An Evening with General Stanley McChrystal
On Character: Choices that Define a Life
Join us at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum for a special evening with retired four-star General Stanley McChrystal, one of America’s most respected military leaders and leadership thinkers.
In conversation about his newest book, On Character: Choices that Define a Life, General McChrystal will explore what it means to live and lead with integrity.
This inspiring program will offer insight into the habits of character that define exceptional leadership and purposeful living—values that resonate deeply with President Ford’s own legacy of honesty and service.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear firsthand from one of the nation’s most thoughtful voices on leadership and moral courage.
Details on Attending
Where
Ford Presidential Museum
303 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
When
Thursday, January 29, 2026
Program: 6:30 p.m.
Book signing to follow the event.
Program Supporters
In partnership with the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum and the Secchia Family Foundation, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation is proud to bring General McChrystal to Grand Rapids.
Watch the Livestream
About General McChrystal
STANLEY MCCHRYSTAL is a retired United States Army general best known for his command of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) from 2003 to 2008 during which his organization was credited with the death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, leader of Al-Qaeda in Iraq.
About On Character: Choices that Define a Life
How to measure a life? After a career of service, retired four-star general Stanley McChrystal had much to contemplate. He pondered his successes and failures, his beliefs and aspirations, and asked himself, who am I, really? And more importantly, who have I become? When I die, how will I be measured?
In the end, McChrystal came to a conclusion as simple as it was profound: the reality of who we are cannot be recorded in dates or accomplishments. It is found in our character—the most accurate and last full measure of who we choose to be.
On Character offers McChrystal’s blueprint for living with purpose and integrity, challenging us to examine not just our deeds but who we become through them.
Drawing from a lifetime of experience, he distills profound insights on setting and meeting standards, aligning actions with beliefs, and offers practical advice on overcoming obstacles and pursuing self-improvement.
In an era where understanding and upholding our ideals is more crucial than ever, On Character offers an inspiring roadmap for personal growth and integrity—a call to become our best selves, both as individuals and as Americans.
