Myers: U.S. military very busy but healthy

  • Published
  • By Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class John R. Guardiano
  • American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON (AFPN) --  The U.S. armed forces are in good shape, and servicemembers well understand and believe in what they are fighting for overseas, said Gen. Richard B. Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on May 29.

"They know what this is all about in terms of this effort against violent extremism," General Myers told Bob Schieffer on the CBS News program, "Face the Nation." "They're proud of what they're doing; they understand the importance of the mission. We see that in their cards and letters home, their e-mails home and their phone calls."

General Myers said he gave the commencement address to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., the previous day. The 2005 Class entered the academy just before the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the Pentagon and World Trade Center.

"They experienced the nation going to war, and 911 of them graduated yesterday," General Myers said. When "you look in their eyes, shake their hands, talk to them ... they understand what their purpose is, and what they must do for this country."

All of the West Point graduates raised their "right hands and swore to defend and support the Constitution of this country,” General Myers said. “So I think the state of our military is very, very healthful -- busy, very busy, but healthy."

This is General Myers' last year of formal military service. He steps down Sept. 30 after serving 40 years in the Air Force and four years as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

"I am very thankful," he told Chris Wallace on "Fox News Sunday." "I'm proud to wear the uniform and proud to have served with some really great Americans."

General Myers paid homage to U.S. servicemembers, both stateside and overseas, who are "defending our freedoms and our friends' and allies' freedom around the world.

"I'll leave my position knowing that there's a whole group of folks coming along that are dedicated to this country, to our freedoms, and to ensuring that those freedoms endure as long as they possibly can," he said.