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U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, AL-07, spoke Wednesday on the House Floor to honor Lieutenant General A. C. Roper, the former Birmingham Chief of Police and first African American three-star general in the U.S. Army Reserve.
Lieutenant General Roper is retiring after 33 years in law enforcement and 41 years of military service.
Sewell’s statement is below.
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary career and achievements of Lieutenant General A. C. Roper, the first African American three-star general in the U.S. Army Reserve, as he celebrates his retirement from 41 years of service in the United States Army.
“Lieutenant General Roper’s extraordinary career began after he was commissioned in 1983 as a student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He has an extensive military education and received master’s degrees from both the University of Alabama and the U.S. Army War College.
“Throughout his exemplary career, Lieutenant General Roper moved quickly up the ranks and broke down barriers for African Americans serving in the armed forces. On May 14, 2021, he made history as the first African American to become a three-star general in the U.S. Army Reserve.
“Most recently, he served as Deputy Commander of the U.S. Northern Command and Vice Commander of the U.S. Element of North American Aerospace Defense Command at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado. He has received numerous awards and decorations.
“I got to know Lieutenant General Roper during his time as the Chief of Police for the Birmingham Police Department. I was immediately impressed by his firm yet compassionate leadership style that commanded the respect of his fellow officers and endeared him to the Birmingham community.
“Lieutenant General Roper’s reputation has always been one of great purpose and great passion. He is an honorable man, guided by an abiding faith in God and a love of country. On behalf of a grateful nation, I asked my colleagues to join me in celebrating the retirement of Lieutenant General A. C. Roper after 33 years in law enforcement and 41 years of military service.”
