Enlisted force bestows highest honor on ACC commander

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (AFNS) -- A gathering of 500 Air Combat Command Airmen assembled in Hampton, Va. Sept. 12, to honor the ACC commander with induction into the Order of the Sword.

The Order of the Sword is the highest honor the enlisted corps can bestow on an individual and is steeped in military tradition. Originally begun as the Swedish Royal Order of the Sword in the middle ages, it was used by NCOs to honor and pledge allegiance to their leader. The symbolism of the sword, which stands for truth, justice and power rightfully used, provides meaning for the Order of the Sword committee during the validation process.

Gen. William Fraser III is the sixth ACC commander to receive the prestigious award given for outstanding leadership and support to enlisted members.

Guest speaker and former ACC command chief, retired Chief Master Sgt. David Popp, explained how he was contacted by former Chief Master Sgts. of the Air Force Sam Parish and Robert Gaylor.

"Those chief master sergeants of the Air Force watch this Order of the Sword very, very closely," Popp said. "They want to make sure the right guys get it, and sir, you definitely are the right guy."

Fraser said he was humbled by the nomination, and deferred the acknowledgement to the Airmen of ACC.

"Tonight I really am standing up here because I am standing on your shoulders," he said. "Your shoulders are the shoulders of greatness. We talk of the greatest generation -- well this is the next greatest generation."

One of Fraser's top priorities throughout his tenure as ACC commander is taking care of Airmen and their families. During the ceremony, he took the opportunity to acknowledge the support of his own family, wife Beverly, and daughter Ashley who were in attendance as well as his son Mack.

That "people first" mantra was echoed by Popp, who was Fraser's command chief back in 2005.

"I remember seeing General Fraser on the first day, and I said 'Sir, what are the priorities?,'" Popp said. "He said here's the one I want you to write down. People come first, Chief. The equipment will be fine, but the people come first."

In keeping with his commitment to supporting enlisted Airmen and their families, Fraser and his wife made a contribution to the Air Force Enlisted Village.

Fraser leaves ACC after two years and heads to his next post as the commander of United States Transportation Command at Scott Air Force Base, Ill.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Fraser reiterated his gratitude to the audience.

"Again, I offer my most humble, and my most sincere appreciation for this wonderful honor," said Fraser. "I thank you again for your dedicated and selfless service, your trust and your faith in me as your commander."