Gen. Hugh Shelton Honored During Farewell Ceremony

Shelton made his last official review of troops at a special retirement ceremony at Fort Myer, Va., just outside Washington D.C. Monday.

Military musicians paid tribute to Shelton's background, including his stint in special operations. The Army band played "Green Berets."

On hand were Senators Jesse Helms and John Edwards, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and Secretary of State Colin Powell, another former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

A native of Speed and a graduate of N.C. State University, Shelton has served as the principal military adviser to the President, the Secretary of Defense and the National Security Council since October 1, 1997.

Shelton and his wife, Carolyn, plan to spend the next year in Washington, D.C., but he does not know his plans after that.

"Well, I'm still undecided about what I'll do. I hope to make the transition to the corporate world," he said. "I've been talking to North Carolina State University and will be affiliated with them in some way."

In July, Shelton was

honored for his service

at Fort Bragg.