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by Tech. Sgt. Corey Clements
USAFE News Service
The U.S. Air Forces in Europe enlisted corps will bestow their highest honor on the USAFE commander Nov. 17 when they induct him into the command’s Order of the Sword.
Gen. William T. Hobbins accepted the invitation in the presence of the men and women of the USAFE headquarters staff during an appreciation barbeque he threw for them Sept. 14.
***image1*** Chief Master Sgt. Gary G. Coleman, USAFE command chief master sergeant, the USAFE Chief Master Sergeants and the USAFE Command Chiefs, formally presented General Hobbins with the invitation on behalf of the enlisted corps. Chief Coleman said the decision to honor the general was without a doubt, earned and necessary.
“Since taking command of USAFE, General Hobbins has been a devoted advocate of the enlisted force in his command,” said Chief Coleman. “He instituted many quality of life initiatives and notably the first of its kind Enlisted Heritage Room honoring the blood, sweat and tears of the enlisted Airmen spanning this command’s great history.”
General Hobbins, a 37-year Air Force veteran who has commanded USAFE since December 2005, will become only the 17th recipient honored with the USAFE Order of the Sword when the enlisted corps formally inducts him in November.
“This award is something the enlisted corps holds in the highest regard,” Chief Coleman said. “It is fitting to present this award to General Hobbins as we are honoring his leadership, vision and enduring commitment to the men and women of USAFE.”
The award came as a surprise to the general, and he is very appreciative. He thanked the hundreds of Airmen and their families in attendance at the picnic for their selfless dedication and service to the Nation and the war on terror.
“I am humbled to accept this honor. It is my privilege to serve with the fine men and women of USAFE who sacrifice so much, every day, to execute our mission to ensure freedom’s future,” said General Hobbins.
The tradition of the Order of the Sword dates back to medieval times, when noncommissioned officers presented their leaders with a sword as a symbolic gesture of loyalty. It is patterned after two orders of chivalry founded in Europe during the Middle Ages – the Royal Order of the Sword and the Swedish Military Order of the Sword. Both orders still exist today.
