MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A pair of ornate brass door knobs with an American Eagle etched on each side seemed out of place as they have held a spot of honor on the glass-topped desk in Lt. Gen. Steven Kwast’s office for the last three years.
They were perhaps two of the smallest mementos Kwast, the commander and president of Air University, had displayed in his office at Maxwell Air Force Base, where gifts from his various duty stations lined the tables, bookshelves and walls.
Soon, Kwast may receive yet another gift to add to his collection as he prepares to leave Montgomery and Air University to assume his new position as commander of Air Education and Training Command in San Antonio, Texas, in November. He will be responsible for recruiting, training and educating the entire Air Force.
“I’m so excited I have to pinch myself that I’ve been lucky enough to get this kind of opportunity,” Kwast said in an interview this week.
Over the last three years, he has made the River Region his home. His office reflects the importance he places on friendships he’s made over the years since he was a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1986 and earned his pilot wings in 1989.
He held the pair of door knobs in his hands has he shared their unique story — one that embodies Kwast’s character, love for people and his life-long desire to defend them.
“While I was stationed in Washington, D.C., I struck up a friendship with a janitor at the White House,” Kwast said. “The protocol is to replace a door knob when one becomes too worn. They are to be taken off, replaced with new ones and discarded. Before I left for my next assignment, this janitor gave me two old door knobs as a parting gift.”
A change of command ceremony is scheduled for Nov. 16 in San Antonio, when Kwast will officially leave his current position and assume command of ATEC. A replacement for Kwast at Maxwell has not been announced.
