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Posted: 4:53 PM Nov 5, 2009
General Richard Myers to Speak in Topeka Tonight
The former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff returns to Kansas State University every month, but makes a rare Topeka appearance to discuss his new book, "Eyes on the Horizon: Serving on the Front Lines of National Security."
Reporter: Ralph Hipp |
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TOPEKA PUBLIC LIBRARY -- The Topeka-Shawnee County Public Library's 6th annual Veterans Expo brings a Kansas City native to town tonight. General Richard Myers once held the highest-ranking position in the U.S. military, as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during the George W. Bush administration. General Myers will take the podium at 7:00 tonight in Marvin Auditorium.
Myers guided the military response during the aftermath of September 11th, and will discuss those times, and the current times, while commenting on his book, "Eyes on the Horizon." Copies of General Myers book are available at the library.
“After 9/11 for the four years I was chairman, I can’t tell you how many people all over the country – civilians, not in the military – who would come up and say we are really praying for you and the administration and we hope you can get us through this okay,” the retired four-star general said. “And that was a big part of sustaining me in the whole four years because there were a lot of tough times.”
The Veterans’ Expo began this afternoon, with vehicles parked outside the library for public viewing. Re-enactors will recreated military moments, and war memorabilia from World War I to present day is on display.
Myers takes pride in his Kansas heritage. His passion for flying began in Kansas State University’s Reserve Officers Training Corps. Though he now lives in Arlington, Va., he returns each month to KSU, where he is a professor of military history.
“This was a way to do two things: support the university I love and keep my Kansas roots alive,” the KSU alumnus said.
During his career, Myers flew fighter jets in Vietnam, commanded various Air Force operations in the U.S. and abroad, witnessed the nation’s leaders in the grips of a terrorist attack and worked to ensure national security following Sept. 11, 2001.
In retirement, Myers teaches at other universities and also serves on several boards, among them the Defense Health Board, where he keeps tabs on health care for wounded warriors.
Learn more at: www.tscpl.org/richardmyers
