MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The Air University’s and Officer Training School inducted one of their own into the OTS Distinguished Alumni, today.
Air University and Officer Training School only induct honorees once a year.
Retired Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Bruce Green was honored as the 2017 AU OTS Distinguished Alumni for his notable accomplishments during his time in service.
Green commissioned through the Health Professions Scholarship Program and began his Air Force career in 1978.
In 2009, he began his last assignment in the Air Force as the Air Force Surgeon General. He stayed in this position until his retirement in 2012.
Maj. Gen. Michael Rothstein, acting Air University commander and president, and Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education commander, presided over the induction ceremony.
He said it was 40 years ago this year that Green came through OTS, and he gave the Air Force 34 years of great service and that is the reason why he was recognized today.
Green helped lead a process that dropped the rate of fatalities from wounds from 30 percent to less than 10 percent.
“Over 10,000 people owe their lives to officers like General Green, and we know he didn’t do it alone … but it went off the back of his vision and his strength,” said Rothstein.
The induction ceremony coincided with another significant Air Force ceremony: the graduation of the COT class 18-03.
Green said the experience is an incredible honor, not just because he’s receiving recognition, but because he gets to spend time with the future of the Air Force.
Green ended his speech by giving the new officers a piece of advice: “If you take care of your people as you step out into leadership roles across the Air Force, they will take care of you.”
During the ceremony, Green was presented a plaque that will now be put on display in the command section of OTS along with the other distinguished alumni.