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Author: John F. Kelly

Lieutenant General John F. Kelly, US Marine Corps (b. 1950) first served in the Marine Corps from 1970 to 1972, and after graduating college in 1976, was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He now holds the rank of Lieutenant General and was commander of the Multinational Force-West in Iraq from 2008 to 2009. He has been nominated for a fourth star, and will become commander of U.S. Southern Command. General Kelly’s son, Robert, was killed in action on a mission in Afghanistan during his third tour of duty; another son remained in combat with the Marines.

Veteran’s Day Speech to the Semper Fi Society of St. Louis

John F. Kelly

In this (excerpted) speech to the Semper Fi Society of St. Louis—an organization supporting US Marines and their families—Lieutenant General John F. Kelly, US Marine Corps (b. 1950), commander of the Multinational Force-West in Iraq from 2008 to 2009, pays a moving tribute to the heroism of our warriors. He makes clear the debt of gratitude that the rest of us owe these dedicated men and women, whose sacrifices make it possible for us to enjoy peace, freedom, and the pursuit of private happiness.