LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
The Inter-American Air Forces Academy was recently presented with a high honor in the form of the Colombian Air Force Cross. The cross was presented by Commanding Gen. Jorge Ballesteros in Madrid, Colombia.
"This is a recognition from an international air force. The country of Colombia is recognizing our men and women for their impact in anti-terrorist, counter-drug training for their country," said IAAFA Superintendent Chief Master Sgt. Andres Alvarez, who attended the ceremony in Colombia. "For us it's a prestigious award from a foreign service that recognizes the our accomplishments."
During the ceremony, General Ballesteros told IAAFA Commandant Col. Maria Cordero that the Colombian air force appreciates all of the contributions of IAAFA and looks forward to increasing future engagements at all levels.
During the decoration, General Ballesteros was accompanied by four other Colombian air force generals. Due to the recent rescue of hostages in Colombia, the Colombian air force personnel's mood was extremely patriotic, said Sergeant Alvarez. General Ballesteros not only recognized IAAFA but praised other sections of the Air Force, as well.
The award was given to IAAFA as part of the Colombian Air Force's Non-Commissioned Officer Academy's 76th anniversary. Sergeant Alvarez said it was an honor to hear General Ballesteros read the IAAFA title.
In addition to receiving the cross, Colonel Cordero received a statue of the founder of the Colombian air force's NCO professional and technical school: Escuela de Suboficiales de la Fuerza Aerea Colombiana.
The statue is on display at IAAFA's headquarters reception area. During the visit, Colonel Cordero also participated in the inauguration of an aircraft avionics laboratory that ESUFA had recently created for training purposes.
Once the cross was brought back to the United States, it was put on display at IAAFA headquarters.
"It's actually part of our unit organization guidon," said Sergeant Alvarez. "We don't have it on the flag yet because we are trying to make sure it gets placed properly. However, it is on display at our headquarters."
Sergeant Alvarez said the cross serves as a symbol of the dedication of members of IAAFA to do their jobs.
"It's an honor to have an air force like that recognize the efforts, long hours, dedication, impact and travel we do," he said. "Colombia is a hostile fire area because of terrorist threat, so they can really appreciate what we do. It's a prestigious award to have for all of our missions."