COMPACAF presented Order of the Sword

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Gustavo Gonzalez
  • Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (AFNS) --  Enlisted Pacific Air Forces Airmen gathered here Aug. 26 to induct the PACAF commander into the command's Order of the Sword.

Gen. Gary North distinguished himself by dedicating nearly $150 million to improve PACAF Airmen's quality of life while cultivating and fostering command-wide, total-force integration, officials said.

"It's all about Airmen honoring Airmen," North said. "It's a humbling experience. It's a privilege to serve among you and your family. To serve our Air Force and to serve our nation, in both peacetime and combat, is one of the greatest privileges any American can have."

The Order of the Sword is the highest honor NCOs can bestow upon an individual. It is patterned after two orders of chivalry founded during the Middle Ages in Europe and still in existence today -- the Royal Order of the Sword and the Swedish Military Order of the Sword, officials said. Air Force NCOs revised and updated the Order of the Sword ceremony from its medieval roots and adopted it in 1967. It recognizes leaders who show great pride and concern for the enlisted corps.

The ceremony's attendees included Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy.

"His concern for people and his ability to put people at ease is remarkable," Roy said. "We hope that all Airmen would care for people this way. On behalf of all Airmen, thank you for your leadership."

According to North, he is just another Airman, in a long line of Airmen, who's thrilled with the honor to continue to serve.

"Your dedicated service, your trust, your faith and your confidence in me and the privileges I have had, specifically to be afforded to serve along side of you, is the greatest privilege that an officer could ever have," he said.