West Chester native, General David M. Rodriguez, has been chosen by the West Point Society of Philadelphia‘s Board of Directors as this year’s recipient of the General Alexander Haig, “Guardian of Liberty Award.”

General Rodriguez, who graduated from Henderson High School in 1972, is now the Commander of U.S. Africa Command. He will be the honoree and guest speaker at the West Point Society of Philadelphia Founder’s Day Banquet where he will be presented with the Haig Award.

Founder’s Day, which takes place in March or April each year, celebrates the anniversary of the establishment of the US Military Academy in 1802 by Congress and President Jefferson. Many great men who have served the nation with distinction are past recipients of the award, among them former Chief of Staff of the Army, retired General Dennis J. Reimer, former Secretary of the Army Thomas E. White, and the Governor and 1st Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Thomas Ridge.

General Rodriguez became the third commander of USAFRICOM, headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, in April 2013, due to his outstanding military career characterized by selfless service to the nation. His previous assignments include Commanding General of the United States Army Forces Command and Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense.

He also has extensive combat experience including Operation Just Cause in 1989-1990, Desert Shield/Desert Storm in 1990-1991, Commander of the Joint Task Force-82 in Afghanistan in 2007-2008, and Deputy Commander of United States Forces Afghanistan and Commander of International Security Assistance Force Joint Command from 2009-2011.

He has been recognized for his distinguished service to the country with awards and decorations numerous times, including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star.

The 2016 West Point Society of Philadelphia’s Founder’s Day Dinner will take place on April 9th in the Chrystal Tea Room at East Penn Square in Philadelphia. The reception will begin at 6 p.m., and will be followed by a Gala Dinner.

To register for the event go here.