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U.S. Air Forces in Europe enlisted members surprised the USAFE commander July 14 when they invited him to receive the highest honor and tribute they can bestow upon an individual.
Gen. Roger A. Brady was talking to students at the Kisling NCO Academy on Kapaun about “leading in challenging times” when a trumpet sounded in the distance. The doors in the back of the auditorium opened and a procession of Airmen walked toward the front of the room, including two command chief master sergeants carrying the Order of the Sword invitation. Stunned, the general looked to Chief Master Sgt. Pamela Derrow, the USAFE command chief, to find out what was happening. She proceeded to read the Order of the Sword invitation.
Visibly moved, the general thanked everyone.
“I am obviously surprised and honored by this,” he said. “I don’t think anyone ever thinks they deserve this honor. I certainly don’t, but I’m very appreciative. I am most honored and humbled that you guys and gals came out to be with me today.”
The KMC Chiefs Group nominated the general to receive this honor “due to his outstanding and unwavering support of the enlisted corps and their families,” Chief Derrow said. The nomination was subsequently approved by USAFE command chiefs and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy.
“He is a staunch supporter of enlisted history and heritage and provided time, space and funding to support capturing our enlisted past, current and future history,” the chief said.
General Brady has dedicated time, resources and funding for quality-of-life and enlisted Airmen-focused programs in USAFE. He enhanced the living conditions for Airmen residing in dormitories and military family housing, increased capacity and access to child care
centers, and improved schools, fitness centers and other facilities.
He said the most important part of his Air Force career, especially the last 10 years, is it has allowed him to be around people who he’s spent his life with and who shared his values and beliefs.
“From the minute General Brady took command of USAFE, his focus was on caring for our enlisted Airmen, ensuring they and their families were well taken care of,” Chief Derrow said. “Additionally, he fully supported every enlisted initiative that I brought forward to him. His success with enlisted support programs directly contributed to improved mission effectiveness of USAFE, U.S. European Command and our NATO partners.”
General Brady will become the 19th USAFE commander to formally accept this honor. He will be inducted in to the command’s Order of the Sword during a ceremony in the fall on Ramstein.
