FORT KNOX, Ky. –
Ten recruiting noncommissioned officers officially joined the U.S. Army Recruiting Command chapter of the prestigious Sergeant Audie Murphy Club during an induction ceremony here today.
With the addition of these NCOs, only 280 Soldiers have been inducted into the USAREC chapter since it began in 2000.
“The men and women we recognize today are those recruiting NCOs who set themselves apart from the rest,” said Maj. Gen. Kevin Vereen, USAREC commanding general, in his remarks during the ceremony. “They are the embodiment of the NCO Creed, and they share the characteristic of the man who this club’s name bares.”
The following recruiting NCOs were inducted during today’s ceremony:
2nd Recruiting Brigade
Staff Sgt. Francy Gasan, Tampa Recruiting Battalion
Staff Sgt. Christopher Hardy, Raleigh Recruiting Battalion
3rd Recruiting Brigade
Staff Sgt. Olga Molochnikova, Chicago Recruiting Battalion
Sgt. 1st Class Curtis Sandifer, Chicago Recruiting Battalion
5th Recruiting Brigade
Staff Sgt. Kara Howard, Dallas Recruiting Battalion
Staff Sgt. Jacob Keough, Phoenix Recruiting Battalion
Staff Sgt. Dylan Severson, Kansas City Recruiting Battalion
Sgt. 1st Class Carla Thomas, Dallas Recruiting Battalion
6th Recruiting Brigade
Sgt. 1st Class Kyle Schmidt, Portland Recruiting Battalion
Medical Recruiting Brigade
Sgt. 1st Class Rigoberto Rodriguez-Fernandez, 5th Medical Recruiting Battalion
The Sergeant Audie Murphy Club is for those noncommissioned officers who embody the characteristics Murphy was known for - they demonstrate leadership and professionalism, and they care about the welfare of their Soldiers.
Murphy, the highest decorated Soldier in U.S. history, is also known as the country's greatest combat Soldier. He had a reputation for leading from the front and always putting his Soldiers first.
The USAREC inductees went through an extensive process, including recommendations from their command and rigorous boards at the headquarters at Fort Knox in May.
“Loyalty. Caring. Discipline. Professionalism. These are simple words that carry a powerful meaning,” Vereen said. “They are the core of the philosophy of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club, and they are qualities we expect each of these new members to embody every day.”