CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Team Charleston, this past Thursday, 24 Charleston Airmen and I attended an Air Force Order of the Sword ceremony at Scott AFB, Ill.
Enlisted representatives throughout Air Mobility Command's wings and stand alone groups paid homage to Gen. Duncan McNabb, the AMC commander. General McNabb is a dynamic leader who has a personal concern for the well-being of all Airmen. The enlisted men and women of AMC chose General McNabb for his inspirational leadership and unparalleled support of the enlisted corps. It was an easy choice to make.
The Air Force Order of the Sword is a prestigious major command honor that is steeped in history. The honor stems from two European orders: the British Royal Order of the Sword and the Swedish Military Order of the Sword -- both are still in existence today.
In the 16th Century, commissioned noblemen in Sweden appointed officers to serve the king. Those who were appointed became known as noncommissioned officers. Over time, noncommissioned officers have pledged their loyalty and honored their leaders by ceremoniously presenting them with a sword. The sword symbolized truth, justice and the honorable use of power. It served as a sign for all to see and know that its recipient was a leader of leaders.
The order was first used in the United States during the Revolutionary War. In 1967, after lying dormant for many years, it was reinstituted in its current form. Since then, more than 220 officers have been inducted. Induction into the order includes the presentation of the sword in a ceremony at a dining-in. The honor is presented with much pomp and circumstance and is attended solely by enlisted members and the officer to be honored.
This honor is seldom bestowed and is only presented to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the enlisted corps. General McNabb made many such contributions, two of which you are all familiar with -- the Phoenix Stripe and Phoenix Spouse programs.
Phoenix Stripe is a professional development program geared toward providing deserving staff and technical sergeants with a practical glimpse at how AMC Headquarters carries out its role in the war on terrorism. Those selected get the chance to see firsthand what it takes for our MAJCOM to complete its mission.
The Phoenix Spouse program encourages spouses to lead the effort in taking care of the families of deployed Air Force members. This program is all about empowering spouses to help themselves as they help each other. Both of these programs are overwhelmingly successful throughout the entire command.
General McNabb will be missed in AMC as he relinquishes command today.
If you ever get the chance to attend an Air Force Order of the Sword ceremony, take it! It is a remarkable experience to be a part of this time-honored tradition of inducting a deserving leader into the Order of the Sword. It is a night you will never forget.
Team Charleston - Take the Fight to the Enemy!