AETC commander immersed in Lackland fundamentals

AGE 8 TALESPINNERMARCH 27, 2009Order of the Sword presented to Brig. Gen. HertogBy Mike JosephStaff WriterSurprise. Shock. Astonishment.hose one of the aforementioneddjectives and it still would notescribe the look or the feelings ofrig. Gen. Mary Kay Hertog at theeginning of the workday March 19.Front and center before a standng-roomonly crowd of nearly 75eople in the conference room at their Force Security Forces Center,eneral Hertog was left almostpeechless when it was announcedy Chief Master Sgt. Paul Zidack thathe had been nominated for theecurity Forces Order of the Sword.“If you give us the go, we’re goingo make this thing happen,” Sergeantidack said in making the surprisennouncement to the current Airorce director of Security Forces.“Are you serious?” was Generalertog’s reply, her voice revealinghe shock of the situation asergeant Zidack presented her thecertificate.“I’m touched and amazed,” shetold the gathering. “The only reasonI’ve been successful in this careerfield is because of all of you; I meanthat sincerely. God bless you forwhat you’ve done.”Presenting the honor to GeneralHertog at Lackland was a homecomingof sorts. The general began hersecurity forces career almost 31years ago at Lackland, was broughtback as 37th Training Group commanderfrom 2000-2002, andserved as 37th Training Wing commanderfrom 2004-2006 before takingher current assignment.Was it special to come back andhave the announcement here? “Oh,my gosh, yes,” she said, still amazedafter the presentation. “It means alot. This is where I started mycareer, and one of the highlights wasbeing 37th TRW commander; thatwas just awesome.See HERTOG P16Photo by Robbin CresswellBrig. Gen. Mary Kay Hertog, Air Force Security Forces director, is surprised with thenews that she will receive the Security Forces Order of the Sword. The Order of theSword, the highest honor Air Force NCOs can bestow upon a leader, will bepresented to the general during a ceremony April 29.