Officers honored were Maj. Gen. Saleh al Ameri, commander of United Arab Emirates Land Forces, and Lt. Gen. Leonids Kalnins, chief of defense of Latvian National Armed Forces. Lt. Gen. Michael Lundy, commander of the Combined Arms Center and Fort Leavenworth and commandant of CGSC said he was proud to recognize two warriors who epitomize the profession of arms.
"This is a small and distinguished group. It speaks to their professionalism, their commitment, their character, and their ability to lead Soldiers," Lundy said.
Saleh was the first to be honored. He noted the college's long standing unofficial motto "the best year of your life."
"2006 was the best year of my life from the military education aspect," he said. "Because I spent the entire year with the people who write doctrine, who create leader development strategy, who envision mission command strategy, and who bring to life operational art and military history."
Saleh said he also experienced that best year of his life from a civilian education aspect, earning a master's degree from Central Michigan University; from a social aspect, spending much time with his family; and from a friendship aspect, making lifelong friends.
After several operational experiences with the U.S. Army in Desert Storm, Somalia, Kosovo and Afghanistan, UAE Land Forces started a major transformation in 2012 based on the Joint Capabilities, Integration and Development System. The intent, he said, was to ground military operations in the six warfighting functions: mission command, movement and maneuver, intelligence, fires, sustainment, and protection.
The relationship with the U.S. was reinforced again in 2016 with the establishment of Army-to-Army talks between the two countries. "Ever since, engagement with the U.S. Army has dramatically increased," he said.
According to Saleh, the UAE is conducting successful operations in Yemen as part of an international task force under authority of UN resolution and invitation from the government of Yemen to restore security to Yemen and the region. "Over 87 percent of Yemen is liberated from the control of the Houthi militia, one of the Iranian forces in the region," he said. In addition to the military effort, the UAE has provided over $4 billion in humanitarian aid and reconstruction in Yemen, he said.
"We appreciate the role of the USA to provide security and stability around the world, and the support of the USA to its allies," Saleh said. "In the last 40 years, we were present in the six military coalitions that have been led by the USA. And today, we are combined with partners, shoulder to shoulder, for peace against aggression, for permanence against division, for education against ignorance, and for development against corruption and poverty."
Saleh is the first International Hall of Fame member from Command and General Staff Officers Class 2006-2. He is also the first from that class known to be promoted to general officer rank. There were 26 international students in his class. He was appointed to his current position in 2016.
---
The CGSC International Hall of Fame was established by the college, the Greater Kansas City Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars and the CGSC Foundation in 1973. To be nominated for the International Hall of Fame an officer must be a graduate of CGSC and have attained, by merit, the position of leader of his or her country's army or defense forces. In addition to being inducted into the Hall of Fame, inductees are presented a CGSC certificate of honor by the Military Order of the World Wars and a Life Constituent Certificate by the Foundation. Fifteen International Hall of Fame members have taken responsibility as heads of state or heads of government in their countries.
International military student participation in cooperative military studies in the U.S. originated at Fort Leavenworth with the arrival of Swiss Lieutenant Henri Le Comte in 1894. Since then, international students, representing 165 countries, have become an integral part of the Fort Leavenworth experience. These talented military officers contribute to a rich professional and cultural exchange environment.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE: UAE, LATVIA ADDED TO CGSC INTERNATIONAL HALL OF FAME