Sewell honors A.C. Roper on his retirement

On Wednesday, Congresswoman Terri Sewell spoke on the floor of the Congress to honor the service of A.C. Roper upon his retirement. Roper was the first African-American three star general in the U.S. Army Reserve.

"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," said Rep. Sewell. "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," Sewell continued. "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," said Sewell. "He has received numerous awards and decorations."

Roper, in his civilian life, has also served in law enforcement as the police chief for the City of Birmingham from 2007 to 2017. He served in law enforcement with both the cities of Montgomery and Hoover.

"I got to know Lieutenant General Roper during his time as the Chief of Police for the Birmingham Police Department," said Sewell. "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," said Sewell. "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."

Sewell is in her seventh term representing Alabama's Seventh Congressional District.