Gen. Zinni, who retired in July 2000 after nearly 40 years of service, was head of U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., from 1997 to 2000, a position that included responsibility for 25 countries ranging from the Horn of Africa and Egypt to the Arabian Peninsula to Southwest and Central Asia. From 1994 to 1996, he commanded the I Marine Expeditionary Force; during 1995, he commanded the Combined Task Force for Operation United Shield protecting the withdrawal of U.N. forces from Somalia. Gen. Zinni served in several other capacities in Somalia: from 1992-1993 as operations director for the Unified Task Force Somalia for Operation Restore Hope; and in 1993, as assistant to the U.S. Special Envoy to Somalia during Operation Continue Hope.

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.

Gen. Zinni has attended The Basic School, Army Special Warfare School, Amphibious Warfare School, Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and the National War College. He holds a bachelor's degree in economics, and master's degrees in management and supervision, and international relations.