The Air Force Global Strike Command command chief recently announced that former AFGSC commander, retired Gen. Robin Rand was nominated and selected to receive the AFGSC Order of the Sword.
Chief Master Sgt. Charles Hoffman surprised Rand with a video of AFGSC enlisted Airmen thanking him for his efforts as the previous AFGSC commander.
“It was an honor to be able to tell Gen Rand that Global Strike’s enlisted Airmen hold him in such esteem,” said Hoffman. “He was selected for this honor due to his devotion and care of Airmen and their mission during his tenure.”
Rand served for nearly 40 years, with his final assignment being the AFGSC commander before retiring from active duty in 2018.
The Order of the Sword is the highest honor and tribute the Air Force enlisted corps can bestow upon an individual. Officers selected to receive the Order of the Sword have gone through a rigorous selection process.
The Order of the Sword was established by the Air Force enlisted force to recognize and honor senior officers for conspicuous and significant contributions to the welfare and prestige of the Air Force enlisted force, mission effectiveness as well as the overall military establishment.
An early known instance of its use was in the 1860s when Gen. Robert E. Lee was presented a sword by his command. The Order of the Sword ceremony was revised, updated, and adopted by the NCOs of the United States Air Force in 1967.