In a surprise ceremony at McAuliffe Hall July 29, Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Schloesser was presented with the Order of Saint Michael award, a prestigious honor in the world of Army aviation.
According to the Army Aviation Association of America website, the Order of Saint Michael award was established in 1990 as a joint venture between Quad A and the U.S. Army Aviation Center. The charter states that, "The award recognizes individuals who have contributed significantly to the promotion of Army aviation in ways that stand out in the eyes of the recipient's seniors, subordinates and peers."
Presenting Schloesser with the gold award for "significant and lasting contributions to Army aviation" was the Air Assault Quad A chapter president and 101st Combat Aviation Brigade commander, Col. William Gayler.
"When you go through a career with significant contributions to not only your Soldiers, but to your branch, to the division and to the Army, you should be recognized," said Gayler. "To get the gold Order of St. Michael is a huge deal. As you look at what general Schloesser has done throughout his career; having commanded everything from a platoon to a Combined Joint Task Force, he has lead with distinction."
After receiving the award, the general expressed his gratitude for being presented with the award and to those in attendance.
"I am deeply humbled to receive this award and I will wear it proudly," said Schloesser. "As I look around, I am surrounded by some of the greatest aviators that I have ever had the pleasure of working with."
Reflecting on his time as the 101st commanding general, Schloesser stated that his primary concern was to provide quality leadership to a division fighting in two separate wars.
"One of my goals here as the division commander was to prove that those of us who came up through aviation could command a division in a competent way, in combat," explained Schloesser. "I hope that we were able to accomplish that together, but I understand that it is you commanders, sergeants major and Soldiers who enable us be successful in both Afghanistan and Iraq."
Also during the ceremony, Mrs. Patty Schloesser was presented with the Order of Our Lady of Loreto award for her contributions to the families of aviation Soldiers and the Fort Campbell community.
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