Kowalski first AFGSC Order of the Sword inductee

by Airman 1st Class Joseph Raatz
Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs

11/7/2014 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE  -- Lt. Gen. James Kowalski, deputy commander of U.S. Strategic Command, became the first inductee of Air Force Global Strike Command's Order of the Sword in an official ceremony here, Nov. 6.

The Order of the Sword was established by the Air Force to recognize and honor military senior officers and their civilian counterparts for conspicuous and significant contributions to the welfare and prestige of the Air Force enlisted force and mission effectiveness.

"This evening, we celebrate a time-honored tradition in paying tribute to one who has set the standard for leadership and who represents the meaning of our sword: truth, justice and power rightfully-used," said Chief Master Sgt. Terry West, AFGSC command chief. "He is truly a leader among leaders; an Airman among Airmen."

Kowalski, a command pilot with more than 4,500 flight hours in various aircraft, served as AFGSC commander from 2011-2013.

Patterned after two orders of chivalry founded during the Middle Ages, the Order of the Sword is steeped in history.

In 1522, King Gustavus I of Sweden created a system of appointments that worked so well it was incorporated into the Swedish Army as a way to establish and maintain a cohesive, disciplined and well-trained force for protection of lives and property in the kingdom. Swedish noncommissioned officers would honor their leader and pledge their loyalty by ceremoniously presenting him with a sword to serve as a token for all to see and know that here was a "leader among leaders." This ceremony became known as the Royal Order of the Sword.

"It's hard for me to receive this and hear all of the accolades because I honestly was just very lucky," Kowalski said. "I was lucky to end up in the Air Force and to end up being in positions where I was taught and mentored by great NCOs and Senior NCOs."

The Royal Order of the Sword ceremony was revised, updated and adopted by the NCOs of the United States Air Force in 1967. Today's Order of the Sword is the highest honor and tribute the enlisted corps can bestow upon an individual leader.

"Of all the things I have collected over my almost 35 years, this is what I will truly cherish to my last breath," Kowalski said.