August 6, 2007

Press Release
Kuwait City, Kuwait

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


American Embassy Honors Kuwait’sFirst West Point Graduate



Chargé d’Affaires Alan Misenheimer and the Association of the United States Army - Kuwait hosted a reception at the American Embassy on July 30 for Lieutenant Sabah Mohammad Al Sabah, the first Kuwaiti to graduate from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. U.S. Army Central Commander Lieutenant General Steven Whitcomb and Acting President of the Association of the U.S. Army - Kuwait Mr. Sonny Busa, who is the U.S. Consul, were also present to greet guests and deliver congratulatory remarks to Lt. Sabah.  Lieutenant Colonel Mark Conroe, on behalf of the Association of West Point Graduates, presented Lt. Sabah with a commemorative West Point Academy Clock.  U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates also sent a message of congratulations, which was delivered by Mr. Mark Hamilton of the U.S. Department of Defense on behalf of the Secretary.  

In his remarks, the American Chargé d’Affaires highlighted the special relationship between the United States and Kuwait and commended Lt. Sabah for choosing a career of service to his country.  General Whitcomb expressed his admiration for the honoree for completing an arduous four years of intensive academic, physical and military training at one of the most prestigious military academies in the world.  

Lt. Sabah thanked the United States for the opportunity to study and train at West Point and pledged to use hard-earned new skills in the service of his country. Lt. Sabah graduated from the academy on May 25, 2007, after earning a bachelor’s degree in business management.  His first assignment will be with the Foreign Military Sales office of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense.  

The U.S. Military Academy at West Point is situated on the Hudson River approximately 90 miles north of New York City.  Established in 1802, it was America’s first engineering and military school.  Since its founding West Point has produced many of America’s finest military and civilian leaders, including three American presidents, and four foreign presidents.