WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Maj. Gen. Alfred Flowers learned of his selection as the next Air Education and Training Command Order of the Sword recipient here Nov. 2.

Chief Master Sgt. James Cody, the AETC command chief, informed Flowers of his selection at a surprise announcement in the Pentagon's Airman's Hall filled with Airmen and Air Force civilians.

Flowers is currently the deputy assistant secretary for budget, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller. Before his current assignment, he commanded AETC's 2nd Air Force at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss.

"I don't think there's any command in our United States Air Force that's more important to all of us than (Air) Education and Training Command," Flowers said, adding that there are no people he respects more than the young Airmen who show up to basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, each Tuesday. "That is what it's all about."

The Order of the Sword is the highest honor Air Force noncommissioned officers can bestow upon an individual who has made significant contributions to the enlisted corps.

The presentation and induction ceremony will be held in April on a date to be determined.