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AMC commander to be honored by enlisted Airmen

  • Published
  • By Headquarters AMC Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  The enlisted men and women of Air Mobility Command have nominated their commander, Gen. Arthur Lichte, for induction into the AMC Order of the Sword.

Chief Master Sgt. Joe Barron, AMC's Command Chief, notified the general of his nomination this week.

"The enlisted force honored me more than you could imagine when they told me about the Order of the Sword nomination," said General Lichte. "I know how much this means, and I was humbled that you all saw fit to honor me in this distinct fashion.

"You know how much the enlisted force means to me ... we've worked hard to improve quality of life for our Airmen and to recognize them for what they do every day for this command and the Air Force."

"The Order of the Sword is the highest honor enlisted Airmen can bestow on a leader," added Chief Barron. "General Lichte is definitely a leader among leaders and an Airman among Airmen. I cannot think of a leader more deserving of this recognition."

The Order of the Sword is patterned after an order of chivalry founded during the Middle Ages -- the Swedish Royal Order of the Sword. Ancient noncommissioned officers would honor leaders and pledge their loyalty by ceremoniously presenting the leaders with a sword. The sword -- a symbol of truth, justice and power rightfully used -- served as a token of esteemed leadership.

The date and time for General Lichte's official Order of the Sword induction ceremony will be announced at a later date.