International Officer School honors distinguished alumni

  • Published
  • By Kimberly L. Wright
  • Air University Public Affairs
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AFNS) --  Air Force officials here honored eight former international Air University students as they were added to the Air University Honor Roll Oct. 8 here. 

Each honoree is designated by a bronze plate engraved with the inductee's name, rank, country, position and AU schools attended, and the plates line the walls of the International Honor Roll room.

This year's honored officers represent seven nations: Canada, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire in west Africa, the Czech Republic, Ghana, Nigeria and Sweden. Of the eight officers honored, seven attended the induction ceremony at the Maxwell AFB Officers' Club. All of these officers earned the position of chief of staff of the air force or above, or the civilian equivalent, in their respective country.

Air Force leaders recently identified building partnerships as a critical mission focus, and the International Officer School here helps accomplish that criteria by opening professional military educational opportunities to rising stars worldwide.

Addressing the distinguished honorees at the induction ceremony, Lt. Gen. Allen G. Peck, the Air University commander, said the honor has far-reaching influence. He called the honor a significant milestone.

"Forever your name will be enshrined. This is a testament to you. It is part of your enduring legacy," General Peck said.

He also said the honor roll helps the International Officer School and the Air Force at large because it serves as a reminder to American partners.

"You serve as an inspiration, not only to members of your countries, but also to all international officers and, indeed, to all students here. They can be reminded of the great things that have been accomplished here," General Peck said.

Col. Michael Homan, the International Officer School commandant and director of Air University International Affairs, reiterated the example set by former AU students turned senior leaders.

"The great thing about it is this is a great way to show our current international officers what their potential is," he said. "These air chiefs are the proof of that. They came as young officers, applied what they learned, and now they're getting something back. We honor their accomplishments and provide them an opportunity to share their perspectives on air, space and cyberspace."

Of the more than 10,800 students that have graduated from the International Officer School, approximately 3.5 percent reach the senior leadership positions necessary for honor roll induction.

"That's a pretty significant statistic," Colonel Homan said. "We get the opportunity to interact with officers that nations have already identified as future senior leaders. That's a pretty unique opportunity."

The honorees expressed their appreciation to the program, the nation and the community.

Gen. de Brigade Marc Kodjo Aka, the Côte d'Ivoire air force commandant, attended Squadron Officer School in 1982 as the first attendee from his country. He also attended Air Command and Staff College in 1991. 

"We're looking forward to getting more students from my country to come here," he said.

Brig. Gen. Jiri Verner, the Czech Republic air force commander in chief, highlighted the impact of the professional military education offered at Maxwell AFB, noting that the air chiefs in Sweden, Hungary and Bulgaria are also former IOS students. An Air War College graduate, he valued the idea sharing he experienced here.

"I enjoyed very much the discussion of all the topics," he said. "I used a lot of ideas I learned from Air War College during my career."

Lt. Gen. Jan Salestrand, the Swedish armed forces director of the joint staff and Air War College graduate, expressed his appreciation for the recognition. 

"I really feel honored. It feels like the Nobel Prize," he said.

The AU International Honor Roll was dedicated Feb. 23 1988, by Edward C. Aldridge Jr., who was then secretary of the Air Force. 

"Behind each nameplate on the wall, there's a family; a family that shared experiences in the U.S.," Colonel Homan said. "There are no better ambassadors than they are. The U.S. is a country that by far wins people over when they come here."

The addition of this year's inductees brings the number of honored officers to 393, representing 85 countries. Thirty of those listed on the honor roll are currently air chiefs in their respective countries.