Magazine, Making Money The Immigrant Experience
In a poignant display of dedication, hard work, and the American dream, Major Frank Musisi achieved a significant milestone in his military career, ascending from the rank of Major to Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army.
The promotion ceremony, held on August 18, 2023, not only marked a personal achievement for Major Musisi but also resonated as an inspiring testament to the potential of African immigrants and communities of color in the United States.
Major Musisi’s journey is a testament to the ethos of perseverance and achievement that characterize the American military and the nation itself. Born in Uganda, he made his way to the United States over three decades ago, eventually finding his home in the vibrant city of Los Angeles. His decision to serve in the US Army more than two decades ago was not merely a commitment to his adopted homeland but also a testament to his resolute determination to succeed and contribute meaningfully.
The ceremony, held at the Sherman Oaks headquarters of the 420 Movement Control Battalion, was a momentous occasion attended by distinguished guests and well-wishers from near and far.
Presiding over the event was BG Heather A. Reuter, the Commanding General of the Army Reserve Sustainment Command. The ceremony was made all the more special by the presence of COL Steven Hartman (Retired), Major Musisi’s mentor from his time in the JROTC program in the Los Angeles School District.
The support and admiration extended to Major Musisi were tangible, with the Los Angeles Recruiting Battalion, the 79th Theater Sustainment Command, and the 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command leadership all standing by his side as he took this remarkable step in his career. But the true highlight of the ceremony was the participation of Major Musisi’s family. His children – sons Mutenza, Muyinza, Abba, and twin daughters Malaika and Mirembe – had the distinct honor of pinning the Lieutenant Colonel insignia on their father’s uniform, symbolizing not only their pride in his accomplishments but also the passing of the torch of excellence to the next generation.
The event wasn’t just a celebration of Major Musisi’s personal success; it was a celebration of diversity, unity, and the shared dreams of those who, like him, have made America their home.
The guest list was a testament to the wide-reaching impact of Major Musisi’s achievement, with notable attendees including The Honorable Francis Katabazi Katongole, a Member of Parliament from Kalungu East in Uganda, and Owekibwa Fred Ssenoga Makubuya, the representative of the Buganda Kingdom in Los Angeles. Pastors John Baker Katende and Samuel Mutyaba also graced the event with their presence, representing different Christian communities and adding to the event’s spirit of unity and inclusiveness.
In a room filled with over 90 guests, the ceremony was a microcosm of the diverse fabric that makes up the Ugandan and African communities in San Fernando and Los Angeles. But it extended beyond regional and ethnic affiliations, as Major Musisi’s influence and mentorship reached beyond geographical borders. Cadets and service members he had mentored from Texas, Florida, and Massachusetts joined the festivities, showcasing the widespread impact of his dedication and leadership.
As the event came to a close, the atmosphere was one of jubilation and inspiration. Major Frank Musisi’s promotion was not just a personal achievement but a message of hope, resilience, and the limitless potential that comes with dedication and hard work. His journey from a Ugandan immigrant to a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army is a reminder that America’s strength lies in the diversity of its people and their collective pursuit of excellence.
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