News>AETC announces newest Order of the Sword recipient
Photos
Chief Master Sgt. James Cody, the command chief of Air Education and Training Command, congratulates Maj. Gen. Alfred Flowers, the deputy assistant secretary for budget for the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller office, on his selection as an AETC Order of the Sword recipient. Cody announced the general's selection during a brief ceremony at the Pentagon's Airman's Hall on Nov. 2. (U.S. Air Force photo/Andy Morataya)
by Senior Master Sgt. David Byron
Air Force Public Affairs Agency
11/3/2011 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Maj. Gen. Alfred Flowers learned of his selection as the next Air Education and Training Command Order of the Sword recipient here Nov. 2.
Chief Master Sgt. James Cody, the AETC command chief, informed Flowers of his selection at a surprise announcement in the Pentagon's Airman's Hall filled with Airmen and Air Force civilians.
Flowers is currently the deputy assistant secretary for budget, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller. Before his current assignment, he commanded AETC's 2nd Air Force at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss.
"I don't think there's any command in our United States Air Force that's more important to all of us than (Air) Education and Training Command," Flowers said, adding that there are no people he respects more than the young Airmen who show up to basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, each Tuesday. "That is what it's all about."
The Order of the Sword is the highest honor Air Force noncommissioned officers can bestow upon an individual who has made significant contributions to the enlisted corps.
The presentation and induction ceremony will be held in April on a date to be determined.
Comments
11/8/2011 6:39:47 PM ET Congratulations, Major General Flowers. You are a shining example of the ULTIMAT in Air Force Careers. You make us VN vets PROUD.
DaNang 68-69 Too, Japan
11/4/2011 7:57:47 AM ET In my almost 28 years of uniform service I personally cannot think of a more deserving General Officer than MGen Flowers for this honor. This is indeed a GREAT day for our enlisted force by recognizing a former enlisted Airman/Patriot who served our Nation with such honor and distinction. MGen Flowers ALWAYS had the enlisted force at the forefront of his decisions. All the best to the General in his much-deserved retirement
Timothy Pritchett CMSgt retired USAF, WPAFB
11/3/2011 6:46:12 PM ET Being selected for the Order of the Sword is so appropriate for MajGen Flowers - someone who has served his Nation for 46 continuous years of active service as an Airman in both enlisted and officer categories. Talented, dedicated, caring and successful in his USAF career and with his family. Congratuations to Al and Ida on this well-deserved recognition.
Chuck Martin, Alexandria VA
11/3/2011 3:50:50 PM ET Aside the great honor of this selection bestowment of the Order of the Sword from the enlisted force seems to always be a harbinger of impending retirement of a GO. Congratulations and thank you to Maj Gen Flowers on his 46 plus years in uniform... wow, what an achievement
