RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (USAFENS) – Before a packed house at the Ramstein Officers’ Club, the U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander was bestowed the enlisted corps’ highest honor May 30.

Gen. Gregory S. Martin, who’s led USAFE since March 2000, received the Order of the Sword before nearly 400 enlisted members representing every base within the command.

Honored by the event, the general said it was a humbling experience, and one that he realizes shouldn’t be afforded to just himself. Rather it should bestowed upon everyone who has mentored and helped him throughout his Air Force career.

“No one that I know deserves the recognition that you have bestowed on me tonight…(This) isn’t just for me, and I know that. It is for the many people who gave me the opportunity to stand before you today as the United States Air Forces in Europe commander,” Martin said. “… Tonight is about USAFE’s enlisted force recognizing and honoring a person who they think has made a positive difference on their behalf.

“…When you honor me tonight, when you honor my family, you also honor a large part of our enlisted force; many of them present leaders, and certainly many of them past leaders. They have served, learned and taught – and I have been the beneficiary from their experience.”

During Martin’s tenure as commander, USAFE personnel were essential assets during five real-world contingency operations and the Global War on Terrorism. Ensuring USAFE members and quality-of-life initiatives were a priority, Martin was instrumental in securing more than $203 million, set aside for housing military construction to improve 1,439 aging housing units; a 316 percent increase during his time in command. In addition, Martin catapulted the USAFE “First Look” program with 48 initiatives taking care of people transitioning to and from Europe. The Headquarters also obtained $175 million in funds from NATO in preparation for the transformation of the Air Force’s Gateway to Europe from Rhein-Main Air Base, Germany to Ramstein AB, Germany.

A 32-year Air Force veteran, Martin is the 15th inductee into the USAFE Order of the Sword. The award is a tribute presented by the enlisted corps and patterned after two orders of chivalry founded in Europe during the Middle Ages – the Royal Order of the Sword and the Swedish Military Order of the Sword. Both orders are still in existence today.

Humbly considering himself unworthy of the induction, Martin also credited his father for words of advice that helped get him where he is today.

“When I came into the Air Force, my dad was a lieutenant general, and he was a guy that I admired more than anybody,” Martin said. “My father told me, ‘Get to know your senior NCOs. They’re the ones who really know their business. They may not run the Air Force, but they make the Air Force run; I think he had it right and I’m glad it told me that.

But the work isn’t complete yet, Martin said.

“The only regret I have tonight, is that others should feel as humbled and as proud as I (do), he said. “But more importantly, why you need to know is that I am inspired and charged up, because the job is not done. I don’t know why I have been recognized for the work that I have done, because it isn’t done yet. We’re not there, and there’s much to do.

“I am recharged and energized to keep on that track thanks to you, and thanks for the work you have done along the way with me. You honor us, you honor the Martins’ immensely, and I am very proud.”

Martin has been nominated by the President to assume command of the Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, this summer upon U.S. Senate confirmation. 

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