News>Secretary Donley nominated for Order of the Sword
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Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley accepted the Air Force Order of the Sword nomination from then-Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy at a meeting with former chief master sergeants of the Air Force and current combatant-level and major command-level command chief master sergeants Jan. 23, 2013, at Joint Base Andrews, Md. The Order of the Sword has been given to 246 people. Donley is the third secretary of the Air Force to be inducted into the order. He follows F. Whitten Peters, inducted in 2000, and the James A. Roche, inducted in 2003. (U.S. Air Force photo/Jim Varhegyi)
Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley accepted the Air Force Order of the Sword nomination from then-Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy at a meeting with former chief master sergeants of the Air Force and current combatant-level and major command-level command chief master sergeants Jan. 23, 2013, at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Jan. 23, 2013. (U.S. Air Force photo/Jim Varhegyi)
by Senior Master Sgt. Chris Vadnais
Office of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force
1/28/2013 - JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. (AFNS) -- The enlisted men and women of the United States Air Force nominated the service's senior civilian for induction into the Air Force Order of the Sword Jan 23 here.
Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley accepted the nomination from then-Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy at a meeting with former chief master sergeants of the Air Force and current combatant-level and major command-level command chief master sergeants.
"You have always shown care and concern for enlisted men and women," Roy said while making the announcement. "This group -- these chiefs, represent all the enlisted men and women across the United States Air Force, and we are very, very proud of you as our leader," he said.
The secretary said the nomination was a distinct honor.
"I am deeply honored and humbled to be placed in the company of the many great Air Force leaders who have been given this award," Donley said, "more importantly, I'm honored to daily serve alongside the finest enlisted corps our Air Force has ever seen."
The Order of the Sword recognizes individuals for significant contributions to the enlisted corps. The ceremonial presentation was adopted from the Royal Order of the Sword and passed to the United States during the Revolutionary War. However, it lay dormant until it was reinstituted in its current form in 1967.
The Order of the Sword has been given to 246 people. Donley is the third secretary of the Air Force to be inducted into the order. He follows the Honorable F. Whitten Peters, inducted in 2000, and the Honorable James A. Roche, inducted in 2003.
Comments
1/29/2013 10:13:12 AM ET The enlisted men and women of the United States Air Force nominated the service's senior civilian for induction into the Air Force Order of the Sword ... Did I Funny I think I'd remember something as important as that.
Enlisted Man, Texas
1/29/2013 9:17:06 AM ET Seems like this has became common practice across the Air Force and almost all commands. It will lose it's effectivenessmeaning if you give it to everyone when their time is up.Oh well I guess when you come from a society that gives out participating trophies we would eventually do the same. We should and do expect our leaders to take care of the enlisted this should be reserved for something rather special.
wes, Utah
1/28/2013 9:14:16 PM ET Could we quit pretending that the Order of Sword has some ancient origin in Royal Order of the Sword There was no such thing. This origin was made out of whole cloth. Just call it what it is an award from the enlisted force to a senior leader that the enlisted force holds in high esteem.
