The former commander of U.S. and international forces in Afghanistan will address The Lancaster Chamber of Commerce & Industry's annual dinner, the chamber said Tuesday.
Gen. Stanley McChrystal will be the keynote speaker at the chamber's 141st annual event, to be held Wednesday, May 22, at the Lancaster County Convention Center, beginning at 5 p.m.
McChrystal, a West Point graduate, will talk about leadership, teamwork and international affairs.
Hailed by former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates as "one of America's greatest warriors," McChrystal was appointed chief of staff of military operations in Afghanistan in 2002.
Next the ex-Green Beret led the Joint Special Operations Command from 2003 to 2008.
His leadership of the JSOC is credited with the 2003 capture of Saddam Hussein and the 2006 location and killing of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the leader of al-Qaida in Iraq.
McChrystal assumed command of all international forces in Afghanistan in 2009.
The son and grandson of Army officers, McChrystal retired from the military in 2010 with 34 years of service.
He now serves on the board of directors for JetBlue Airways, Navistar and the Yellow Ribbon Fund. He also is the chairman of the board for Siemens Government Technologies.
In 2011, McChrystal co-founded the McChrystal Group. Its mission is to deliver innovative leadership solutions to organizations to help them transform and succeed in challenging and dynamic environments.
Also during the dinner, the winners of the chamber's ATHENA, Exemplar and Small Businessperson of the Year awards will be honored.
The chamber dinner is known for its nationally and internationally acclaimed speakers, as well as being a choice opportunity for businesspeople to network and socialize.
Last year's dinner, featuring former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, drew more than 2,500 people.
Other speakers in recent years have included former Presidents George W. Bush (2011) and Bill Clinton (2005), former NBC News anchorman Tom Brokaw (2006). and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright (2003).
Ticket sales will begin Thursday, March 14, at 8 a.m. Available to chamber members only, tickets are $200 per person and $2,000 per table of 10.
tmekeel@lnpnews.com
