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John Shalikashvili Obituary
Shalikashvili died Saturday morning at Madigan Army Medical Center in Washington state following complications from a stroke suffered on August 2004 that paralyzed his left side.
President Barack Obama said Saturday that the United States lost a "genuine soldier-statesman," adding in a statement that Shalikashvili's "extraordinary life represented the promise of America and the limitless possibilities that are open to those who choose to serve it."
The native of Poland held the top military job at the Pentagon in the Clinton administration from 1993 to 1997, when the general retired from the Army. He spent his later years living near Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., and worked as a visiting professor at Stanford University's Center for International Security and Cooperation.
Clinton pointed out that "Gen. Shali" made the recommendations that sent U.S. troops into harm's way in Haiti, Rwanda, Bosnia, the Persian Gulf and a host of other world hotspots that had proliferated since the end of the Cold War.
"He never minced words, he never postured or pulled punches, he never shied away from tough issues or tough calls, and most important, he never shied away from doing what he believed was the right thing," Clinton said.
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said in a statement that he relied on Shalikashvili's advice and candor when he served as Clinton's chief of staff during the foreign policy crises in Haiti, the Balkans and elsewhere.
"John was an extraordinary patriot who faithfully defended this country for four decades, rising to the very pinnacle of the military profession," Panetta said. "I will remember John as always being a stalwart advocate for the brave men and women who don the uniform and stand guard over this nation."
In a farewell interview with The Associated Press in 1997, Shalikashvili said American military and civilian authorities need to cooperate more when they decide to get involved in such trouble spots, because so much of what the military is asked to do involves humanitarian or peacekeeping operations.
For example, he said, the military might need assistance from the Justice Department to help set up police forces, or advice from the State Department on economic aid.
"We know the agencies, but who is responsible for coordinating it, bringing it all in at the right time?" he said. "Haiti, Bosnia, Rwanda, even Somalia, showed us these things go forward from the first day, and there is no coordinator."
Shalikashvili was head of the Joint Chiefs when the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy on gays in the military was adopted. He had argued that allowing homosexuals to serve openly would hurt troop morale and undermine the cohesion of combat units. Years later, though, he said that he changed his mind on the issue after meeting with gay servicemen.
"These conversations showed me just how much the military has changed, and that gays and lesbians can be accepted by their peers," Shalikashvili wrote in a January 2007 New York Times opinion piece.
Earlier in his career, under the first President George Bush, Shalikashvili served as NATO's supreme allied commander and also commander in chief of all U.S. armed forces in Europe. At the end of the first Gulf War, he was in charge of the Kurdish relief operation in Iraq.
In 2004, Shalikashvili also served on a senior military advisory group to the campaign of Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry, as did another former NATO commander, Gen. Wesley Clark.
Not long before his stroke, Shalikashvili spoke at the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston, saying, "I do not stand here as a political figure. Rather, I am here as an old soldier and a new Democrat."
Shalikashvili was born June 27, 1936, in Warsaw, the grandson of a czarist general and the son of an army officer from Soviet Georgia. He lived through the German occupation of Poland during World War II and immigrated with his family in 1952, settling in Peoria, Ill.
He learned English from watching John Wayne movies, according to his official Pentagon biography, and he retained a distinctive Eastern European accent.
Shalikashvili, who studied engineering at Bradley University in Peoria, enrolled in the Air Force Reserve ROTC, but his eyes were not good enough to be a pilot, according to a Defense Department biography.
He became a U.S. citizen in 1958 and was drafted months later. In addition to being the first foreign-born Joint Chiefs chairman, he was the first draftee to rise to the top military job at the Pentagon, the Defense Department said.
"He knows how to put combat power together, understands policy options and will also be highly regarded by the troops," retired Col. Roy Alcala, who worked with Shalikashvili in the Pentagon, said in 1993.
Shalikashvili was the 13th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The current chairman, Adm. Mike Mullen, said Shalikashvili "skillfully shepherded our military through the early years of the post-Cold War era, helping to redefine both U.S. and NATO relationships with former members of the Warsaw Pact."
Shalikashvili and his wife, Joan, moved to Steilacoom, near the Army's then-called Fort Lewis south of Tacoma, Wash., in 1998.
Shortly after Shalikashvili was tabbed by Clinton, the Simon Wiesenthal Center said documents it found indicated the general's late father, Dimitri Shalikashvili, collaborated with the Nazis during World War II. The center said it found the elder Shalikashvili's unpublished writings in the archives of Stanford 's Hoover Institution.
Shalikashvili is survived by his wife Joan, their son, Brant, and other family members.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
Memories and Condolences
for John Shalikashvili
88 Entries
Teresa Walker
December 28, 2012
Sir,
I remember when you came to 9th Infantry Division (motorized) at Fort Lewis, WA. I met you on several occasions as a PFC and Specialist. Your staff always asked me not to bother you and to stay away from you, but you always went out of your way and THANKED me for the great job I was doing (installing wires systems, telephones, facsimile machines, and working in the ICPs, integrated Command Posts and DMain Command Post area. Thank you for being kind to me.
You are at your HIGHEST position, now -with the Ultimate Commander. Salute!
To the family - may God Bless and keep you now, forever and always.
W Walker
October 7, 2011
When I received my Regular Officer Commission at the Eisenhower Mem'l in the Pentagon, Shali + JCS [except McPeak] stopped as they were walking by and viewed my ceremony. He was a very busy man at that time--and I've never forgotten his high-class act of stopping for one AF Captain on a special day.
Kirt Holder
October 6, 2011
The US Army is so much better because of this man's military leadership/people skills. He believed in his man and woman and lead always from the front...may God know he has one of the finest persons to ever lived and meant so much to so few of the people who served under him and had the great opportunity to work with. A military leader who set the bar high for all to follow. The US Air Force has "3-Core Valves"... Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence in all we do. A standard I believe he was all about in or out of uniform. RIP Sir!!
Youngking Liu
October 3, 2011
I was Gen. Shali's boyhood friend. I was an 18-year foreign scholarship student at Bradley University, Peoria, IL and he was a 16-year DP from Europe. We met at the tennis court, which was near his house. After he beat me in tennis, I was often invited to his house for a cool drink. There I a met his family: mother, father,brother and sister. He beat me in tennis fair and square, but he kept talking about my good shoots to ease my disappointment. In the two-plus years we "palled" with each other, he was always the diplomat. I heard that in the ensuing 40+ years, when we lost touch with each other after my graduation, he was always giving credit to others in the Army and especially when he was the chief
archetect of the policy and its implementation. We connected again when he became Cammander at SHAPE and hand wrote me a note which I framed and treasured. I am probably amongst a handful of people who can call him Johnny without fear of being disrespectful. My condolences to his wife, Joan and son, Brent, who cared for him during the difficult years post-stroke. I will say goodbye at the Arlington National Cemetery in the company of your biographer, Andrew Marble. King
Steve Greene, SFC. Ret.
September 17, 2011
R.I.P. General, it was an honor to serve under your Command. What a DISTINGUISHED General, May you rest in peace.. HOORAHH
David Land
September 4, 2011
Miss Joan, I think I said all that needs to be said about the "Boss" in my email. All of these entries bear witness to how General Shali was loved and will be missed. I look forward to seeing and reading his biography. And not a day will pass that I don't remember the time I had the pleasure of serving with and for him. And so it is in print, in my most humble opinion, he had one heck of a fine wife in you. You gave to this country and I will never forget you either!! God Bless General Shali, God Bless You and your family, and God Bless America!!!
Don Sparks
August 24, 2011
Attention!I had the Honor of being the Generals driver in 1980-1981 when he was the Divarty Cmdr. for the 1ST AD.He was simply the, Most Amazing General,I will never forget the Sacrafices he and His Family have Made!As a Minnesota PGR Member its about HONOR,DIGNITY,RESPECT!KEEP YOUR POWDER DRY SIR! Don Sparks
Kenneth Board
August 21, 2011
I never met the General, but I stood a flag line with the Patriot Guard at his funeral service, and was invited to attend his funeral by his wife, in Tacoma, WA. What an incredible man he was. Our nation not only lost a great soldier, but also a great diplomat who was able to make his points in firm, but respectful manner. I was honored to to be part of his service. RIP General, and God Bless America!!
Andrew Marble
August 11, 2011
As Gen. Shali's biographer, I've appreciated reading all these memories of this great man. Please know that there will be a funeral in Arlington National Cemetery for Gen. Shali in October.
www.shalibiography.com
George Van Laethem
August 11, 2011
I worked for Gen Shalikashvili in the 1st Battalion 84th Field Artillery. He was the finest battalion commander I ever had and the one that I measured all others by. I will always remember the day I fell in the recoil pit on the DNA inspection. I looked up at him and he smiled at me and said to get back to work. I have few heros in my life, but General Shalikashvili is one. Our country is better off because of brave, honest, and dedicated patriots such as him.
Kenneth and Lucia Eubanks
August 8, 2011
Dear Joan and Brent, please accept our deepest condolences for the loss of General Shali. The world has lost a great man and a great soldier, Kenneth and me have lost a great friend. We will never forget the twinkle in his eyes and his great sense of humor, but most of all we will never forget how he made us feel. He will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Rest in Peace General Shali
Cynthia Hernton
August 5, 2011
Great pleasure to have worked for a GREAT man. As a caregiver, it had never dawned on me who I was working for. Although, I would hear and see the reations of others as we went out in the community. People would greet the General with great joy to be in his presence or to meet him. When I worked for him on a daily basis, not knowing the history of this Great man. He was still GREAT just as a person. RIP my friend. It was an honor to part of the family. Thank you Joan and Bryant for this opportunity. He will be missed deeply. I will cherish every moment we have shared.
Stewart Wright
August 2, 2011
While I will be unable to attend the Memorial Service in Tacoma on Saturday for my former Battalion Commander on Saturday, I will go a National Cemetery near my home on Saturday to pay my respects the finest Soldier I had the honor of serving with:
John M Shalikashvili.
Rest In Peace General Shali.
Sgt. Wright
C Btry 1/84th Field Artillery
1973-1977
Jack and Myrt Hurley
July 31, 2011
Myrt and I offer our heartfelt condolences to Joan and Brant on the passing of General Shaili. I was truly honored to have served under General Shalikashvili while stationed at SHAPE Belgium during his tenure as SACEUR. Through our teary eyes looking back, I remember Joan and the General comforting me after the passing of my dad in 1992 while we were on an official visit to the Ukraine. Myrt and I also recall the time there was an insufficient quantity of “Hot Pockets” in the Cheivrers Air Force Base commissary. Joan expressed her concern because of the number of teenagers living at SHAPE and the lack of sufficient Hot Pockets that all kids including Brant and our son Matthew really enjoyed. I just happened to see the commissary manager several days later by chance and he told me to let the General and his wife know that an extra large order of Hot Pockets was enroute. I also remember going golfing with Brant and General Shali smiling and saying to me “do you think we have another Arnold Palmer here?”
General Shali loved his wife and son very much. They both shared a common concern for the quality of life of the many military and civilian families under his charge. I really can’t speak with authority about his embodiment as a military strategist, but charged with the responsibilities of SACEUR and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff speaks for itself. General Shali will always be remembered by me as the epitome of a loving husband, father, and military officer whose caring leadership was felt throughout the ranks of all services. Numbers 6:24-26
Donald Jordan
July 31, 2011
Dear Joan and Brent: Our prayers go out to you and your family at the passing of General Shalikashvili. We have such warm memories of him while in Heidelberg. He and you Joan open your home to us and the Heidelberg Soccer Team, and the following morning the General invited Pat, Donna and I to take a walk with him behind your home. That time we spend with him on that walk will never ever be forgotten. Donna and other members of that soccer team have been posting their memories of the General on Face Book.
We hold you in prayer:
Donald, Pat and Donna Jordan
Joyce Benoit-Dastous
July 31, 2011
To Joan and Brant, It was a honor and a pleasure getting to know you while caring for the General in his final days. I'm sorry, but he is at peace now. I will never forget the stories, I truly enjoyed getting to know all of you. Thank you for that honor.
July 29, 2011
Dear Joan and Brant,
Our hearts are saddened by the news of the General's passing. We had the pleasure of getting to know you all back in 1985 in Nuerenberg, Germany when Jim was the General's Executive Officer and you, Joan, worked alongside him with your duties as a dedicated Officer's wife and loving mother to Brant.
Please know you are all in our prayers for comfort in the year's ahead. You have all served this country and have given much more than most will ever know.
Thank you General, Joan and Brant. We will not forget your dedication to working towards the cause of peace.
Kind Regards,
LTC (Retired) James and Marie Durbin
Stephen Peck
July 28, 2011
I am proud to have served under General Shali 30 years ago when he was commander of the 1st Armored Division Artillery. He epitomized everything that a leader should be.
Edward Rowny
July 27, 2011
Gen Shalikashvili was an outstanding soldier and a fine gentleman. He cared not only for the welfare of his own men, but for the people he was protecting.
Warm Regards,
Former Amb.Edward L. Rowny (LTG)
Erin McFarlin Kunigisky
July 27, 2011
To the Shalikashvili family,
What an honor to have shared your lives with such a man and each other! I only met Gen. Shali a few times and not in an official capacity. I went to school with his nephew David and met his Uncle John a time or two in Carlisle. Thank you for your service, for your American story and for your heart. Old soldiers never die, they just defend us from higher ground. Thank you for all you gave to others.
Mike McKee
July 26, 2011
What a Great Man and Great Leader!
As a young Air Force Major during Gen Shali's tour at SHAPE, I handled all the Budgetary "stuff" while planning the Bosnia-Herzegovina effort in the early 90's. I was breifing him with all the NATO Generals/Admirals around his conference table when Gen Shali said, "Mike, how is NATO going to pay for all this" and I said, "we are going to cut your helicopter support!"...as a joke. No one laughed except Gen Shali, and he went on to tell all his Generals (both Foreign and American) why "they make him fly that helicopter to and from his residence....." I said, "Sir, I was just kidding!" Sweat running down my back, as my Air Force 3 Star bored holes in my head with his eyes...and Gen Shali put his hand on my arm and said, " I know son, it's just a sore subject with me, I wish I could cut it too!"
After the briefing, my Air Force 3 Star said to me, "2 too many charts, and ONE to many jokes!"
Gen Shali was a great leader of men!
I loved it when I would see him jogging around SHAPE, and seeing him and Mrs. Shali shopping and pushing a cart in the commissary just like us common folk.
It showed their character that they never lost touch with the basic soldier and/or airman....you follow folks like this naturaly anywhere!
ALVIN INGRAM
July 26, 2011
MAY GOD BLESS GEN SHAK....SGT MAJ INGRAM
LTC (Ret) David and Catherine, Jessica and Alexis Hammond
July 26, 2011
You will always be remembered by our family. Thank you for all you have done for us and the people of the USA.
Udaja sie z Bogiem i odpoczywaja w pokoje.
July 26, 2011
I befriended John when he arrived at my Peoria Central H.S., knowing little English. We became good friends and renewed that friendship and exchanged correspondence when he became chmn of the Joint Chiefs.
Ron Streibich
David Walling
July 26, 2011
I served under his command at Ft. Lewis, Wa. in 1987-1989. A co 15th Combat Engineer Battalion, 9th ID. He was the ID commander. I remember the Division 3 mile run he had organized. We started at the airfield and ended at Post HQ. Many a fond memory of him and his command. Proud to say he was MY Commander!
LTC(Ret) Charles T Dalbec
July 26, 2011
God Bless General Shalikashvili and his family forever.
Ed Ward
July 26, 2011
We will miss a dedicated patriot and a wise,gratious and compelling General Officer.Gen Shali rest in peace...a job so well done. Fort Lewis to the Pentagon through Somalia. God Bless all. Ed and Leota Ward
Henryk Zaleski USN-Retired
July 26, 2011
God rest your soul general. Old soldiers never die, they just fade away.
David F
July 26, 2011
Be thou at peace.
haley hillton
July 26, 2011
Brant and Joan, I only met Gen Shali one time. I am so sorry for your loss and know this must be so difficult, especially for you Brant. Working with you in years gone by, I know how much you cared about your father ... as well as how difficult it is to lose a father. There is no experience like it. I am so glad you were able to bee there for him. Blessings, love & light ... haley
Joan Wilson
July 25, 2011
Heartfelt condolences to the Shali's family. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. May the God of comfort be with you at this time. 2 Corinthians 1: 3, 4.
Joe Patterson
July 25, 2011
Sorry to learn of John's passing. From our days of Fort Bliss.
Joe and Cynthia
Jan Hlavaty-LaPosa
July 25, 2011
Joan and Brant please accept my sincere condolences. Often you hear of the death of a famous person and simply think "Oh that's too bad." and go on with your daily business. When I heard the news about General Shali's passing, I truly felt the loss. My husband and I (both retired now) reminisced about his time at FT Lewis. He was such an honorable and respectable man and yet not afraid to show his sense of humor. Some officers are given respect due to their rank. I think almost everyone who ever served with General Shali would say he was given the respect first because of the man he was and second because of his rank.
Judy Dubberly
July 25, 2011
I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Gen Shali and Joan in Bremerhaven Germany in the 90's. I appreciate the dedication he had for his country. Joan I offer to you and family my condolence. Peace to all.
Bremerhaven Thrift Shop Manager
Gay & Erik van Brero
July 25, 2011
To the family of General Shali - please accept my families heartfelt sympathy. General Shali has left a legacy of selfless service to our Nation.
I first met the Shalis' the day they moved into family quarters at Patrick Henry Village, Heidelberg, Germany in the 1989-90 timeframe. He and I sat on the edge of the curb chatting while the engineer staff was getting the hosue ready and the household goods were being delivered on an early Saturday morning. Just chatting. What I did not realize was that I was just chatting with a 3-star, DCINC!! As the Housing Manager at Fort Myer, Virginia, I again had the pleasure of renewing our relationship with General and Mrs. Shali while they were living in Quarters 6, Fort Myer, and he was serving as our Chairman, Joint Chief of Staff. It was indeed an honor and privilege to serve them both. God Bless.
Sgt. White
July 25, 2011
I had the privelige to serve under General Shalikashvili here on Fort Lewis in 1988-89 in the 9th ID Motorize. He brought a great amount of pride to our Unit and he also order that the Div song be "God Bless the USA" by Lee Greenwood. God Bless the General and my prayers to his family.
Paul McFarland
July 25, 2011
I had the privelige to serve under General Shalikashvili while stationed at SHAPE and will always remember his great leadership, his caring and sense of humor. My family and I offer our deepest condolences.
Richard Duslack
July 25, 2011
Z bogiem.
John Grindle
July 25, 2011
Old soldiers never die !! Thank you for your service, John Grindle USA
Dave USN Special Operations ret'd
July 25, 2011
Fair winds and following seas, my friend.
T.Mike Cegielski, MAJ, USAF/USA Ret
July 25, 2011
Dobry Jezu a nasz Panie - daj Mu wieczne spoczywanie.
July 25, 2011
David Harris
US Army
Retired
Kathy Grabowenski-Gardner
July 25, 2011
Ms. Shali, I had the pleasure of being a student of yours when you taught at Jefferson High School in the late 60's. Your husband was so impressive and such a great man. My condolences to you and your family.
James Calvin, Capt (ret.), USAF
July 25, 2011
Gone from this life, but never forgotten. I served under you, sir, 1993-1997, and retired the same year you retired. Thank you and God bless you for your duty to our beloved country and planet Earth.
Bill Craighead
July 25, 2011
We thank General "Shelly" for his service and courage. Let his legacy be a shining example for all!
MSG{retired|} James blackwood
July 25, 2011
Thanks for your service Sir!!! Our country is grateful for your sacrifice and leadership
John E. Bartos
July 24, 2011
To the Shalikashvili Family: Our deepest sympathies to each of you on your great loss. Shali was a great man, compatriot, and friend as well as a great military leader. From the day I met him when we were students at Bradley University and competed against each other in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, I KNEW he was marked for greatness. Without question, he has made an indelible impression on the history of the world. He will be remembered by those who follow him. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to both of you.
July 24, 2011
RIP General.....
Andrew McFarland
July 24, 2011
The kindness and character of General Shali, and his family, have always been appreciated and fondly remembered by my family and I. Sending our heartfelt prayers and condolensces to Joan and Brent.
HANK DODSON
July 24, 2011
worked for General Shalikashvili in Nurnberg Military Community, when he was a Brigidair General, and I was Chief of the computor center . Jay Garner was a Col then. Oh so long ago, 1985/86 time frame and he was also the Assistant Division Commander for the 1st Armored Division, RIP General Shali. Hank Dodson
Don Inderlied (fomer 1st Lt. US Army Infantry)
July 24, 2011
I had the honor and privilege to serve with then Major Shalikashvili in 1968-1969 in Tri Phong District Northern I-Corp South Vietnam. He was our MACV Team Leader. No finer Officer and Gentleman did I have the opportunity to serve under and learn from. I have thought of him often over these many years. He is a credit to his family, his country and the US Army - he will be missed. Thank you for your leadership. Rest in Peace
Mary Luckey (formerly Gavalas)
July 24, 2011
I knew both General Shali and Joan many years ago in what was called West Germany at the time. General Shali was serving as the Commander of Division Artillery (DIVARTY) for the 1st Armored Division in Zirndorf, and I was a young Army wife of one month. Their kindness and wisdom helped me more than I can ever explain. I will always remember them fondly! My condolences to Joan and the family. May God bless you all!
Gerald Kluch
July 24, 2011
My profound sympathies to the Generals' family and your leadership and advise will be missed. Thank YOU for your service to OUR country.
Carol Sondej
July 24, 2011
To The Sahlikasvili family
Sorry for your loss. As a fellow Pole (my parents were born in Poland), I'm very proud when Polish people attain great accomplishments, such as Pope John Paul II and the General. RIP i dowidzienia (sp).
Harold/Mary Gilmore
July 24, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are for Gen Shali's family in their loss.We did not know him but knew his brother well while at Penn State and the Army War College.
Bob Kater
July 24, 2011
No words can possibly say thank you for your's and your families service to our country. It is surely a better place because of you. RIP
Lea Holcomb
July 24, 2011
My thoughts, prayers and condolences are with Gen. Shali's family.
Our son remembering our Veterans, as we will always remember John Shalivkashvili
Chelle McIntyre-Brewer
July 24, 2011
The memories of this family in SHAPE with the Shalikashvilis will always be cherished. The McIntyres send their love and affection. John will be missed by so many, but alive in all of our hearts.
July 24, 2011
Rest In Peace, General Shalikashvili! I had the honor to meet the great officer in Heidelberg while he was the Deputy Commander of USAREUR. He was an excellent officer and had the respect of all of his troops.
CW3 (ret) J. M. Boucher
MSG Clyde Vaughan(RET)
July 24, 2011
It was my great honor to serve with GEN
Shali(Then COL Shali) in 1AD Arty in 1978.
We spent many a COLD night in the TOC as
I was in the S3 section them. He was a GREAT officer to work for.
Kristin Steinke
July 24, 2011
Dear Mrs. Shali and Brant,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I so enjoyed serving under Gen Shali and getting to know this honorable man, loving husband and father and devoted American. I remember when Gen Shali replaced Gen Galvin as SACEUR, and the day President Clinton asked him to continue his service as CJCS...he put away all those home plans that were spread across his desk (since you were planning to retire after the SACEUR tour) and when I asked him how it went on his trip to DC and if he was still planning to build that house in Washington he said, "When your president asks you to do a job, you say yes."
My tour at SHAPE was made special as I got to know your family. I will mourn this great man and I grieve for you as I know how much your family loved each other. Mrs. Shali, I know your heart aches now for your beloved husband, please know that you are in the hearts and prayers of everyone you touched.
I was honored to know Gen Shali, may he rest in peace.
God Speed!
Kristin Steinke (formerly Sanders)
USAF, Ret.
Paula W. Blair
July 24, 2011
Truly a loss to the Nation! I am so sorry for his loss. I pray for his Family and Friends.
Peace of Christ,
Paula Wyatt Blair, LTC
Frank Cisneros
July 24, 2011
Thank you Sir.
July 24, 2011
1LT Shalikashvili was an instructor of mine in 1960 at Ft Benning, GA. The entire class was always happy to see him. We all felt that he was a very fine officer. I have thought of him often over the past 50 years. All the Way, General. Jimmy Mallory, Berlin, MD
The Day Family
July 24, 2011
To the Shalikashvili Family,
Our family thanks you for your father's (and your) service to our great nation.
David& Badema Johnson
July 24, 2011
I did not know the General, but I did see as a UN Police Officer the destruction of the War in the FRY. America with the advice from this general to President Clinton stopped the genocide. I met my wife there and she will tell you everyone talked but America the stopped the war in short order, and saved thousands of lives
The Bible says God bless the Peacemakers for they shall inherit the earth. Well General in Bosnia you did more than anyone will ever know. On behalf of my wife and the Bosnian people I salute you
David and Badema Johnson
Stuart Florida
Valerie Moench
July 24, 2011
Joan and family - Sorry to hear of Shali's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It was an honor to have known him and you during his command at Fort Lewis.
Dave Johnson
July 24, 2011
Thank you Sir, For your service.
July 24, 2011
R.I.P.
Larry Phillips
July 24, 2011
I am terribly saddened to hear the news of GEN Shalikashvili's passing. I worked for him as a civilian budget analyst in Vicenza, Italy in 1979. Throughout my 32 year career I never encountered anyone like him. He earned my respect and all those around him. He was truly a great man.
A G
July 24, 2011
You will never be forgotten, and you'll always have a place in our American history. Thank you for a job "Well Don!"
David Wesneski
July 24, 2011
David E. Wesneski, MSG, USA, Retired, 1981-2003
USN Retired
July 24, 2011
You deserve a "well-done."
Ben Kinlaw
July 24, 2011
We are eternally grateful for the service of the General to our country.
He personified the "American Dream" and our great country afforded him the opportunity to live the Dream.
Our prayer is that God will comfort the family in your time of sorrow, and you remain in our thoughts and prayers.
SCOTT CHAMBERLAND
July 24, 2011
REST IN PEACE
CARL RIZZO
July 24, 2011
FADE AWAY SLOWLY,GENERAL!
YOUR HOPES AND DREAMS REMAIN
WITH AMERICA.BUT THE BEST IS STILL
AHEAD OF US THANKS TO SOLDIERS
LIKE YOU.
CARL COSIMO RIZZO
[email protected]
R. Reed
July 24, 2011
I had the distinct honor of meeting and dining with Gen. Shali in the fall of '92 at an AF NCO graduation banquet and remember his great sense of humor. I was very proud of serving my country under his leadership as SACEUR and then as the Chairman, JCS. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him. May God bless all his family and friends and comfort them during this difficult time.
July 24, 2011
My father, the late BG Otis D Jones served with the great man. When he was appointed to the JC, my father made it a point that not only did we know how to pronounce his name, bbut also to know his journey. I had the good fortune of meeting him once in Germany, but I was was a 15yr old kid who didn''t realize the significance of the event.
From the entire family of Otis D. Jones, Doris M. Jones, Renee {jones} Williams, William Patrick Jones, James Jones, David Jones. We send our deepest condolences,
And a salute to an officer and a gentleman
Joaquin Meris
July 24, 2011
My sincerest condolences to the Shalikashvili family.
RIP General Shali, I salute you and bid you a final Hooah!
J.E. Meris MSG/E8 (Ret) U.S. Army
(Served in Heidelberg, Germany 1989-1992)
Joaquin Meris
July 24, 2011
My condolences to the Shalikashvili family.
May God Bless you and Keep you.
RIP General Shali, I salute you and bid you a final Hooah!
(I served in Heidlberg, Germany - 1989-1992)
J.E. Meris
(E8/MSG - U.S.Army/Retired)
July 23, 2011
Thanks for your service to our country. Airborne all the way general. Mario Tirado(RET 1sgt)
Gordon Despot
July 23, 2011
To the family of General Shalikashvili:
May your memories comfort you in this most difficult time.
I was proud to serve with and for "General Shali" when he was CG 9th ID and later when he was SACEUR, "General Shali" was a soldiers General and a real American patriot.
My sincere condolences.
Robyn Highbarger
July 23, 2011
Rest in peace, sir. Job well done. It was an honor to serve in the same Army.
Seamus Matteo
July 23, 2011
In gratitude for the good General's service, patriotism and play-by-the-rules achievements.......Now there's a playbook for all those inclined to heed such.....A manifestation of a life illustrating 'the sky's the limit' sentiment......Glad that he decided to hang his hat with the good guys!
James Millsaps
July 23, 2011
Thanks for your service to the United States military. May God Bless each of the members of the family.
R Golay
July 23, 2011
To the the family of John Shalikashvili - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many.
Sandra L. Gordy
July 23, 2011
RIP, old soldier and new Democrat.
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