Meet Alidin Bangura: Sierra Leonean-Born Officer Elevated to U.S. Air Force Colonel
By Marcus Bangura
From modest origins to the global stage, Alidin’s Bangura has become a symbol of excellence, proving that true greatness lies in discipline and dedication to duty. He steadily rose through the ranks to become a Colonel in the United States Airforce, one of the highest honours in one of the world’s most elite military institutions. His life is a powerful and compelling testament of a life shaped not merely by one of career progression, but of purpose-driven perseverance, discipline, resilience, perseverance, faith, sacrifice, loyalty, steadfast, vivacious and unwavering commitment to service. Through his unwavering dedication and discipline, he stands as a shining example of what is possible when courage meets opportunity and dedication fuels destiny.
Early Life and Cultural Roots
Born and raised in the heart of Freetown, Sierra Leone within its bustling streets, Alidan Bangura was shaped by both urban resilience and deep ancestral heritage. As a boy, he was nurtured by the spiritual teachings of the National Pentecostal Mission, Fourah Bay branch, a place where faith was not just practiced, but lived. His formative years were deeply influenced by his active participation in the National Pentecostal Mission’s Fourah Bay branch. His commitment to the church remains strong to this day, as a key supporter of its reconstruction and expansion efforts.
His roots are deeply rooted in two of Sierra Leone’s rich and historic regions, Kamakwie in the Sella Limba Chiefdom of Karene District, amidst its rugged, dusty roads, open grasslands and expansive bolilands, and Koinadugu-shaped by its majestic mountains. While his father hailed from Kamagbekabay village in the Koinadugu District, his mother, originated from kamakwie , sella limba chiefdom.Though his father travelled less, his mother frequently took young Alidan on journeys through her chiefdom. These early travels exposed him to Limba traditions, proverbs, and the enduring strength of rural Sierra Leonean culture. These foundational years were filled with stories, village customs, and a respect for elders, experiences that etched in him a strong sense of identity, discipline, and empathy for community. His mother’s frequent travels with him across her chiefdom instilled in Alidan’s profound appreciation for his cultural heritage and the values of community and service.
Migration and Military Calling
In 1990, with dreams of a better life and broader horizons, Alidan migrated to the United States of America. He embraced his new home with determination, working hard to build a future. But it wasn’t until the tragic events of September 11, 2001, that a powerful sense of duty took root. Deeply moved, Alidan made a life-altering decision: to serve the country that had welcomed him. He joined the United States Air Force, and after completing rigorous training, was commissioned as a Lieutenant in 2002. His first major posting was at Travis Air Force Base in California, where his military journey officially began. It wasn’t long before he was called into action overseas. He was deployed to Germany, supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he played a crucial role in the movement of personnel and supplies. Later, he served in Afghanistan, in a far more volatile environment, where he survived multiple mortar attacks during missions, tests of his courage and faith.
Academic and Professional Achievements
Beyond the battlefield and base, Colonel Bangura’s thirst for knowledge has remained unquenched. His commitment to excellence is evident in his academic pursuits. He earned a Master’s degree in Health Care Administration from Trident University in California, graduating cum laude, a mark of academic excellence. His military education is equally impressive. He completed training at two of the Air Force’s most esteemed institutions: the Air Command and Staff College and the Air War College. These programs prepared him for high-level leadership, strategic planning, policy formulation, and interagency coordination. His resume is decorated with numerous military honours and medals, many bearing additional devices that denote repeat recognition, proof of a career built on service, sacrifice, and success
Global Military Footprint and Leadership Growth
Colonel Bangura’s military career spans across multiple continental U.S. bases and several overseas deployments, each offering lessons in strategy, logistics, healthcare operations, and global defence. He has held numerous leadership roles, rising through the ranks with a steady hand and strategic mind.
Currently stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, Colonel Bangura serves as the Chief of the Division of Education and Training under the prestigious 59th Medical Wing, the largest medical wing in the entire U.S. Air Force.
Current Role and Legacy
Currently, Colonel Bangura serves as the Chief of the Division of Education and Training at the 59th Medical Wing, Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. It is the largest medical wing in the entire U.S. Air Force. In this capacity, he oversees the development and implementation of educational programs, enhancing the professional development of thousands of military medical personnel, and ensuring that excellence, preparedness, and innovation remain constant pillars of healthcare delivery within the armed forces. His recent promotion to Colonel is not just a personal milestone but also a beacon of inspiration for many, especially those from his homeland. It underscores the possibilities that arise from dedication, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to service.
A Salute to Legacy and Possibility
Reaching the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Air Force is no ordinary achievement. It places him among a rare cadre of military officers, especially as an immigrant and an African-born service member. His journey inspires not just his fellow Sierra Leoneans, but people across the world who dare to dream beyond borders.
Colonel Alidan Bangura’s life is proof that where you begin does not limit how high you can rise. His path, traced from the dusty roads of Kamakwie to the steel runways of American airbases, is a beacon to youth, to migrants, and to all who serve with integrity.
A Family’s Pride
Behind every successful individual is a support system. Colonel Bangura’s success is shared with his loving family. His wife, a steadfast supporter, proudly celebrated his promotion to Colonel with a heartfelt message:
“I’m overwhelmed with pride and admiration for my husband’s incredible achievement. His promotion is a testament to his tireless work ethic, unwavering dedication, and unrelenting passion. I’m honoured to be his wife, supporter, and biggest cheerleader.”
A Reflection from Sierra Leone
As someone writing from Freetown, Sierra Leone, and from Kamakwie, the homeland that cradles our shared roots—I am deeply inspired by Colonel Bangura’s remarkable rise. His story reflects what is possible when courage meets opportunity, and when identity becomes a bridge, not a barrier. To the youth of Karene, Koinadugu, and across our beloved Sierra Leone, his life reminds us that dreams know no borders, and that excellence is not confined to geography. Colonel Bangura is like a mirror through which we see our own strength, purpose, and the possibilities that lie ahead. He reflects back to us the resilience of our people, the richness of our heritage, and the path we too can walk with dedication and grace. Colonel Bangura is not just an officer—he is a beacon. He is all of us.
—Marcus Bangura
Writer and Media Practitioner, Freetown, Sierra Leone
