MONTGOMERY, Ala — Breaking gender and race barriers, a woman is making history by being the first African American woman promoted to brigadier general in the Alabama National Air Guard.
Brigadier General Tara McKennie was promoted from the rank of colonel. According to the Alabama Governor's Office, McKennie will be the Alabama Army and Air National Guard's first African American general officer.
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The Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives in Limestone County has a new home, and on Memorial Day, the museum opened with a soft launch. It moved from its former location on Pryor Street, to just feet away to a larger space.
"When you have a patriotic state and a patriotic community, funding becomes much easier. So, we're very excited about the new move," says Alabama Veterans Museum Board of Directors President, Jerry Crabtree.
What was planned to open about ten months ago, was pushed back due to the pandemic. But, the wait is over. Leaders say the soft launch of Alabama Veterans Museum on Memorial Day is especially meaningful.
"We had about 400 people today at the Memorial Day program which is outstanding. It shows our community supports not only our veterans, but supports this museum, and supports those who paid the ultimate sacrifice," says Mayor Ronnie Marks for the City of Athens.
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