Sabers witness Order of the Sword ceremony Published Nov. 29, 2007 By By Staff Sgt. Tammie Moore 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- When Gen. William T. Hobbins, USAFE commander, received the honor of being inducted into the Order of the Sword, more than 120 Sabers were on hand to witness this Air Force moment in history. Special guests at the event included Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney McKinley and the eighth Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Sam Parish. "This was my third Order of the Sword ceremony, and all three have come in the last five years of my career," said Chief Master Sgt. Vance Clark, 52nd FW command chief. "I count myself incredibly lucky to have been a full participant in all three of them, with this one as the duty sergeant." During the Order of the Sword ceremony as a duty sergeant, Chief Clarke was one of the three primary emcees for the event. "Being a part of the ceremony was awesome," Chief Clarke said. "I was so impressed; the Ramstein club said that 793 meals were served -- the most in their clubs history. What a fitting tribute to our warrior leader." The Spangdahlem Spouses and Enlisted Members' Club donated funds to cover ticket cost. "The SSEMC wanted to help offset the cost for the Airmen of Spangdahlem so they had the opportunity to attend this prestigious event," said Shelly Turner, SSEMC president. "It was a small way for us to show our support to the Airmen." "This Order of the Sword ceremony was open to spouses for the first time ever," Mrs. Turner said. "It was a once in a lifetime opportunity, especially for spouses. I was impressed that the general and his wife greeted every person who attended the Order of the Sword ceremony." At the end of the ceremony, General Hobbins presented each attendee with a commemorative coin. "He presented coins for more than two and a half hours after the event ended," Chief Clarke said. "I think that nearly all of the 793 in attendance stayed to congratulate the general, receive their coin, have photos taken and receive autographs." Personal touches like this are what stand out in the mind of Chief Clarke. "General Hobbins has been an inspiration and leader who has heard our concerns as enlisted members and acted upon them," Chief Clarke said. "He will be sorely missed from our ranks when he retires."