"Character is like a tree and reputation is like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing." - Abraham Lincoln

Retired General Tommy Franks is the real thing. He is best known for his quiet, pragmatic leadership as head of U.S. Central Command, a role that effectively put him in charge of all U.S. military operations in 25 countries, from Egypt to Central Asia. In his role, Franks acquired a reputation for no-nonsense, practical leadership and genuine care for those in his command.

As commander-in-chief of U.S. Central Command from 2000 through 2003, Franks faced and overcame some of America's greatest challenges, from the attack on the USS Cole, to the devastation of September 11th, to wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. A highly decorated four-star general, Tommy Franks led a coalition of more than 60 nations - and 250,000 troops - to victory in Afghanistan and Iraq, winning respect and admiration at home and abroad.

Tommy Franks recently authored American Soldier, (HarperCollins, Aug 2004) in which Franks retraces his journey from small-town boyhood to his role as one of history's most effective commanders.

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Tom