IAVA Hosts Panel Discussion with Former JCS Chairman General Myers

On June 10th, IAVA Member Veterans gathered at the Princeton Club in New York City to participate in a special panel discussion, hosted by the Hudson Society, with former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Richard Myers. Myers became Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff shortly after 9/11 in October 2001, and served as principal military advisor to the President and Secretary of Defense during the early stages of the Global War on Terror, including planning and execution of the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He retired in September 2005.

IAVA Member Veterans with General Richard Myers

"The most poignant part of the night was when General Myers talked about living through the attack against the Pentagon on 9/11," said IAVA Member Veteran Bryan Adams. "He refused to wash his uniform as a tribute and reminder to the people who lost their lives there."

During the panel discussion, General Myers discussed how the U.S. military had to adapt to a highly complicated mission following the fall of Baghdad in 2003. He also spoke about his experiences as a young pilot in Vietnam, where he logged over 500 hours of combat flight time, and his experience transitioning home from combat. Myers said the experience shaped him into an officer and taught him about the importance of coordinating the armed forces in a time of crisis.

Want to get involved and join other IAVA Member Veterans at events like this? Click here [1] to become a member and receive updates about IAVA events in your community.