Sergeant Audie Murphy Association
The original club was started at Fort Hood, Texas early in 1986. There were several key people at Fort Hood - officer, enlisted, civil service, and a Killeen civilian - who were instrumental in getting this club up and running.
Leading the effort was the III Corps commander; his Command Sergeant Major ; III Corps Awards Clerk and a Killeen artist who assisted with designing the logo and club awards.
In 1991, the III Corps Commander and his Command Sergeant Major expanded the Fort Hood installation club to include all of III Corps. This included Fort Riley, Kansas; Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Fort Bliss, Texas; Fort Polk, Louisiana; and Fort Carson, Colorado.
In 1993, III Corps CSM was voted into the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club by the membership and then became the Forces Command Sergeant Major. Soon thereafter, the club became Forces-Command (FORSCOM) wide, including the Reserves and National Guard.
In 1994 at a Sergeant Major of the Army conference, the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club spread Army-wide, to all commands with installations retaining the selection process for their own NCOs. In 1998, it was estimated that the club membership was over 3000 Soldiers and was steadily increasing.
Coat of Arms
- S*A*M*C: Initials separated by three stars which represent the Be, Know, and Do for the NCO.
- SSG Rank Insignia: Reflects Audie Murphy’s highest enlisted rank.
- The Eagle: Our national bird and the symbol of freedom, the intent of the club to be nationwide.
- The Laurel: Represents the individual achievement of the NCOs in the club.
- The Lightning Bolt: Represents swift and decisive action taken by the NCO.
- The Sword: A historical reference, a tool for the NCO to cut to the heart of the matter, to lead the charge.
- The Streamers: Indicate upon which we base our philosophy.