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AFSOC commander receives The Order of the Sword nomination

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Ty Foster
  • Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  The enlisted men and women of Air Force Special Operations Command notified their commander of his nomination for induction into The Order of the Sword here Aug. 31, 2010.

Lt. Gen. Donald C. Wurster graciously received the news from Chief Master Sgt. Mike Gilbert, AFSOC command chief, and a group of approximately 200 other Air Commandos.

"There is no greater honor for a commander than the trust and confidence of the force he or she serves, from the bottom of my heart, thanks to you and the entire enlisted force," General Wurster said after the announcement.

"The boss is universally respected as exactly the right Air Commando leader for us during these challenging times," Chief Gilbert said. "We're looking forward to presenting him with the highest honor our enlisted force can bestow - inducting him into the Air Force Special Operations Command Order of the Sword."

Throughout his 35-year career, the general has demonstrated a deep affection for his enlisted force, Chief Gilbert said.

"He's ensured we have the best equipment, the best training, and the right leadership that is so critical to our success around the world," the command chief said. "He never fails to recognize the contributions of our entire force, from battlefield Airmen and other operators, to our maintainers, supporters, loggies, medics - everyone."

Lt. Gen. Wurster's embodies the "Mission First - Airmen Always" philosophy.
"Time and again I've seen him engage as vigorously on behalf of one junior Airman, as he does for recapitalizing our C-130 fleet," Chief Gilbert said.

"Additionally, he's funneled tens of millions of dollars into quality-of-life programs. He's been committed to ensuring our Airmen and families sustain the highest standard of living possible, always with an eye to making it better for those who serve on his team," the chief said. "He has very personal and enduring relationships with the families of our fallen, and with our wounded Airmen."

According to Air Force Instruction 36-2824, "The Order of the Sword was established by the Air Force to recognize and honor military senior officers, colonel and above, and civilian equivalents, 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."

The AFSOC Order of the Sword induction ceremony is slated for Nov. 19, 2010, at the Emerald Coast Convention Center in Fort Walton Beach, Fla.