Since leaving the Army in 1997, John Shalikashvili, who turns 74 in June, remains involved with issues concerning service members.

He was appointed chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in August 1993, culminating a career that began in 1958.

Ranger reporter J.M. Simpson recently talked via e-mail with Shalikashvili to provide this update.

What projects have you been working on?

"I'm gratified to be involved with a program at the American Lakes VA Golf Course which works to help our veterans and wounded warriors recover from their injuries.  It helps them to understand that all injuries - whether physical or mental - can be overcome. I've been amazed at the healing power that a game and good friends have."

How are you feeling?

"For a person who's paralyzed on his left side, I'm doing well.  I still attend physical therapy sessions to help build strength.  Recently, I began to work on walking, again, for the first time in a few years.  I still travel, visiting the East Coast for board meetings as well as participating in events at (Joint Base Lewis-McChord) as much as my schedule permits to show my support of our active duty soldiers."

Do you miss Washington, D.C.?

"I don't particularly miss the busy-ness.  There was always something going on 24/7.  It didn't matter if it was a war, testifying before Congress, or any of the many things that the chairman's office deals with on a daily basis.  It was always constant."

Shalikashvili added a few words of his love for the Northwest.

"When I visited Washington state in the mid-70's, I realized that this was exactly where Joannie (his wife) and I should retire.  I called her and told her that we needed to retire here because the air was clean and clear and there was no humidity.  She happily agreed - and then she said, ‘I always knew I'd move back to the Pacific Northwest when you retired, and you were welcome to come along if you wanted.' We both live in a beautiful town (DuPont) with wonderful people with a great sense of community."

If you have a message for today's soldiers, what would it be?

"War-time is difficult, especially on families.  Today's military must be focused.  Our service members must hold their heads high and be proud of serving our nation.  Our troops need to remember that what they do for a living is not only a job, but that it's critical to ensuring the freedoms that make our nation great.  From those of us who have served and from those who daily support our military members, we wish them all the best of luck and hope and pray for a speedy return for those serving abroad."