LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (ACCNS) -- Enlisted men and women from throughout Air Combat Command gathered here Sept. 28 and presented their commander with the Order of the Sword - the highest honor enlisted Airmen can bestow upon a leader.
"Gen. (Ronald E.) Keys was selected because of the exceptional character and leadership he has provided in this command," said Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Hutton, ACC's interim command chief.
The general, who took the reins of ACC in May 2005, improved the lives of Airmen throughout the command "personally and professionally. General Keys ensured fighting and winning the war was the number one priority. That commitment meant leaders, Airmen and families adopted an expeditionary mindset and the general fought to provide us with the best possible training, equipment and weapons systems available," Chief Hutton said.
Key programs such as quality base housing, infrastructure and equipment upgrades, and the focus on professional development and quality of life programs for Airmen and families were the hallmark of the general's commitment to the enlisted force, according to Chief Hutton.
According to the general, however, the credit for his accolades should rest with the Airmen he led.
"I should be giving you the Order of the Sword," General Keys said. "Over the years, the things I've been able to do, I've been able to do because of the enlisted force."
The general cited examples from every step of his four decades of service and told the crowd that he'd "learned a lot" from Airmen and the non-commissioned officers who lead them.
"That's the heart of our Air Force," General Keys said.
He also addressed the resolve of today's Airmen - who he sees emerging as members of the nation's next "Greatest Generation" - and said it's their discipline, courage, commitment and ingenuity that makes the Air Force " ... the most feared and respected air and space force in the world today."
General Keys, the Air Force's current longest serving commissioned officer ends four decades of military service Nov. 1, but not without giving a final nod to the Airmen whose gift signified their eternal loyalty, respect and grateful thanks.
"I'm extremely proud of you," he said. "Of all the things -- across 40 years -- that you pick up along the way this is certainly my most cherished award because it comes from the heart of our force. I wish you all the very best."
USAF. (U.S. Air Force Graphic by Rosario "Charo" Gutierrez)