Myers graduated from Kansas State University in 1965 with a Bachelor’s in mechanical engineering, joined the Air Force through the ROTC program and retired as a four-star general. He served as the 15th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, where he served as the principal military adviser to President George W. Bush, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, and the National Security Council. As a command pilot, Myers logged more than 4,100 flying hours, including 600 combat hours. He was appointed Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff by President Clinton in 2000. He received the Legion of Merit, French Legion of Honor, and Presidential Medal of Freedom. Myers is a Kansas State University Foundation professor of military history and leadership. He and his wife, Mary Jo, served as co-chairs of the Kansas State University Innovation and Inspiration Campaign, which raised more than $1.4 billion.