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Audie Murphy Serves As An Example For All Enlisted Soldiers
(July 1, 2011) | 
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JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq (6/26/2011) – Gazing around the room, in which
more than 80 service members are seated, it's impossible to ignore the
display of accomplishments that line the surrounding walls. On one side,
the cover of Life magazine features a photo of a soldier who appears at
first glance to be an ordinary soldier. At closer examination of this
soldier's uniform though, reveals awards reserved for the most
extraordinary. |
Command Sgt. Maj. Nagee Lunde, the command sergeant major for the
77th Sustainment Brigade, 310th Expeditionary Sustainment Command,
and a native of Glenville, N.Y., speaks to soldiers May 22, 2011
about structured self-development during a dinner held at the Audie
Murphy room on Joint Base Balad, Iraq. |
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Junior-enlisted service members gathered at the Audie Murphy room on
Joint Base Balad, Iraq, to have dinner with Command Sgt. Maj. Nagee
Lunde, the command sergeant major for the 77th Sustainment Brigade,
310th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, and a native of Glenville,
N.Y. The premise of the meeting was to promote career advancement,
to discuss relevant issues to junior service members and to have an
educational dialogue amongst members from various units.
Set
in a room commemorating one of the most decorated service members,
junior-enlisted service members were able to enjoy eating dinner
with the highest ranking |
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enlisted soldier in their command, socialize and gauge the issues
relevant to their peers. |
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"There was a lot of good information and motivation participants
received and to bring back to our units to share with other soldiers,"
said Spc. Brant Bobby, a gunner for Golf Company, 3rd Battalion, 116th
Cavalry Regiment, 77th Sust. Bde., and a native of Idaho Falls, Idaho,
who learned about the Army's Structured Self Development Program during
the meeting.
“The question section was good,” said Spc. John
Oliver, a property book clerk for the 77th Sust. Bde. and a native of
Atlantic City, N.J.
“It was real straightforward,” he said about
the candid responses he received from Lunde and the flow of questions
during the question and answer portion of the meeting.
For some
service members, the camaraderie of junior-enlisted peers proved
beneficial.
“It's a good feeling to find out that we're not the
only ones who experience what we're going through,” said Spc. Kenneth
Demott, a gunner for G Co., 3-116th Cav. Regt. and a native of Idaho
Falls, Idaho. “It's a good feeling to know that we're not alone.”
For others, being able to hear the story of one soldier was
motivation to advance.
“It's amazing to see that in 15 years you
can become a CSM,” said Spc. Luis Ruiz, a property book clerk for the
77th Sust. Bde. and a native of Trenton, N.J. “If he did it, I know that
I can.”
Similarly to Lunde, Audie Murphy expeditiously advanced
in his career. Beginning his service as an Army private, Murphy quickly
rose to the enlisted rank of staff sergeant and was given a battlefield
commission to the rank of second lieutenant.
He was wounded
three times, fought in nine major campaigns across the European Theater
and survived the war. During his career, he received the Medal of Honor,
the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, the Legion of Merit,
two Bronze Stars and three Purple Hearts.
The key point during
the meeting with the soldiers is that they need take ownership over
their future to ensure the success of their careers.
“What do you
want to do in your Army career?” asked Lunde. “I ask you to go back and
reassess what you want to do in your career. Only you can make that
decision. No other profession takes pride in training our replacements.”
Viewing the Army as a profession of arms rather than just a daily
job is critical in ensuring career success, Lunde said. “It is a
profession that is worth investing your time and energy in order to get
the outcome you desire,” he said.
With the soldiers and
technology, there may never be another Audie Murphy, but there will
always be soldiers with an appetite to succeed and progress. | |
Article and photo by Army Sgt. Allyson Parla
77th Sustainment Brigade
Copyright 2011
Provided
through DVIDS
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