COMMENTARY>>AETC commander selected for Order of the Sword

by Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Lindsey
Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – Air Education and Training Command enlisted members recently selected Commander Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz for induction into the Order of the Sword. The Order of the Sword is the highest honor and tribute
NCOs can bestow upon an individual.

General Lorenz is set to accept the honor in a formal ceremony in Lackland Air Force Base’s Gateway Club July 16.

“Two of AETC’s chiefs initiated the nomination, and that nomination was quickly approved by AETC’s Command Chiefs and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force (James) Roy,” said AETC Command Chief Master Sgt. Robert Tappana.

The Order of the Sword is based on The Royal Swedish Order of the Sword, a medieval ceremony in which commissioned noblemen, who were the equivalent of today’s non-commissioned officers, honored and pledged loyalty to a trusted leader by presenting him with a special sword. It is said in the presentation, the sword, symbolizing truth, justice and power rightfully used, serves as a token for all to see and know that “here is a leader among leaders.”

General Lorenz’ support of initiatives designed to ease the challenge of earning a higher education degree during a time of frequent deployments and high operations tempo made him an ideal nominee for the honor, the AETC chief said. Such programs include the Air University Associate to Baccalaureate Cooperative and the Community College of the Air Force General Education Mobile.

Chief Tappana also noted the general’s dedication to meeting and speaking with enlisted people to identify their challenges and assist in getting them resolved. In addition, the “Lorenz on Leadership” series of articles and speeches set the standard for caring for Airmen across the command, the chief said.

The ceremony is open to all AETC Airmen. Reservation information will be shared via e-mail soon.