SSG Audie Murphy Club Induction

On Monday Mark was officially inducted into the SSG Audie Murphy Club. We were all invited to the ceremony and Mark's mom & John were able to travel down to be part of it as well. It was a wonderful ceremony & we are so proud of him!!!


This is just us waiting for the ceremony to start. It was a really nice theater/auditorium. I got a special seat right up front & as the ceremony began, a soldier presented all the spouses of the inductees with a yellow rose to say thank you to those behind the scenes. It is nice to know they recognize our help & support.

Each inductee was introduced by a soldier in their unit who talked about how this person was to them, a Sgt. Audie Murphy, for whatever accomplishments they had achieved in their careers or the example they set at work. They also had a special presentation representing NCO's over time, during different wars or conflicts. I really enjoyed it.


That's Mark, second from the left.
After they were presented with their Audie Murphy medals they took turns in reciting parts of the NCO Creed. After the video, I have posted the full NCO Creed. For space reasons I had to cut down the video to just Mark's speaking part.

No one is more professional than I. I am a Noncommissioned Officer, a leader of soldiers. As a Noncommissioned Officer, I realize that I am a member of a time honored corps, which is known as "The Backbone of the Army". I am proud of the Corps of Noncommissioned Officers and will at all times conduct myself so as to bring credit upon the Corps, the Military Service and my country regardless of the situation in which I find myself. I will not use my grade or position to attain pleasure, profit, or personal safety.

Competence is my watchword. My two basic responsibilities will always be uppermost in my mind -- accomplishment of my mission and the welfare of my soldiers. I will strive to remain tactically and technically proficient. I am aware of my role as a Noncommissioned Officer. I will fulfill my responsibilities inherent in that role. All soldiers are entitled to outstanding leadership; I will provide that leadership. I know my soldiers and I will always place their needs above my own. I will communicate consistently with my soldiers and never leave them uninformed. I will be fair and impartial when recommending both rewards and punishment.

Officers of my unit will have maximum time to accomplish their duties; they will not have to accomplish mine. I will earn their respect and confidence as well as that of my soldiers. I will be loyal to those with whom I serve; seniors, peers, and subordinates alike. I will exercise initiative by taking appropriate action in the absence of orders. I will not compromise my integrity, nor my moral courage. I will not forget, nor will I allow my comrades to forget that we are professionals, Noncommissioned Officers, leaders!

This was a picture I took after we got home. He looks so thrilled, doesn't he? He never was one for the spotlight, but I told his mom, he had her & I to be more than proud enough for him! GO SSG KEEL!!!!!!!