July 23, 2010: Gen. McChrystal Retired Today

199er · 07-23-2010, 08:40 PM

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Gen. McChrystal retires in military ceremony
Published - Jul 23 2010 08:00PM EST

By ANNE FLAHERTY - Associated Press Writer

A close aide to the general, Col. Charles Flynn, says McChrystal plans to live in the northern Virginia area after moving out of his home in Washington's Fort McNair.

"Presently, the general is concentrating on his transition, the move, his family and remains undecided about future employment options," Flynn wrote in an e-mail to The Associated Press.

Senior military and defense officials, including Gates, have said they agreed with Obama's decision to fire McChrystal but were crestfallen by the loss of a gifted colleague.

During his rise to one of the nation's top military jobs, McChrystal made many allies _ including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Adm. Mike Mullen _ who saw him as an honest broker with extraordinary self-discipline.

Mullen was among those who said he was crushed by the episode. He was unable to attend Friday's ceremony because he was traveling overseas.

"He is a friend," Mullen said of McChrystal shortly after McChrystal was fired. "He's an extraordinary officer. He made a severe mistake."

McChrystal was a seasoned special operations commander who made his reputation hunting down members of al-Qaida in Iraq, and helping turn around the course of that war. Last year, he was picked as top commander in Afghanistan to replace Gen. David McKiernan, who was removed from his post by an Obama administration anxious to chart a new course in the war.

The White House is allowing McChrystal to keep his four stars in retirement, even though Army rules would have required him to serve another two years at that rank.

Still, he said he was approaching the future with optimism.

"I need to celebrate," said McChrystal, who inspired intense loyalty among many of those who served under him.

McChrystal spent much of his speech paying tribute to his wife of 33 years, Annie, who watched tearfully from the front row. He described her endless support, as he repeatedly headed off to war, and as inspiring him during dark times following the 2001 terrorist attacks.

"She's here, like she's always been there when it matters, always gorgeous," he said.

Soldiers attending the ceremony were allowed to forgo their formal dress uniforms in lieu of combat fatigues _ an apparent tribute to a war commander fresh from battle and whose career was marked by more secret operations to snatch terror suspects than by pomp and circumstance.

Wearing his own Army combat uniform for the last time, the four-star general received full military honors, including a 17-gun salute and flag formations by the Army's Old Guard.

He smiled and nodded at members in the crowd and appeared to joke with U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who appeared to fight back tears as he gave McChrystal a hero's tribute.

"Over the past decade, arguably no single American has inflicted more fear, more loss of freedom and more loss of life on our country's most vicious and violent enemies than Stan McChrystal," Gates said.

Afghanistan's top representative to the United States said his country would remember McChrystal for generations to come.

"We will never forget the sacrifices that you and those under your command have made to make Afghanistan safer for our children," Ambassador Said Tayeb Jawad said.

A close aide to the general, Col. Charles Flynn, says McChrystal plans to live in the northern Virginia area after moving out of his home in Washington's Fort McNair.

"Presently, the general is concentrating on his transition, the move, his family and remains undecided about future employment options," Flynn wrote in an e-mail to The Associated Press.

Senior military and defense officials, including Gates, have said they agreed with Obama's decision to fire McChrystal but were crestfallen by the loss of a gifted colleague.

During his rise to one of the nation's top military jobs, McChrystal made many allies _ including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Adm. Mike Mullen _ who saw him as an honest broker with extraordinary self-discipline.

Mullen was among those who said he was crushed by the episode. He was unable to attend Friday's ceremony because he was traveling overseas.

"He is a friend," Mullen said of McChrystal shortly after McChrystal was fired. "He's an extraordinary officer. He made a severe mistake."

McChrystal was a seasoned special operations commander who made his reputation hunting down members of al-Qaida in Iraq, and helping turn around the course of that war. Last year, he was picked as top commander in Afghanistan to replace Gen. David McKiernan, who was removed from his post by an Obama administration anxious to chart a new course in the war.

The White House is allowing McChrystal to keep his four stars in retirement, even though Army rules would have required him to serve another two years at that rank.

dons2346 · 07-24-2010, 12:35 AM

I was camping last weekend with a retired 3 star. His opinion was that Gen. McChrystal got the royal shaft and didn't get kissed.

wpage · 07-24-2010, 09:57 AM

God Bless the Soldiers. Like McArthur hard to play politics when your folks lives are on the line.

red14 · 07-24-2010, 10:18 AM

It was 'Politically Correct' to fire the general.

A 'No-Brainer'.

Illegal Immigration, More troops in Afganistan,
Gulf Crisis, Floods in Mid West,
tougher decisions?

199er · 07-24-2010, 01:30 PM

When Gen. Shinseki was Chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff he disagreed with Rumsfeld about the troop strength needed to secure Iraq. He "took it in the shorts" and was told to retire which he did..................but in the end (pardon the pun) he was vindicated and is now heading up the Dept of Veteran Affairs.

big steve · 07-24-2010, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wpage

God Bless the Soldiers. Like McArthur hard to play politics when your folks lives are on the line.

I agree with that. He was actually a general this new guy is more of a politician.

belercous · 07-25-2010, 12:45 AM

A great soldier who served our country well. He just made a mistake by allowing the press access without specifiying "on background" or "off the record."
A good man brought down by an oversight anyone could make. I wish him the best.

MagnumFan · 07-25-2010, 11:17 AM

Obama is the one that needs to retire.

big steve · 07-25-2010, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MagnumFan

Obama is the one that needs to retire.

Yes that is correct.

07-23-2010, 08:40 PM	#1
199er Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Columbia SC Posts: 627	July 23, 2010: Gen. McChrystal Retired Today Gen. McChrystal retires in military ceremony Published - Jul 23 2010 08:00PM EST By ANNE FLAHERTY - Associated Press Writer A close aide to the general, Col. Charles Flynn, says McChrystal plans to live in the northern Virginia area after moving out of his home in Washington's Fort McNair. "Presently, the general is concentrating on his transition, the move, his family and remains undecided about future employment options," Flynn wrote in an e-mail to The Associated Press. Senior military and defense officials, including Gates, have said they agreed with Obama's decision to fire McChrystal but were crestfallen by the loss of a gifted colleague. During his rise to one of the nation's top military jobs, McChrystal made many allies _ including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Adm. Mike Mullen _ who saw him as an honest broker with extraordinary self-discipline. Mullen was among those who said he was crushed by the episode. He was unable to attend Friday's ceremony because he was traveling overseas. "He is a friend," Mullen said of McChrystal shortly after McChrystal was fired. "He's an extraordinary officer. He made a severe mistake." McChrystal was a seasoned special operations commander who made his reputation hunting down members of al-Qaida in Iraq, and helping turn around the course of that war. Last year, he was picked as top commander in Afghanistan to replace Gen. David McKiernan, who was removed from his post by an Obama administration anxious to chart a new course in the war. The White House is allowing McChrystal to keep his four stars in retirement, even though Army rules would have required him to serve another two years at that rank. Still, he said he was approaching the future with optimism. "I need to celebrate," said McChrystal, who inspired intense loyalty among many of those who served under him. McChrystal spent much of his speech paying tribute to his wife of 33 years, Annie, who watched tearfully from the front row. He described her endless support, as he repeatedly headed off to war, and as inspiring him during dark times following the 2001 terrorist attacks. "She's here, like she's always been there when it matters, always gorgeous," he said. Soldiers attending the ceremony were allowed to forgo their formal dress uniforms in lieu of combat fatigues _ an apparent tribute to a war commander fresh from battle and whose career was marked by more secret operations to snatch terror suspects than by pomp and circumstance. Wearing his own Army combat uniform for the last time, the four-star general received full military honors, including a 17-gun salute and flag formations by the Army's Old Guard. He smiled and nodded at members in the crowd and appeared to joke with U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who appeared to fight back tears as he gave McChrystal a hero's tribute. "Over the past decade, arguably no single American has inflicted more fear, more loss of freedom and more loss of life on our country's most vicious and violent enemies than Stan McChrystal," Gates said. Afghanistan's top representative to the United States said his country would remember McChrystal for generations to come. "We will never forget the sacrifices that you and those under your command have made to make Afghanistan safer for our children," Ambassador Said Tayeb Jawad said. A close aide to the general, Col. Charles Flynn, says McChrystal plans to live in the northern Virginia area after moving out of his home in Washington's Fort McNair. "Presently, the general is concentrating on his transition, the move, his family and remains undecided about future employment options," Flynn wrote in an e-mail to The Associated Press. Senior military and defense officials, including Gates, have said they agreed with Obama's decision to fire McChrystal but were crestfallen by the loss of a gifted colleague. During his rise to one of the nation's top military jobs, McChrystal made many allies _ including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Adm. Mike Mullen _ who saw him as an honest broker with extraordinary self-discipline. Mullen was among those who said he was crushed by the episode. He was unable to attend Friday's ceremony because he was traveling overseas. "He is a friend," Mullen said of McChrystal shortly after McChrystal was fired. "He's an extraordinary officer. He made a severe mistake." McChrystal was a seasoned special operations commander who made his reputation hunting down members of al-Qaida in Iraq, and helping turn around the course of that war. Last year, he was picked as top commander in Afghanistan to replace Gen. David McKiernan, who was removed from his post by an Obama administration anxious to chart a new course in the war. The White House is allowing McChrystal to keep his four stars in retirement, even though Army rules would have required him to serve another two years at that rank. -->

07-24-2010, 12:35 AM	#2
dons2346 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Move between WA and points south Contributor Posts: 1,415	Re: July 23, 2010: Gen. McChrystal Retired Today I was camping last weekend with a retired 3 star. His opinion was that Gen. McChrystal got the royal shaft and didn't get kissed. __________________ "A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercises, I advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise and independence to the mind. Games played with the ball, and others of that nature, are too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun therefore be your constant companion of your walks." --Thomas Jefferson, letter to Peter Carr, 1785

07-24-2010, 09:57 AM	#3
wpage Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 1,471	Re: July 23, 2010: Gen. McChrystal Retired Today God Bless the Soldiers. Like McArthur hard to play politics when your folks lives are on the line. __________________ "You shall recieve power" Acts 1:8 W

07-24-2010, 10:18 AM	#4
red14 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N FLA Posts: 3,913	Re: July 23, 2010: Gen. McChrystal Retired Today It was 'Politically Correct' to fire the general. A 'No-Brainer'. Illegal Immigration, More troops in Afganistan, Gulf Crisis, Floods in Mid West, tougher decisions? __________________ I never argue, I state my opinion, and support my position.

07-24-2010, 01:30 PM	#5
199er Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Columbia SC Posts: 627	Re: July 23, 2010: Gen. McChrystal Retired Today When Gen. Shinseki was Chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff he disagreed with Rumsfeld about the troop strength needed to secure Iraq. He "took it in the shorts" and was told to retire which he did..................but in the end (pardon the pun) he was vindicated and is now heading up the Dept of Veteran Affairs.

07-25-2010, 12:45 AM	#7
belercous Former Guest Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 195	Re: July 23, 2010: Gen. McChrystal Retired Today A great soldier who served our country well. He just made a mistake by allowing the press access without specifiying "on background" or "off the record." A good man brought down by an oversight anyone could make. I wish him the best.

07-25-2010, 11:17 AM	#8
MagnumFan Former Guest Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Midwest Posts: 107	Re: July 23, 2010: Gen. McChrystal Retired Today Obama is the one that needs to retire.