Fort Bliss Monitor

Spc. Jason Stadel

SAMC club nominees conduct the push-up event during the APFT.

Fort Bliss convenes SAMC selection board

Spc. Jason Stadel
108th ADA Bde. Public Affairs

More than 20 noncommissioned officers from Fort Bliss who “demonstrate leadership characteristics by personal concern for the needs, training, development and welfare of their Soldiers” were nominated for possible induction into the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club, Fort Bliss chapter. The Fort Bliss selection process was held Dec. 14 and 15.

The NCOs were required to pass an Army Physical Fitness Test, give a classroom presentation (the NCOs had the choice to do a presentation on Army leadership, counseling, awards process, sponsorship program, Army history or Audie Murphy history) and appear before a military enlisted board.

To make it to the installation SAMC an NCO (corporal through sergeant first class) must be nominated by a current SAMC member, then appear before the battalion SAMC selection. If the NCO is recommended at the battalion level, they would then go their respective brigade SAMC selection board. If recommended there, they go on to compete at the installation SAMC board.

“Just making it [to the installation board] is saying something; it’s not easy to get here,” Sgt. 1st Class Jerry Jacobitz, 2nd Battalion 43rd Air Defense Artillery, said. Jacobitz is an SAMC member.

He and other members of the SAMC were on hand at the selection process. The current members are part of the selection process as they grade the APFT and recommend if an NCO should appear before the final board after the classroom presentation is given. The president of the installation SAMC board is usually the post or garrison command sergeant major.

The SAMC candidates took pride in being nominated for one of the Army’s most prestigious organizations for noncommissioned officers.

“This is a group of NCOs that has perfected their craft of being a leader,” Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Land, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery 108th ADA, said.

One of the primary roles of the SAMC is giving back to the community. Whether it is thorough volunteering or organizing fundraisers, SAMC members go the extra mile to help.

“We want to bridge the gap between the civilian community and military community,” said Jacobitz.

SAMC candidate, Staff Sgt. James Fisher, said he wanted the opportunity to lend a hand to the community whenever possible and be able to work with some the Army’s best NCOs. “This is just a great opportunity, I want to be part of something this prestigious,” said the E Btry. 2-43 AMD NCO. “I’ve learned a tremendous amount in the last three and a half weeks that I’ve been preparing; it’s been mentally and physically demanding but I’ve had the support of my family and that helps me continue.”

Fisher added that being associated with someone as decorated, as Audie Murphy is an honor in its self.

“He set the standards high for other to follow,” said Fisher. “He took care of his family and his Soldiers.”

Land echoed the comments of Fisher.

“Being part of [the SAMC] means rising to a higher level of NCO,” said Land.
Once selected into the club, nominees face a 90-day probationary period. Over the 90 days, they need to attend club meetings and not face any disciplinary actions. Any Article 15s or being found guilty during military courts-martial will mean automatic expulsion from the club.

The 108th ADA led the way with nominees selected with nine: Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Land, Staff Sgts. James Fisher, Shandrel Stewart, Daniel Kopta, Sgts. Javier Lopez, Alex Smith, James Knox, Michael Vinson and Ryan Wallace.
The 31st ADA had four selections: Staff Sgts. Scott McBride, Charisse Gordon, Wesley Balderas and Sgt. Eric Skiff.

Staff Sgt. Samuel Carbajal and Sgt. Henry Scott were selections from the Fort Bliss NCO Academy.

Sgt. 1st Class Kelly Farrell was selected from 11th ADA and Staff Sgt. Demetric Pray of 1-362 ADA.

The nominees will receive their SAMC medallion during an induction ceremony in March.



www.bliss.army.mil	Published for the Fort Bliss/El Paso, Texas Community	Jan. 4, 2007

	Spc. Jason Stadel SAMC club nominees conduct the push-up event during the APFT. Fort Bliss convenes SAMC selection board Spc. Jason Stadel 108th ADA Bde. Public Affairs More than 20 noncommissioned officers from Fort Bliss who “demonstrate leadership characteristics by personal concern for the needs, training, development and welfare of their Soldiers” were nominated for possible induction into the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club, Fort Bliss chapter. The Fort Bliss selection process was held Dec. 14 and 15. The NCOs were required to pass an Army Physical Fitness Test, give a classroom presentation (the NCOs had the choice to do a presentation on Army leadership, counseling, awards process, sponsorship program, Army history or Audie Murphy history) and appear before a military enlisted board. To make it to the installation SAMC an NCO (corporal through sergeant first class) must be nominated by a current SAMC member, then appear before the battalion SAMC selection. If the NCO is recommended at the battalion level, they would then go their respective brigade SAMC selection board. If recommended there, they go on to compete at the installation SAMC board. “Just making it [to the installation board] is saying something; it’s not easy to get here,” Sgt. 1st Class Jerry Jacobitz, 2nd Battalion 43rd Air Defense Artillery, said. Jacobitz is an SAMC member. He and other members of the SAMC were on hand at the selection process. The current members are part of the selection process as they grade the APFT and recommend if an NCO should appear before the final board after the classroom presentation is given. The president of the installation SAMC board is usually the post or garrison command sergeant major. The SAMC candidates took pride in being nominated for one of the Army’s most prestigious organizations for noncommissioned officers. “This is a group of NCOs that has perfected their craft of being a leader,” Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Land, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery 108th ADA, said. One of the primary roles of the SAMC is giving back to the community. Whether it is thorough volunteering or organizing fundraisers, SAMC members go the extra mile to help. “We want to bridge the gap between the civilian community and military community,” said Jacobitz. SAMC candidate, Staff Sgt. James Fisher, said he wanted the opportunity to lend a hand to the community whenever possible and be able to work with some the Army’s best NCOs. “This is just a great opportunity, I want to be part of something this prestigious,” said the E Btry. 2-43 AMD NCO. “I’ve learned a tremendous amount in the last three and a half weeks that I’ve been preparing; it’s been mentally and physically demanding but I’ve had the support of my family and that helps me continue.” Fisher added that being associated with someone as decorated, as Audie Murphy is an honor in its self. “He set the standards high for other to follow,” said Fisher. “He took care of his family and his Soldiers.” Land echoed the comments of Fisher. “Being part of [the SAMC] means rising to a higher level of NCO,” said Land. Once selected into the club, nominees face a 90-day probationary period. Over the 90 days, they need to attend club meetings and not face any disciplinary actions. Any Article 15s or being found guilty during military courts-martial will mean automatic expulsion from the club. The 108th ADA led the way with nominees selected with nine: Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Land, Staff Sgts. James Fisher, Shandrel Stewart, Daniel Kopta, Sgts. Javier Lopez, Alex Smith, James Knox, Michael Vinson and Ryan Wallace. The 31st ADA had four selections: Staff Sgts. Scott McBride, Charisse Gordon, Wesley Balderas and Sgt. Eric Skiff. Staff Sgt. Samuel Carbajal and Sgt. Henry Scott were selections from the Fort Bliss NCO Academy. Sgt. 1st Class Kelly Farrell was selected from 11th ADA and Staff Sgt. Demetric Pray of 1-362 ADA. The nominees will receive their SAMC medallion during an induction ceremony in March.