KTKA

Topeka — This is something General Richard Myers does a lot of these days-speaking to groups like this one at the Topeka/Shawnee County public library.

But up until a few years ago, he was the nation's highest ranking military officer, serving as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of staff from 2001 to 2005.

"I came in 20 days after 9-11 and 7 days later we're at war in Afghanistan. Trial by fire," he recalls. "I don't think anything that happened in my tenure compares with what happened on 9-11 and what it meant for our country in particular and for the world."

Myers grew up in Kansas City, Kansas, graduated from K-State in 1965, and then entered pilot training. He eventually logged more than 4-thousand flying hours, including 600 combat hours in the F-4.

He says he's fortunate to have grown up in this part of the country - because of the people.

"Where you come from doesn't have a lot to with your career," he said. "Who you are around-your church your friends-you parents has a lot to do with how you're shaped and ready to take on whatever challenges come your way."

Myers now serves on several public and non-profit boards and lectures nationally on national security issues and leadership. He holds the Colin Powell Chair of Leadership, Ethics and Character at National Defense University, but is also back at his alma mater-Kansas State- where he is Foundation Professor of Military History.

"It involves getting back to K-State-I live in Virginia- so it involves getting back to K-Sate about once a month when schools in session," said Myers. "And the people who schedule me out there are different professors and departments. I'll go - I don't teach a regular course, but I'll go and do whatever they want me to."