Political Quotes

“On September 30, our Nation witnessed a changing of the guard with the retirement of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. John Shalikashvili. General Shali, as he is affectionately known, served this country with honor and distinction for 39 years, rising from the rank of private to the top military post in our Nation, a record that will inspire the next generation. For the past 4 years, as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, he has been the principal military adviser to the President of the United States and the Secretary of Defense during a period when we witnessed a proliferation of new and unknown threats throughout the world. Those in the Senate who have had the privilege of working closely with him during these years of new challenge will always remember and admire his honesty, his sound judgment, and--most importantly--his concern for the men and women of our Armed Forces and their families. During the traditional farewell ceremony at Fort Myer, General Shali was honored with the award of the Medal of Freedom and the earned recognition of President Clinton and Secretary of Defense Cohen.”