AFMC Command News

Chiefs tap General Carlson for highest enlisted honor

  • Published
  • By John Scaggs
  • Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Getting 13 Air Force chief master sergeants to agree on something: challenging.

Watching the positive impact that agreement has on a surprised four-star general: priceless.

That was the scene Sept. 7 when, during a video teleconference, chiefs at each Air Force Materiel Command base took turns congratulating their leader, Gen. Bruce Carlson, for his selection to receive the AFMC Order of the Sword. The Order of the Sword is the highest honor Air Force noncommissioned officers can give to an individual who has made significant contributions to the enlisted corps.

General Carlson is the sixth officer in AFMC to receive the invitation since the command stood up July 1, 1992. He has served as the AFMC commander since August 2005.

The general was attending the video teleconference in Headquarters AFMC's Situation Room at the request of Chief Master Sgt. Jonathan Hake, AFMC's command chief master sergeant. The general thought he was going to share his vector on the chiefs' review.

"Sir, I know I told you the purpose of this meeting was to talk about chief master sergeant positions within AFMC," Chief Hake began. "But ... that isn't exactly why I asked you here. AFMC's enlisted Airmen have gathered this morning to pay tribute to a leader among leaders."

With that, enlisted members at each of AFMC's 10 bases took turns describing the improved quality of life for Airmen and their families at their respective locations, improvements made possible through the support of General Carlson.

After receiving an official Order of the Sword invitation from Chief Hake, General Carlson spoke to the gathered enlisted corps.

"I've walked by the display (containing the sword) countless times, noticed the names of past recipients and thought about their contributions," said General Carlson. "To have my name added to the list is a tremendous honor.

"Today's enlisted force is smarter, more disciplined, more loyal, more patriotic and works harder than my generation," the general continued. "I owe it to you to take care of you because you become more valuable every day.

"Together, we're honorably serving our country," General Carlson said. "To be part of that with you is the highlight of my life."

The official ceremony is scheduled to take place Dec. 6 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Chief master sergeants at each AFMC base will have ticket information.