OSI commander inducted into the Order of the Sword

  • Published
  • By James C. Dillard
  • Air Force OSI Public Affairs
QUANTICO, Va. --  Brig. Gen. Kevin J. Jacobsen, Air Force Office of Special Investigations commander, was inducted into the Order of the Sword at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., July 8.

Jacobsen is the fifth person from OSI to be inducted into the Order of the Sword since the order was established in OSI on June 14, 1985. He was invited to the order in early June.

The Air Force's Order of the Sword was founded by the enlisted force to recognize and honor military senior officers and civilians, for significant contributions to the welfare and prestige of the Air Force enlisted corps, mission effectiveness as well as the overall military establishment.

During the induction ceremony, Jacobsen expressed his heartfelt gratitude to OSI's enlisted force for inviting him into the order.

"To put this night in full context - quite honestly, this is the most significant honor of my 33-year Air Force career," Jacobsen said. "To serve you, the enlisted force, our Air Force and nation, in both peacetime and combat is the greatest privilege any American can have. What we do is not just any other job, it can't be; for what other job could put you on the other side of the world in a matter of days, on a battlefield in harm's way fighting to defend our homeland or free the oppressed?"

Jacobsen went on to describe how the enlisted members he worked with throughout his career have impacted his personal and professional development.

"It's true though; I've always had special fondness, admiration and respect for our enlisted," Jacobsen said. "Through 33 years of Air Force service, I have countless examples where it was the junior enlisted or NCO that taught me the artful craft of my profession - and how to be a better officer."

The general said that he is the officer he is today because of OSI's enlisted Airmen.

"I attribute all that I am to you," he said. "More honestly and simply, I am me because of you. And for that I am forever in your debt and can't thank you enough."