Staff. Sgt. Devin Allred (right), medical non-commissioned officer
in charge, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 15th Engineer's
Battalion, shakes the hand of Command Sgt. Maj. Stephan Frennier,
Third Army/ARCENT senior enlisted adviser, after the Sergeant Audie
Murphy Club induction ceremony here, Oct. 15, 2011. Allred was
inducted into the organization upon recommendation from his
superiors, performing well at a variety of boards and completing a
multitude of physical and mental tasks. Third Army is keeping its
force ready tonight by developing strong NCOs. Photo by Army Cpl.
Jordan Johnson
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CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait – As World War II was taking place, a young man
from north Texas attempted to enlist into the Marines and the
paratroopers, but was told by both he was too short and skinny.
However, the Army was willing to give him a chance.
Once
Audie Murphy finished his initial training, he was ordered overseas
and became one of the most decorated soldiers in Army history.
Murphy was tragically killed in a plane crash in 1971, but his name
lives on by way of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club.
“Audie
Murphy was an outstanding soldier; the highest decorated soldier in
American history,” said Staff Sgt. Devin Allred, medical
non-commissioned officer in charge, Headquarters and Headquarters
Company, 15th Engineer Battalion and Richfield, Utah native. “I'm
honored to be inducted into an organization bearing his name.”
Allred, who was inducted into the club at a ceremony here Oct.
15, faced many obstacles in pursuit of membership. Despite the late
night study sessions and nerve-wracking boards, the experience was
worth the knowledge learnt, he said.
“One of the biggest
reasons I wanted to be inducted was the learning experience I'd
have, because of all the studying that would be required,” the
newest SAMC inductee said. “I was able to learn more about the Army
and how to lead soldiers. In essence, |
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I became a better leader.” |
Now part of the distinguished club, Allred will be able
to look towards other SAMC members and continue to build his
leadership skills.
“I will become a better leader by
surrounding myself with other competent leaders,” stated
Allred. “The best way to learn is by sharing the experience
with everyone around you.”
Past, present and future
leaders were all in attendance for the ceremony, including a
former president of the club.
“As a SAMC member, you
will be obligated to be an expert and a leader of values,”
said Sgt. Maj. Ulysses Rayford, sergeant major, Headquarters
and Headquarters Detachment, 54th Signal Company, 160th
Signal Brigade and Columbus, Ga., native. “You must be
faithful to your obligations to this country and service.”
Rayford, who was the guest speaker for the ceremony,
said he not only wanted to recognize Allred, but also the
SAMC in general. The newest member of the club agreed with
Rayford's sentiment.
“People don't know a lot about
the SAMC,” said Allred. “I'm glad to have this exposure to
let my peers and soldiers know about this organization. Now,
they can possibly better themselves and go down the same
road I have.”
It's quite possible many who were in
attendance may attempt to join the SAMC, but the induction
ceremony highlighted the soldier who had already taken the
steps necessary to join the club. As his speech approached
its conclusion, Rayford had a few final words for Allred.
“Always lead from the front,” stated Rayford. “No
excuses, no shortcuts.”
Third Army is shaping the
future by preparing its NCOs to be competent, trained and
highly-skilled soldiers. Groups like the SAMC let soldiers
surround themselves with strong leaders and gain invaluable
knowledge and experience.
By Army Cpl. Jordan Johnson
Third Army/ARCENT Public Affairs
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2011
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