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Former Joint Chiefs Chairman Honored by Alma Mater
American Forces Press Service ^ | Sgt. Sara Wood, USA

Posted on 11/10/2006 3:16:53 PM PST by SandRat

MANHATTAN, Kan., Nov. 10, 2006 -- A Kansas State University building in which a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff once studied was named in his honor at a ceremony here yesterday.

Click photo for screen-resolution image
Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld speaks during the dedication ceremony of the Gen. Richard B. Myers Hall at Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kan., Nov. 9. Photo by James M. Bowman  '(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Retired Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers, who served as the 15th chairman, graduated from KSU in 1965, where he was a member of the Air Force ROTC. The university renamed the Military Science Building, which houses the Air Force and Army ROTC programs, Gen. Richard B. Myers Hall.

"I had no idea that the circle of my last phase of life would be complete by naming a building after me," Myers said at the dedication ceremony. "his is an especially nice honor to be here."

Myers, a Merriam, Kan., native, holds a part-time appointment at KSU as a foundation professor of military history and leadership.

Attending the ceremony was Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, under whom Myers served as chairman. Rumsfeld praised the decision to name a building after Myers, saying it was a pleasure and privilege to work with him for so many years.

"This man is a great patriot," Rumsfeld said. "He's an outstanding officer, and he is a consummate gentleman, and that is a nice combination."

Rumsfeld noted that Myers' achievements are many, but he told one particular story that demonstrated Myers' dedication to his duty as chairman. On a rainy day in Arlington National Cemetery last year, Myers attended a remembrance ceremony for families of deceased servicemembers, Rumsfeld said. Long after the crowds had dispersed, Myers stayed behind, talking with every family member individually, he recalled.

"Here's the man who was the senior military officer in the United States of America and without question the most important military officer on the face of the Earth, and there was nothing more important in his life than standing there, visiting with each family member who wanted to talk," Rumsfeld said.

Myers said he drew much of his inspiration from his days in the ROTC program at KSU. It was in the same building now being named after him that Myers learned what he wanted to do with his life, and it was the Air Force ROTC that gave him the opportunity to participate in a flight introduction program, he noted. "All of a sudden, my life took on a new meaning," he said.

Numerous military and university leaders attended the ceremony. Myers thanked them all for attending, but paid special attention to the Air Force and Army ROTC cadets who stood at the back of the crowd.

"These are the future of our great country in many, many ways," he said. "They have dedicated their lives to public service; they have dedicated their lives to serving our country and, if called upon, to risk it all."

Rumsfeld also noted the building's significance in shaping future military leaders. The things the cadets learn here -- leadership, duty and integrity -- will be the things they retain throughout their military careers, he said.

"To the students here, you are joining a U.S. military that is the most professional, the best trained, the best equipped, the best led in our nation’s history, and certainly the best on the face of the Earth," Rumsfeld said. "And that's in no small part a tribute to Dick Myers. He has helped to give you a force that is respected, it's appreciated for what it is, and let there be no doubt, it is a force for good in our world."



TOPICS: Culture/Society; US: Kansas
KEYWORDS: almamater; former; honored; jcs

1 posted on 11/10/2006 3:16:54 PM PST by SandRat
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To: 91B; HiJinx; Spiff; MJY1288; xzins; Calpernia; clintonh8r; TEXOKIE; windchime; Grampa Dave; ...

Gen Meyer's Honored


2 posted on 11/10/2006 3:17:23 PM PST by SandRat (Duty, Honor, Country. What else needs to be said?)
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To: SandRat
A great General - tall, smart, dignified, and brave.

The Americans who voted Democrat or Libertarian on Tuesday don't deserve to live in the same nation as this man.

3 posted on 11/10/2006 4:38:08 PM PST by SkyPilot
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To: SandRat

How kewl. I graduated from KSU ARMY ROTC the next year, 1966.


4 posted on 11/10/2006 5:22:59 PM PST by LiteKeeper (Beware the secularization of America; the Islamization of Eurabia)
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To: snugs; Wolfstar
"This man is a great patriot," Rumsfeld said. "He's an outstanding officer, and he is a consummate gentleman, and that is a nice combination."

Rumsfeld noted that Myers' achievements are many, but he told one particular story that demonstrated Myers' dedication to his duty as chairman. On a rainy day in Arlington National Cemetery last year, Myers attended a remembrance ceremony for families of deceased servicemembers, Rumsfeld said. Long after the crowds had dispersed, Myers stayed behind, talking with every family member individually, he recalled.

"Here's the man who was the senior military officer in the United States of America and without question the most important military officer on the face of the Earth, and there was nothing more important in his life than standing there, visiting with each family member who wanted to talk," Rumsfeld said.

Thought you might include this in an upcoming Dose. Gen. Myers, (USAF, RET) is still my hero.

Thanks.

TNT

5 posted on 11/10/2006 11:02:09 PM PST by TruthNtegrity (What happened to "Able Danger" and any testimony by Col Schaffer?)
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To: TruthNtegrity

Did you see that I pinged you the photos of General Myers at this event with Rummy on the dose (9th November 2006) I thought you would want to see them.


6 posted on 11/11/2006 4:12:55 AM PST by snugs ((An English Cheney Chick - BIG TIME))
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