Nigerian woman, Amanda Azubuike, who was recently promoted to Brigadier General in the United States Army, has shared her success story, shedding light on her journey.
Amanda was promoted to the rank of sergeant at Fort Knox, Kentucky, USA in a ceremony held recently.
This is following the broadcast of her award on the Army ROTC YouTube channel.
“I recognize the gravity of this moment. I recognize the responsibility, the expectations, as well as the scrutiny that comes with this promotion,” she said after her decoration which was streamed on the Army ROTC YouTube channel.
“I also recognize 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 US military before I was even a US 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.”
The Commanding General of the US Army Futures Command, James Rainey, also spoke at the event and praised Amanda and the others who were promoted, describing the position as one for exceptional officers.
“Amanda inspires me. Ever since I met her and started working for her, she is inspirational and I get energy from her,” he said.
“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,” he added.
Amanda, who was born in the United Kingdom to a Nigerian father and a Zimbabwean mother, joined the United States Army in 1994 and became an aviator after passing the Army Aviation Basic Course.
