General John Shalikashvili has been praised as a Soldier, leader, and diplomat, but an extra dimension of compassion began with his refugee experience when he fled Poland for Germany during the Warsaw Uprising of 1944. He witnessed war’s atrocities while hiding in cellars and sewer pipes. Reaching America still a boy, he rose through determined hard work, becoming a leader within the world’s most powerful military. For all that, he never forgot his roots; nor did he forget the needs of others. He often showed personal concern for subordinates and their families and worked tirelessly for victims of mishaps and conflicts. Those qualities and an eye for organization, detail, and excellence make him worthy of emulation for aspiring leaders