(From left) Sponsor Staff Sgt. Chandra Davis, Regimental Noncommissioned Officer Academy, and the five Sgt. Audie Murphy Club selectees, Staff Sgt. Ronald Mitchell, RNCOA; Staff Sgt. Aseba Green, 15th Regimental Signal Brigade; Staff Sgt. Terrish Butler, RNCOA; Staff Sgt. Patrick Banks, RNCOA; and Staff Sgt. Jermaine Allen, RNCOA stand before the SAMC selection board members. Staff Sgt. Jermaine Allen of the Regimental Noncommissioned Officer Academy stood ramrod strait. Facing him were six senior NCO's, sitting at a table, watching his every move.

Finally, after what Allen said felt like an endless silence, the Soldier at the center of the table, Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Clark, Fort Gordon command sergeant major, spoke.

"Tell me about Sgt. Audie Leon Murphy," he said.

On the tenth floor of Signal Tower, Allen begins to speak. Not just about Sgt. Audie Murphy, but also about himself. He speaks about his career, the challenges he has faced, the obstacles he has overcome and his plans for the future.

Most important, he speaks about how he would handle each scenario presented him by those at the table who are judging him, weighing his measure. Allen knows this is the last hurdle he has to face. If he overcomes it, he will be part of a select few comprised of only two percent of all Army NCO's. He will be a member of the Sgt. Audie Murphy Club.

Photos by Nick Spinelli Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Clark, Fort Gordon command sergeant major, ( left) stands at attention while Staff Sgt. Jermaine Allen, Regimental Noncommissioned Officer Academy, demonstrates how to perform a proper uniform inspection. "To be a member of the Sgt. Audie Murphy Club is to be recognized as a steller NCO who leads from the front and perpetuates the Army values," said Sgt. 1st Class Kanisha Evans, current president of the Fort Gordon SAMC. "These are the best of the best."

Currently there are 30 SAMC members on post, including Reservists and National Guard members. New members are selected quarterly, but Evans says the selection process is incredibly tough and thorough.

"First, the Soldier has to be on the ball. They have to be incredibly squared away with no problems. Then, they have to pass a board on a Brigade level just to be recommended to apply for membership."

( From left) Board members Sgt. Maj. Victor Fernandez, School of Information Technology; Command Sgt Maj. Vernon Praymous, Regimental Noncommissioned Officer Academy commandant; and Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Clark, Fort Gordon command sergeant major, discuss the candidates. Those NCO's who receive a recommendation must then pass a series of tests, including a physical fitness evaluation, a drill evaluation and a written exam. Meanwhile, they have to participate in all SAMC activities, community events and fundraisers. If they score high enough on these evolutions, they have to face a final board.

"This one board alone will assist you during the rest of your military career," Clark said to the potential selectees before the board. "This isn't just another NCO association, this is a way of life. Being a member means doing the right thing every time, all the time. We only want the right people. Today, we'll see if you are the right people."

Sgt. 1st Class Chandra Davis, Regimental Noncommissioned Officer Academy, (left) adjusts ribbons on the uniform of potential Sgt. Audie Murphy Club member Staff Sgt. Aseba Green, 15th Regimental Signal Brigade. As a sponsor, Davis helped the potential selectees prepare to face the selection board by inspecting their uniforms and helping them study. Additionally, she sat in on the individual boards and provided feedback and recommendations to the selection committee. During the board, the potential selectees are quizzed on general military knowledge as well as specific areas such as drill and ceremonies, first aid, leadership and Family/Soldier support. But they aren't just judged on their knowledge.

It's not what you know, it's what you do," said selection board member Sgt. Maj. Victor Fernandez, School of Information Technology. "What are you doing for your people?"

For Allen, he says he wanted to be a member of the club because it would mean he was one of the best.

"It's an elite organization," he said. "It separates you from other NCO's and let's you shine in the community."

After his examination, Allen was excused from the room so the board members could deliberate. For Allen to be accepted, the vote had to be unanimous.

"That's one of the things that makes this final step so hard," explained Clark.

Once the votes had been cast and counted, Allen was called back in to the room. He stood at attention in front of the table, waiting for the selection board to determine his fate.

"On behalf of myself, this board and Fort Gordon," said Clark, "congratulations and welcome to the SAMC."

Allen breathed a sigh of relief, shook hands with the board members and was excused from the room. He was the first of five. In a few moments, the next potential selectee would stand where he stood They too would be weighed and measured. And they too would be found to be among the select few who are honored with SAMC membership. In fact, all five of the NCOs who faced the selection board, Allen, Staff Sgt. Aseba Green of the 15th Signal Brigade, Staff Sgt. Patrick Banks, Staff Sgt.Terrish Butler and Staff Sgt. Ronald Mitchell, all attached to the RNCOA, are now members of the SAMC. They will be officially inducted in September along with those selected at the previous and next quarterly boards.

"I'm relieved and excited," concluded Allen. "It's such an honor to be a part of this club."