Trump awards Medal of Freedom to retired Gen. Jack Keane

President Trump on Tuesday awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to retired four-star Army Gen. Jack Keane at a ceremony at the White House on Tuesday, describing him as “a courageous warrior and a fearless patriot.”

Trump offered a tribute to Keane’s 38-year military career in remarks in the East Room, noting that the retired general, who is also a Fox News analyst, has advised him on issues from time to time.

“Jack, I have to say, has given me a lot of good advice too,” Trump said before honoring Keane with the nation’s highest civilian honor.

“Jack Keane is a visionary, a brilliant strategist and an American hero,” the president said. “General, you will be remembered as one of the finest and most dedicated soldiers in a long and storied history of the United States military, no question about it.”

Trump recognized Keane for his service in the Vietnam War in the 101st Airborne Division and his later accomplishments as a vice chief of staff in the Army.

Keane retired from the military in 2003 and has been known as an outside adviser to Trump, reportedly twice turning down an offer to be secretary of Defense. Trump noted that Keane left the Army in order to care for his late wife, who at the time had Parkinson’s disease.

Keane is now a senior strategist analyst for Fox News and serves as chairman of the Institute for the Study of War, a national security policy think tank.

In his own remarks, Keane thanked Trump for his “generous and kind words” and said he received a “touching and personal phone call” from the president about receiving the honor. He recognized his sergeants, fellow officers and mentors in the Army, nearly coming to tears as he spoke.

“I lived that life among heroes who inspired me, and I am still in awe of them today,” Keane said.

Before concluding, Keane also thanked Trump for his efforts to “build up” the U.S. military during his first term.

The retired general was joined by members of his family, and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Defense Secretary Mark Esper, and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley all attended Tuesday’s ceremony.