John Shalikashvili

John Shalikashvili was a prominent American military leader, serving as the 14th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1993 to 1997. Born in Poland in 1936, he emigrated to the U.S. and joined the Army, rising through the ranks due to his leadership skills. He played a crucial role in military operations during his tenure, including advocating for NATO expansion and the involvement in the Balkans. Shalikashvili is notable for being the first native-born non-U.S. citizen to hold this position, reflecting his deep commitment to American military values and international cooperation. He passed away in 2021.