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President Trump to Award the Medal of Freedom to General Jack Keane

Katie Pavlich
Katie Pavlich  |  March 04, 2020 9:10 PM

President Trump announced Wednesday Retired Four-Star U.S. Army General Jack Keane will receive the Medal of Freedom next week at the White House. 

"Next week, President Donald J. Trump will award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to General Jack Keane.  This prestigious award is the Nation’s highest civilian honor, which may be awarded by the President to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors," the White House released in a statement.

"General Jack Keane is a retired four-star general, former Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Army, and a well-respected foreign policy and national security expert," the statement continues. "General Keane has devoted his life to keeping America safe and strong, and he has earned many awards, including two Defense Distinguished Service Medals, five Legions of Merit, two Army Distinguished Service Medals, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and the Ronald Reagan Peace through Strength Award."

"When the president called to tell me about this a number of months ago, I was to be frank about it. Shocked and overwhelmed by it. No one expects that honor like this. And I frankly, I told him I don't think I deserve it. To Be honest with it. And he said, you know, someone told me you were going to say that. But like any award that you received, they are very humbling experiences you just immediately think of. You know, all the people that really helped you on the way to do whatever you were trying to do with your life. And so I'm no different than anybody else out there," Keane reacted on The Guy Benson Show. "A lot of purpose and meaning associated with trying to protect this country as a soldier and then trying to also advocate for the security of the country. As a retired general officer and, you know, foreign policy and national security analysts. It's overwhelming, to be honest with you."

The entire interview is worth a listen. 

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