Photo By Sgt. Darbi Colson | U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Ryan Mathes, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd...... read more read more
Subscribe
SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii - On Feb. 8, 2024, the normally dark aisles of theater chairs in Sgt. Smith Theater on Schofield Barracks, Hawaii seemed lighter. The tales of inspiration shared by and about Sgt. 1st Class Ryan Mathes and Staff Sgt. Malik Downing aspiring to be all they can be as they were inducted into the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club created a palpable sense of pride throughout the auditorium.
Only the top 2% of noncommissioned officers across the U.S. Army have earned the honor of being inducted into the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club. To be inducted, not only must NCOs pass a rigorous board meant to test their knowledge, but these NCOs must display exceptional leadership achievements and performance with special concern for the needs, training, development, and welfare of Soldiers and their families.
“I think that they exemplify what is right and what our Sergeant Audie Murphy Club should do: set the example at all times,” said 25th Infantry Division Command Sergeant Major Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Haynie in regards to Mathes, a platoon sergeant assigned to 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team and Downing, a petroleum laboratory specialist assigned to 524th Division Sustainment Support Battalion, 25th Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade. “At the end of the day, they are setting the standard that everyone else should want to rise to.”
Regardless of experience, setting a high standard is not always easy. What distinguished these two leaders was their ability to maintain an authentic, admirable display of leadership while they overcame adversity.
“This was outside my comfort zone,” said Mathes following the conclusion of the ceremony. “I tell my guys, 'Do hard things, your Soldiers are watching.’ And this was hard for me.”
For Sgt. Luke Burton, a Soldier in Mathes’ platoon, the example of Mathes taking on the challenge of the Sergeant Audie Murphy board was personal.
“The day before the NCO of the Month board I was feeling sick and unprepared,” Burton shared. “[Mathes] patiently sat down, heard me out and said that he still felt that I was ready. He said to me, ‘that me at my worst could beat anybody else at their best’ and lastly, he struck a deal. If I would simply attend the NCO of the Month board, he would take on the toughest board the Army has to offer: the Sergeant Audie Murphy board. His confidence in me inspired me and we both emerged successful.”
Mathes said that it is important that he strives to instill both a sense of discipline and pride in those around him.
“It is my goal to have Soldiers do the right thing because I always lead by example, and I’ve made that correction, guiding and shaping them into the very best versions of themselves,” he said.
Downing himself was molded into the leader he is today by high-achieving individuals throughout his career. He credited the start of his Sergeant Audie Murphy Club journey to his leadership at Fort Cavazos, Texas. It was these NCOs that saw unlimited potential in the then Pvt. Downing and sparked the intrigue and desire that led him to the board.
“They said it was composed of the top NCOs, the best of the best, and that it was the hardest board there is,” said Downing.
The prestige that surrounded the Club motivated Downing, and in turn created another circle of influence that motivates and challenges Soldiers to be all they can be.
“Staff Sgt. Downing is a perfect example of a noncommissioned officer who leads with compassion and confidence,” said Cpl. Tyrone Evangelista, 524th Division Sustainment Support Battalion, 25th Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade, speaking on the effect that Downing has had on his career. “You have committed your time and expertise to guide others, just as many leaders have done before you - you have encouraged me to become a great soldier and an even better leader.”
With the esteemed medallion of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club around Mathes’ and Downing’s necks, and the looks of admiration from family members, subordinates, and superiors alike, it was clear that the potential of the Soldiers that gathered in the auditorium was limitless.
All active Army, U.S. Army Reserve, and Army National Guard Soldiers in the ranks of corporal through master sergeant/first sergeant, based on U.S. Army Forces Command units are eligible for the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club. Those interested should engage their chain of command and inquire with their local Sergeant Audie Murphy Club President.
| Date Taken: | 02.15.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 02.22.2024 20:42 |
| Story ID: | 464401 |
| Location: | SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, HI, US |
| Web Views: | 160 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, “Do hard things, your Soldiers are watching:” Two Tropic Lightning NCOs inducted into Sergeant Audie Murphy Club, by SGT Darbi Colson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
LEAVE A COMMENT