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“Stormin' Norman” gives oath to future Air Force doctor

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Bryan Driscoll
  • 333rd Recruiting Squadron
LUTZ, Fla. --  The 333rd Recruiting Squadron of Melbourne, Fla., welcomed a famous American military hero to a special Air Force affirmation ceremony April 6.

Retired U.S. Army Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf swore 2nd Lt. Matthew Malivuk into the Air Force Medical Corps at the All Saints Lutheran Church here.

"I'm very proud and honored to be part of this day," said General Schwarzkopf, who is a longtime Malivuk family friend.

Lieutenant Malivuk, the recipient of an Air Force Health Professions scholarship, is set to attend Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Aurora, Colo. Upon completing medical school, he will enter the Air Force as a fully qualified doctor.

The lieutenant's father, Pastor Richard Malivuk of All Saints Lutheran Church, said he and his family are proud of their son carrying on the family tradition of serving their country. Lieutenant Malivuk's grandfather served with the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Pastor Malivuk served as a Soldier in Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star medal.

Lieutenant Malivuk's uncle, Dr. Michael Hardy, a 20-year U.S. Army veteran and West Point graduate, also served in Vietnam after he attended medical school on the Health Profession Scholarship Program. The tradition is strengthened by the lieutenant's wife, whose father is a retired Air Force officer. She also has a brother who is an active-duty Air Force captain.

"To commission a future doctor and to have General Schwarzkopf perform it is just amazing; what an honor," said Lt. Col. Tillema, 333rd RCS commander.

Schwarzkopf, the U.S. Army four-star popularly referred to as "Stormin' Norman," served as U.S. Central Command Commander-in-Chief and commander of Coalition Forces in the Gulf War in 1991 before retiring in August 1991. He currently resides in Florida. He also carried on his family's military tradition as a second-generation West Point graduate.