A British-Nigerian, Amanda Azubuike, has been promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General in the United States (U.S.) Army, at a ceremony held at a military base in Fort Knox, Kentucky, USA.
Speaking after being decorated with the new rank, Azubuike, who is also a U.S. citizen, detailed her journey from a high school student to becoming a Brigadier-General.
She said: “I recognise the gravity of this moment. I recognise the responsibility, the expectations, as well as the scrutiny that comes with this promotion.
“I also recognise the power of representation and the importance of diversity. I’m privileged to have benefitted from trailblazers and I’m committed to doing my part to leave a better path for those coming behind me.
“I’m honoured to be selected to serve at this level and feel fortunate to serve in my current position. I believe I can contribute here in a meaningful way.
“I joined the U.S. military before I was even a U.S. citizen. But I always knew this country was great, that it was worth fighting for. And that it is truly the land of opportunity. I’m very proud of my heritage and my ethnic roots but I’m equally as proud to be an American.”
This is a really big deal. There are about 1.2 million men and women in uniform any given day and there are about 300 active-duty general officers. So, we say it’s a one per cent promotion.
Also speaking, the Commanding General of the Army Futures Command, James Rainey, said the position of brigadier-general is for exceptional officers, and commended Amanda for her inspirational attitude.
He said: “This is a really big deal. There are about 1.2 million men and women in uniform any given day and there are about 300 active-duty general officers. So, we say it’s a one per cent promotion.
“Amanda inspires me. Ever since I met her and started working for her, she is inspirational and I get energy from her.
“This is the greatest country in the world and you don’t have the right to be happy but you have the right to pursue it. Amanda and her family, if you don’t know them or their stories, that is what they are all about – pursuing happiness.”
Azubike is the daughter of a Nigerian father and a Zimbabwean mother, who met during their university studies in London. But her mother moved to the U.S. shortly after her parent’s divorce “in search of better opportunities”.
She was first introduced to the U.S. military army when she was in her penultimate year in high school. She enlisted in the Army National Guard before becoming a citizen in 1989.
After an 11-year career in military aviation, she continued her career in the Army as a public affairs and relations officer. She currently serves as a Deputy Commanding Officer at the U.S. Army Cadet Command, and previously served as Chief of Staff/Senior Military Advisor at the Office of the Secretary of Defence.
