A strategist remembered Shalikashvili was both soldier and statesman

摘要

Nearly all of the obituaries for Gen. John Shalikashvili, who died July 23 at age 75, have stressed his humanity, ii sterling character and fascinating life story. And what a story it was. Only in America could a teenager with Georgian and Russian roots arrive as a displaced person, start military service as a draftee, and then rise to the rank of general and our nation's most senior military officer. His life was a testament to a strong family, the desire to excel and a rare combination of humanity and intelligence.