John W. Vessey, Jr.

“We're in the business of deterring war, and if we can't deter it, we're in the business of winning it.”

“I started as a private, and I'm proud of it.”

“The strength of our armed forces is our people, and that's not just a cliché.”

“You've got to lead from the front. They've got to see you.”

“Peace is a fragile thing. It requires constant vigilance.”

“The most important thing I learned is that soldiers watch what their leaders do. You can give them classes and lecture them forever, but it is your personal example they will follow.”

“Mr. President, I am the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and I am not paid to be a yes-man. You have military advisers to give you military advice. My advice to you is not to do this.”

“There's no substitute for being on the ground.”

“If you're going to be a good leader, you have to be a good follower.”

“We are the servants of the people of the United States and we're proud of it.”