Foglesong honored with Order of the Sword

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Mona Ferrell
  • U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFPN) --  The U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander was bestowed the enlisted corps highest honor Aug. 26.

Gen. Robert H. “Doc” Foglesong, who has led USAFE since August 2003, was inducted into the Order of the Sword before nearly 600 enlisted Airmen and guests representing every base within the command.

General Foglesong credited his father for the characteristics that got him where he is today.

“My dad was (a noncommissioned officer) in the United States Navy, and he spent four years in the South Pacific,” the general said as he held his dad’s dog tags up high. “I learned about work ethic, dedication, and I learned about commitment and taking care of your people from Red Foglesong. He brought those NCO characteristics back home with him … so, I know what NCOs do.”

These same characteristics are found in today’s Airmen, the general said.

“I know that the NCOs in our Air Force are the steel (that supports us),” General Foglesong said. “They are the service-before-self patriots who give their all without blinking an eye -- all for the sake of serving this great nation of ours.

“We have the greatest NCO corps in the world,” he said. “We are the most respected and feared Air Force in the world, and I unequivocally blame the people in this room for that.”

Touted as an “Airman among Airmen and a leader among leaders,” on the Order of the Sword proclamation, the general’s induction is the highest award the Air Force enlisted corps can bestow upon a person.

“I can’t think of anyone more deserving,” said Chief Master Sgt. Gary Coleman, USAFE command chief master sergeant and sergeant major for the ceremony.

“His support and guidance for the enlisted force are unparalleled,” Chief Coleman said. “We are honoring a great leader. The general’s sincere personal concern for the men and women in this command, combined with his outstanding leadership has catapulted USAFE to new heights of performance and combat readiness -- all while providing superior services that have allowed our Airmen to grow spiritually, mentally and physically.”

Most of these services have come by way of the 15 combat and special interest programs General Foglesong has instituted since taking the USAFE flag.

Whether looking at education, high-energy events of Project or countless quality of life initiatives, “the total dedication and passionate concern our commander has for our enlisted Airmen and their families is readily apparent,” Chief Coleman said.

Humbly considering himself unworthy of the honor, General Foglesong said his induction into the Order of the Sword is the highlight of his career.

“This (is) the high-water mark in my 33 years of service,” the general said. “Nothing will top all of you being here tonight.” (Courtesy of USAFE News Service)