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Gen. Frank Gorenc, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander, is presented his personal sword by Command Chiefs Samuel Simmons (center) and James Davis (right) during an Order of the Sword ceremony April 7 on Ramstein. The Order of the Sword is a special program where noncommissioned officers of a command recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the enlisted corps. Gorenc is the 20th USAFE-AFAFRICA commander to be awarded this honor.
Airmen, families and friends from around the Air Force gathered to bestow U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa’s highest enlisted honor to Gen. Frank Gorenc, USAFE-AFAFRICA commander, during an Order of the Sword induction ceremony April 7 on Ramstein.
Nominated in late October, Gorenc officially became the 20th inductee into the major command order, reserved for only those who have made significant contributions to the success and support of the Air Force enlisted force in Europe and Africa.
“It means a lot to be recognized by the enlisted force,” Gorenc said. “Inside of our Air Force, the enlisted corps is the very foundation of our force, so when that segment of our total force recognizes anyone it is a great honor.”
Keeping with tradition, the USAFE-AFAFRICA sword, along with the Air Force Order of the Sword, embodies its legacy from the same long-standing honor of chivalry and respect founded in the Middle Ages. According to regulation, the custom follows the same act of recognition, in which noncommissioned officers would present a sword to their kings and leaders as the ultimate sign of respect and loyalty. This honor would distinguish the recipient as a “leader among leaders, and a man among men.”
Even today, military branches around the world present prestigious swords of honor to recognize the accomplishments and service to their country and fellow men. In the Air Force, the Order of the Sword remains the highest and only honor presented by the noncommissioned officer corps to a senior ranking officer and is maintained by the command chief master sergeant of the designated command.
“General Gorenc is a one-of-a-kind leader,” said Chief Master Sgt. James Davis, USAFE-AFAFRICA command chief. “Airmen trust his leadership and appreciate his transparency. He is a commander which the enlisted force wants to be led by. He absolutely believes we are the world’s great Air Force simply because of our enlisted force. There is no one more passionate about the development of our enlisted men and women. General Gorenc embodies the ideals of what the Order of the Sword represents: truth, justice and power rightfully used.”
Gen. Frank Gorenc, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander, laughs with the crowd while speaking during an Order of the Sword ceremony held April 7 on Ramstein.
Gorenc has proven time and time again that he is worthy of this recognition. Days after taking command at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, in 2003, Hurricane Isabel threatened the safety and well-being of the Airmen he was charged to lead. His quick and decisive actions kept his Airmen and their families out of harm’s way, despite the multimillion-dollar damage caused to the base by the storm.
During his career Gorenc dedicated his time to serving Airmen, and this night was their chance to thank him.
“I’m overwhelmed by the fact that somebody thought enough of my work in the Air Force to say, ‘You deserve this award, you have helped out the enlisted force and you have developed an environment where all Airmen can succeed,’” Gorenc said. “It was such a validation and representation of everything that I have worked for in the past 37 years on active duty. It was really special.”
The USAFE-AFAFRICA Order of the Sword is on display at the command headquarters building, Airman Heritage hall.
