into the SAMC is long," said Staff Sgt. Osorio. "A Soldier has to go to the battalion boards, the brigade boards and finally the U.S. Army Alaska board. Only two percent of the NCO corps will ever be inducted. SAMC members are the total- soldier concept."

"Hopefully I can influence other soldiers and encourage them to strive to become members of the SAMC," said Command Sgt. Maj. Cervantes.

Also, Cornett's wife, Etta M. Cornett, a native of Farmington, N.M., a Human Resources assistant, Military Personnel Division, was given a Dr. Mary E. Walker Award for outstanding civilian service.

"I just enjoy volunteering, helping soldiers and soldier's families," said Cornett.

"The DMW Award is a reward for Army spouses whose achievements and performance merit special recognition," said Staff Sgt. Osorio. "The DMW Award is a means of recognizing those who have contributed significantly to the quality of life for soldiers; exemplifying personal concern for the needs, training, development, and welfare of soldiers; and concern for families of soldiers."

To receive either a DMW award or a SAMC induction is a great honor said Staff Sgt. Osorio.

Being inducted into the SAMC means that a Soldier displays traits of what an NCO should strive to be, said 1st Sgt. Cornett. It shows the NCO has the core Army values that are also accredited to Sgt. Audie Murphy.

• Date Taken: 04.03.2008
• Date Posted: 05.16.2008 14:52
• Story ID: 19476
• Location: US