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President Julius Maada Bio has on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, conferred Sierra Leone’s prestigious Grand Commander of the Order of Rokel on Major General Paul Rogers of the United States Army during a ceremony marking Armed Forces Day.
The investiture took place at the Julius Maada Bio Parade Ground, where President Bio described the award as recognition of Major General Rogers’ outstanding contributions to Sierra Leone’s peace and security.
According to the presidency, the honor acknowledges Rogers’ support to Sierra Leone during the country’s civil war and his continued efforts in strengthening regional cooperation.
The award also highlights what officials described as the enduring partnership of the United States in Sierra Leone’s post-war reconstruction and national development.
Major General Rogers currently serves as the 34th Adjutant General of Michigan and Director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. In that capacity, he has played a key role in advancing defense collaboration between the United States and Sierra Leone.
In 2024, Rogers was instrumental in establishing the State Partnership Program between the Michigan National Guard and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces. The partnership has focused on enhancing joint training, logistics management, and operational capacity between the two forces.
President Bio’s office stated that Rogers’ leadership record also includes directing the Michigan National Guard’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing statewide activations, testing operations, and vaccination drives.
Over the course of his military career, he has received several decorations, including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, and the Meritorious Service Medal on four occasions.
The Grand Commander of the Order of Rokel is one of Sierra Leone’s highest national honors. It is awarded to individuals who demonstrate exceptional service and dedication to the nation.
By conferring the award, President Bio affirmed what he described as the importance of sustained military cooperation and regional stability. The president said the recognition symbolizes both Rogers’ personal achievements and the strengthening ties between Sierra Leone and the United States.
The Armed Forces Day ceremony brought together senior government officials, military officers, diplomats, and invited guests to commemorate the occasion and reaffirm Sierra Leone’s commitment to peace, security, and international partnership.
