African-American general headlines Camp Arifjan celebration

Courtesy Photo | Vibrantly attired dancers perform a native African dance routine during the Black History Month celebration held by Third Army/U.S. Army Central at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Feb. 20.  

CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT

02.20.2007

Courtesy Story

U.S. Army Central   

By Staff Sgt. Houston F. White Jr.

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait -- In acknowledgement of the significant contributions of African-Americans throughout history, a commemoration was held by Area Support Group- Kuwait, Feb. 20 at Camp Arifjan.

Attended by men and women deployed in support of Third Army/U.S. Army
Central, the event featured cultural song and dance, as well as a sketch entitled "From slavery to freedom," in which an interpretation of Abraham Lincoln's abolishment of slavery was performed.

Highlighting the event was special guest speaker Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward, deputy commander, U.S. European Command.

Culminating the program, Ward addressed the enthusiastic crowd of civilian and military personnel, using a combination of historical events and often humorous personal anecdotes to convey the importance of how far America and the military have evolved as a nation and a united family.

"We have come a long way and I am proud to serve on the same team with you, regardless of race or color," he said. "You represent the finest that America has to offer. It is your strength of commitment that makes our country so strong."

A member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity responsible for founding National Negro History Week in 1926, which later went on to be officially established as Black History Month in 1976, the four-star general looks at the success he has achieved as a reflection of his affiliation.

"I'm very proud that I'm a member of the [Omega Psi Phi] fraternity and that Carter G. Woodson started this celebration because of what American history books didn't quite do at that time-which is note the contributions of all of its citizens," said the Baltimore native. "I use that framework as an incentive to continue to be the very best that I can be at what I do."

According to Ward, the prosperous career path the military has led him upon gives him a deeper admiration and gratitude for the African-Americans who paved the way for him to follow.

"My dad served in a segregated Army during World War II," Ward mentioned. "When I graduated from Morgan State University and was commissioned as a lieutenant, he was probably the proudest guy in the world because during his career he didn't see black officers.

Back then, I didn't see [being commissioned] as that big of a deal because I hadn't lived what he had lived," Ward said. "But moving forward after more than 35 years of service I can appreciate his struggle, since what I see today is many additional opportunities for minorities to contribute, take command, obtain education and to take on leadership positions across the board in all of the military services."

Having led a distinguished career despite facing challenges along the way, the general also offered insight into the secret of his success.

"I think that anyone who becomes successful in the military has to overcome hurdles and difficulties," he remarked. "My own personal journey is one that was very fortunate. The road before me wasn't always smooth, but I never wasted time dwelling on the negative. I always set out to overcome adversity and do my very best in spite of it."

• Date Taken: 02.20.2007
• Date Posted: 02.26.2007 09:50
• Story ID: 9239
• Location: CAMP ARIFJAN, KW