They say that anybody can make history; only a great man can write it. Flight Lieutenant Omar Ali of the UK Royal Air Force is such a man.
The Kenya-born Omar became the first Muslim chaplain -Imam, in the Queen's Royal Army.
Appointed back in December 2018, the cleric has been tasked with providing spiritual and welfare support to all soldiers, sailors, airmen and women, and their families, a role he relishes.
Omar studied for his Master's degree in translation studies at Portsmouth University before completing a post-graduate course and joining RAF ranks.
He graduated at the RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire following basic training back on December 14, 2018.
"My role in the RAF as a flagbearer of the Muslim Chaplaincy will see me work with the RAF Chaplaincy branch to negotiate and establish the place of World Faith Chaplaincy within the RAF," a beaming Omar revealed during his passout.
"An overdue and exciting venture that will see me work side by side as a commissioned Muslim chaplain along with colleagues from different faiths," he stated following his historic appointment.
Omar joined the elite group of military men and women around the world whose roots can be traced back to Kenya.
First Lieutenant Fiona Akoth is one such individual after she emerged among the best African women in the US military.
Born and raised in Kenya, where she spent her younger years on the shores of Lake Victoria, Akoth has morphed into one of the best combat pilots in the US Airforce.
“It has been my destiny to become a pilot. My grandfather always told me to never give up on my dream and now here I am,” the first lieutenant once narrated.
In the US Army, Marine Corps, and Air Force, a first lieutenant is a junior commissioned officer. It is just above the rank of second lieutenant and just below the rank of captain.
