Clinton Bids Goodbye To Retiring Military Chief

President praises 'Shali' as 'an exceptional advisor'

WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, Sep. 30) -- President Bill Clinton offered a fond farewell today to retiring Gen. John Shalikashvili, praising him as one of the nation's best chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. (288K wav sound)

"This is frankly a bittersweet day for me," Clinton said at a ceremony at suburban Fort Myer, Va. "I am full of pride but also some regret. For the last four years I have counted on Shali, for his wisdom, his counsel, his leadership. He has become an exceptional advisor and a good friend." (480K wav sound)

Shalikashvili, who is retiring after 39 years of military service, praised the men and women who make up the nation's armed forces. (416K wav sound)

"In the years to come, no matter what I do, no matter where I go, no matter what I will become, in my heart I pray I will always remain one of you, a soldier," said Shalikashvili, who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. (480K wav sound)

"For a peacetime era, these past four years have been a period of unprecedented military activity and unmatched operational excellence," he added. "Each time the call came, America's forces were ready. And each time, they performed magnificently."

Shalikashvili's successor is Gen. Henry H. Shelton, a Green Beret and decorated Vietnam War veteran.

"Shali has filled a resume that would turn others olive drab with envy," Clinton said. "In the last four years our troops have been tested in more than 40 operations, from Bosnia to Haiti, the Taiwan Straits, Iraq, Rwanda, Liberia and more. Our armed forces have performed superbly with Shali at the helm."

In Other News:

Tuesday Sept. 30, 1997

• Ickes To Testify Next Week
• Critics On The Right Snipe At Sen. Thompson
• Negotiators Agree To Allow Pay Increase For Congress
• N.Y. Lieutenant Gov. Joins Democratic Party
• Clinton Meets With Race Advisory Board
• Clinton Bids Goodbye To Retiring Military Chief
• Congress Extends Immigration Filing Deadline

E-mail From Washington:
• Justice Moves A Step Closer To Independent Probe Of Gore