Commemorative brick laying ceremony honors enlisted Airman champion

Officials from the Air Education and Training Command and Enlisted Heritage Research Institute hosted a commemorative brick laying ceremony at the Enlisted Heritage Hall on Gunter Annex, in honor of the Gen. Anthony Cotton, Air Force Global Strike Command commander, and Air Forces Strategic-Air, U.S. Strategic Command commander, and Air University’s former commander and president, April 1.

The commemorative brick honors Cotton for his unparalleled interest in, support of, and guidance to all enlisted Airmen, while serving as AU’s commander and president.

“General Cotton provided a full spectrum of education, research and outreach at every level through professional military education and academic degree-granting,” said Chief Master Sgt. Erik Thompson, AETC command chief.   “The effects of his dedication and leadership in getting after advancing and modernizing our enlisted professional military education will be felt for generations to come, playing a pivotal role in development of the enlisted force.”

"This brick is a small token of gratitude for your relentless leadership of, and dedication to, the men and women of AETC," said Master Sgt. Timothy Watson, Air Force Enlisted Heritage Research Institute superintendent. "May it forever be a sign to all who shall see it that we recognized an outstanding leader today."

The mission of the Enlisted Heritage Hall is to collect, preserve, and showcase the accomplishments of enlisted Airmen throughout the history of air and space power. As a non-profit organization aligned under the AU Foundation, this hall exists to tell the stories of our Air and Space Force enlisted Airmen and Guardians. 

An integral component in encapsulating those stories, the brick paver plaza at the Enlisted Heritage Hall is set apart to recognize men and women highly esteemed by our enlisted corps. 

“I have been fortunate to have incredible mentors throughout my career, said Cotton. “My success is in large part due to those who took a chance on me.  I am so grateful for this honor!”