President's Notes
We made it through the 7th Annual S*A*M*C 10k and I can't begin to thank all of the people who made it happen. My utmost gratitude is extended to Mark Brummitt, who started with nothing and was able to fabricate a hugely successful and intricate event, all while still performing his duties as a Drill Sergeant. I'd like to also recognize and thank First Command Financial Group for sponsoring our commemorative t-shirts, trophies, and medals. The popcorn and virgin-ritas were made possible by James Watson of Realty Executives.
For those wondering what we do with the funds we generate, let me explain. Throughout the year we dedicate our time and resources to initiating new and continuing current community outreach programs. Last year our two big focuses were the Thanksgiving baskets for needy families and Christmas gifts for children coming from less than fortunate families. Our ongoing community activity is simply participating in the "Adopt-a-Highway" program where, once a month, members and even non-members gather to police up trash along a one-mile stretch of road. It's an opportunity for us to get together, stretch our legs, catch up on each other's lives, and still make a difference in our community. Our ability to give back to the Fort Leonard Wood-St. Robert-Waynesville community is directly proportionate to the funds that we're able to raise throughout the year. We were very fortunate to have such a successful 10k and we can now begin brainstorming on ways to improve our current activities and explore new avenues.
For those wishing to become members, I offer you my advice: do it for the right reasons. You're correct in assuming that SAMC membership is looked upon favorably at promotion boards but, like everything else in life, you don't get something for nothing, and it doesn't make sense that you should get preferential treatment just for studying for a few months and appearing before a board. We are a club, not a board selection process. The board is just a hurdle to get over before you have the coveted medallion placed around your neck. I ran into a fellow the other day that I had gone to Drill Sergeant School with back in 2005. He told me he had found out that I was the president of the FLW chapter through this website and that he was interested in becoming a member. Those are some of my favorite words to hear, so I immediately launched into my "sales pitch" about everything we do and what we stand for. After I climbed down from my soapbox he was silent for a moment and, after giving me a forlorn look, said, "I didn't know I was going to have to actually participate like that. Never mind." And he turned and walked away. I've got to be honest: that ruined the rest of my day because, as NCOs, our basic duties are to serve and place others before ourselves. Audie Leon Murphy stood for the sort of NCO and selfless leader that we should all strive to emulate, and we do that by giving up some of our time to show other people what being an NCO is and means. And we show that we don't just go through the motions of caring; we selflessly give of ourselves and our free time happily and are grateful for the opportunity to do so!
If what I've described sounds like what you've been looking for, I encourage you to contact any one of us on the executive council or your local SAMC member. We will bend over backwards to help you through the process. We are NOT a cliquish, elitist organization. Our doors are open to everyone with the give-back attitude. Members are willing to spend their time with you, whether it be in study sessions, mock boards, or just a sit-down advice chat. As a private, non-profit organization we are not bound by military rank structure; all members share equal status. Although some of us are fortunate enough to be able to spend a great deal of time and energy on the club, we don't demand that from everyone. All we ask is that you do what you feel is enough to earn the title of Sergeant Audie Murphy Club member. I guarantee that you will find your time with us to be fulfilling, fun, and morally satisfying. There is no greater gift than the ability to give to others.
Regardless of your assumptions about SAMC members, I'll tell you that we don't view ourselves as special or above anyone else. That actually goes against everything we work for. You will find us to be just a normal, fun-loving, close-knit group of Soldiers. I'm just a old Drill Sergeant who still has a paratrooper's heart after spending seven wonderful years at Bragg. Nothing extraordinary there.
I'm going to be putting a considerable amount of effort into increasing our membership numbers for the remainder of my tenure as president. My reason is simple: the more members we have, the greater our helping reach will be in our community. I truly hope you see you soon. You can email me with any questions or call me at 573-563-7408.