| During Black History Month we salute all of our military | | | | this assignment in October 2007. Prior to assuming his |
| men and women serving our country. On January 30, | | | | current position, Commander Ward was Deputy |
| 2010, CNN conducted a live interview with General | | | | Commander, Headquarters US European Command, |
| William E. Ward, commander of U.S. Africa Command, | | | | Stuttgart, Germany. The U.S. Africa Command is one |
| discussing his experiences as the only black four-star | | | | of six unified geographic commands within the |
| general currently serving in the U.S. military. "I look at it | | | | Department of Defense unified command structure. |
| as a chance to demonstrate that you can achieve | | | | He previously served as the Deputy Commanding |
| those things if you set your mind to them, if you apply | | | | General/Chief of Staff, US Army Europe and Seventh |
| yourself in productive ways, if you're prepared to | | | | Army. While in this capacity he was selected by the |
| accept opportunity that comes your way and then | | | | Secretary of State to serve as the United States |
| move on," Ward said during the interview. He was also | | | | Security Coordinator, Israel - Palestinian Authority |
| asked about U.S. Africa Command's role in the Haiti | | | | where he served from March through December |
| disaster relief efforts. Ward explained that an Africa | | | | 2005. |
| Partnership Station vessel that was en route to West | | | | General Ward's awards and badges include: the |
| Africa for military-to-military training events was | | | | Defense Distinguished Service Medal (with Oak Leaf |
| diverted to Haiti along with several African ship-riders | | | | Cluster); the Distinguished Service Medal; the Defense |
| who were on board. Ward was in Atlanta, Georgia to | | | | Superior Service Medal (with two Oak Leaf Clusters); |
| accept the Trumpet Award, which recognizes the | | | | the Legion of Merit (with three Oak Leaf Clusters); the |
| accomplishments of black Americans who have | | | | Defense Meritorious Service Medal; the Meritorious |
| significantly contributed to enhancing the quality of life | | | | Service Medal (with six Oak Leaf Clusters); the Joint |
| for all. The complete CNN transcript is available at | | | | Service Commendation Medal; the Army |
| archives.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1001/30/cnr.01.html | | | | Commendation Medal (with three Oak Leaf Clusters); |
| As our only black American four-star General currently | | | | the Army Achievement Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster); |
| serving in the U.S. Military, he represents the first | | | | the Expert Infantryman's Badge; the Combat |
| General to fulfill the position of USA Commander, U.S. | | | | Infantryman's Badge; and the Master Parachutist |
| Africa Command, Stuttgart, Germany, commencing | | | | Badge. |