Plaque and Sabre

From USAFA Folklore

The Plaque and Sabre is the highest award that can be bestowed by the Cadet Wing, essentially recognizing someone as an honorary cadet by awarding them a cadet sabre. The Plaque and Sabre is normally awarded by the wing to those individuals who have shown exceptional service to the Academy.

The Plaque and Sabre is often awarded to certain senior officials upon their departure from the Academy, regardless of whether the Wing assesses them worthy of the award. In one notable incident, the Plaque and Sabre was being awarded to departing Third Group AOC Lt. Col. Steele; the entire wing erupted into loud, sustained applause and cheering when the presenter announced "Lt. Col. Steele is leaving the Academy."