AMCOM General hosts Egyptian military promotion

By Jeanna KirklandJanuary 13, 2015

MG Richardson hosts Egyptian military promotion
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

It was a cold and blustery winter day outside the Sparkman Center at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, but inside the Command Suite of the Aviation and Missile Command, warmth was in the air. The promotion ceremony, honoring Egyptian Foreign Liaison Officer Colonel Aly Hassan Abdelnaby, was a special one; it was the first time that MG James Richardson promoted a Colonel to General.

"I am truly honored to officiate this ceremony today. Becoming a General Officer is a big deal. In your country of Egypt, there are only 22 Generals in the entire country. That makes you the top 1% of your Air Force, your military." stated MG Richardson to BG Aly. "That's a big deal. Your family should be proud, as we are. I know I'm going to remember this day for the rest of my career."

MG Richardson offered this advice to BG Aly; "Many schools teach you how to be a General. But I'd tell you, be yourself, don't change, because that is what got you to where you are today. But on the other hand, mind your P's and Q's, because people are always listening. They listen to you now. When you're a General, policy is actually made, just from what you say. People really listen, so speak with intent."

MG Richardson presented BG Aly with a gift of a George Washington book, one of the greatest Generals of the Army.

BG Aly spoke briefly after receiving his orders. "I'm very proud of this moment, and this ceremony. I'm thankful for General Richardson for hosting this, and consider him a great General. Every decision I have saw him make, from the time I have arrived here, has benefited the Soldier and the War on Terrorism."

"Secondly, I considered myself lucky enough to bring my family here with me, even though it was a small family, we would all be together. But, what I have found is that AMCOM has become my larger family, from Halloween, to Thanksgiving, to Christmas, AMCOM has been there to support us and bring us together."

"Last, and most important, to all of you, thank you for everything you do, whether it is turning screws, publishing papers, research and development or other work, to support the Army on the fight on War on Terrorism. The United States and my country of Egypt have a long political and military history, and as you know, there are many wars in Sinai as we speak right now. We, as a country, could not fight without the assistance and support of the United States, and without everything that you do. We need your continued support against the War on Terrorism, not only for my country, but for the World."

The newly minted BG Aly's family was in attendance, daughters Alyaa and Ola, and son Ahmed, as well as his wife. As in American military tradition, budding roses were presented to Mrs. Aly, to signify the budding relationship, devotion, dedication and timeless efforts to the Soldiers and Families of the Army.

BG Aly has flown approximately 3,000 flight hours in more than six types of aircraft including 2200 hours in the F16. He is a qualified IP and test pilot. He and his family look forward to life in Huntsville, Alabama.