Gen. Richard B. Myers

Praised by National Commander Thomas P. Cadmus for "his vision and leadership in today's defense efforts and the pursuit of peace," Myers - who served as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2001 to 2005 - received the Legion's Distinguished Service Medal in 2005.

The Air Force general spoke of his recent 10-day tour with the USO as one of his final opportunities to meet with U.S. troops stationed across the globe. "These folks are motivated by the right things: by patriotism, by selflessness, and really and truly, by a burning desire to make a difference," Myers said. "They aren't satisfied just doing their assigned missions, which are tough enough and often very dangerous. They are looking for more ways to give and more ways to serve."

Myers spent 40 years in the Air Force, from 1965 until his retirement in 2005. He served as vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs from 2000 to 2001, and as chairman from 2001 to 2005. He previously headed the North American Aerospace Defense Command and the U.S. Space Command. He has flown more than 4,100 hours, including some 600 combat hours in Vietnam.

Late in 2005, just after his retirement, Myers received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George W. Bush. He serves on the boards of Deere & Co., Northrop Grumman, United Technologies and Aon.

For more on Myers, click here (http://www.deere.com/en_US/compinfo/bios/myers.html).