GENERAL ANTHONY ZINNI

 

In an issue of National Italian American Federation (NIAF), in the section on, “Affiliate News to Use,” the magazine presented a short news quip concerning a fellow Italian American. General Zinni, a four-star general who retired in July 2000 after nearly 40 years of service. He was head of U.S. Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Florida, from 1997 to 2000, a position that included responsibility for twenty-five countries, ranging from the Horn of Africa and Egypt to the Arabian Peninsula and Central Asia. After retiring, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell named him special advisor in the peace process between the Israelis and Palestinians.

Zinni was born on the September 17, 1943 in Consohocken, Pennsylvania, where he lived during his formative years. His parents immigrated to the United States from Italy. His father gained citizenship by serving in the U.S. military. Many other members of the family had also been in the military both in the U.S. and abroad. The General attributes much of his orientation to military life from the fascinating stories he heard from family members.

For his higher education he attended Villanova University. On his first day on campus he saw the U. S. Marine Corp ROTC recruiting kiosk; he went to it and listened to their presentation. It stimulated an interest in him to enroll in their program.  It was a training course in Platoon leadership and would take place during the summers off campus. He attended and successfully completed the course and upon graduation from the University received the commission of second lieutenant.

After graduation he did two tours in Vietnam; his first ended from suffering serious cases of malaria, hepatitis, and mononucleosis. His second tour terminated due to wounds received in combat.

In an interview, following his experiences in Vietnam, he revealed many different things he learned. Those things concerned; the health of the soldiers, the use of and types of personal equipment needed by them, their training requirements, the impact of tour lengths and deployment techniques.

His decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster; the Distinguished Service Medal; the Defense Superior Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters; the Bronze Star with Combat 'V' and gold star in lieu of a second award; the Purple Heart; the Meritorious Service Medal with gold star; the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat 'V' and gold star; Navy Achievement Medal with gold star; the Combat Action Ribbon; and personal decorations from South Vietnam, France, Italy, Egypt, Kuwait, Yemen and Bahrain.

In regard to his appointment by Colin Powell as special advisor, no one was surprised given his qualifications. He has served in the Near East region for almost a decade, including four years as an U.S. military commander. The former General knows the area well. To prepare for his duties as head of the U.S. Central Command, Zinni studied Arabic and Middle East history and politics. During his career he attended The Basic School of Army Special Warfare, The Amphibious Warfare School, The Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and The National War College. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics, and master’s degree in management and supervision, and international relations. Also see http://generalzinni.homestead.com/Zinni_Bio.html.