Alfred K. Flowers
With more than 46 years of service to his country through his leadership in the United States Air Force, Major General Alfred K. Flowers is the longest-serving airman in Air Force history, longest-serving African American in defense history, and longest serving continuous active-duty member in the history of The United States Department of Defense.
A Vietnam veteran, Distinguished Service Medal recipient, and Officer Training School graduate, Flowers enlisted in the United States Air Force at age seventeen. His career included serving as an air transportation and accounting specialist, budget officer, chief of budget at Air Combat Command, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of The Air Force for Budget, where he was responsible for $170 billion in funds. He also commanded the Holms Center at Maxwell AFB and The Second Air Force at Keesler AFB.
Flowers’ dedication to public service and to the military is unrivaled, earning him an Air Force Association Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2012, he was inducted into the Air Education and Training Command Order of The Sword, making him only the 224th Air Force inductee since 1967. His military recognitions include two Distinguished Service Medals, the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, as well as several other significant decorations.
He continues to serve his community as President and CEO of KAL-46 Consulting. He authored the book “Reflections of a Servant Leader” and travels globally as a motivational speaker and guest lecturer. He previously served on the board of directors for the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, the Air Force Aid Society, and the Air Force Services Agency and currently serves on several private and public boards, including as chair of Reach Resilience, an Endeavors Foundation.
Flowers received his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University and graduate degrees from Ball State University and The National Defense University.
He is married to Ida M. Flowers, and they have one son, Brigadier General Alfred K. Flowers, Jr.