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Odierno: Beau Biden had traits of ‘greatest leaders’

by Mark Hensch - 06/06/15 12:43 PM ET

Army Chief of Staff Raymond Odierno praised Beau Biden on Saturday as a man of the highest leadership qualities.

Odierno delivered stoic but glowing praise to the former Delaware Attorney General in remarks delivered before his family, friends and colleagues.

“Beau Biden possessed the traits I have witnessed in only the greatest leaders,” Odierno said at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church in Wilmington, Del.

{mosads}“Frankly, he was selfless to a fault,” he said. “He had a natural charisma that few people possess.”

“Beau was an extraordinary person, and we will cherish memories of him for a lifetime.”

Odierno comforted Beau Biden’s family by reflecting on his dedication to them.

“Beau’s family was the center of his life, and he always put them first,” he told the Bidens. “I know how much he loved you all so dearly.”

Odierno, Beau Biden’s commanding general in Iraq, also lauded his comrade’s military service overseas.

“It is sometimes hard talking about the bond formed between two soldiers in combat,” he said. “It is a brotherhood few people understand.”

“I was able to witness firsthand Beau’s incredible character,” Odierno added. “Beau was a soldier, a dear friend and also someone I personally admired.”

The general presented Beau Biden with the Legion of Merit for his service in the Delaware National Guard.

The award honors exceptional merit in the performance of outstanding services and achievements.

Beau Biden is survived by the vice president, his mother Jill Biden, his wife Hallie Biden and his children, Hunter and Natalie Biden.

Odierno urged them and other loved ones Saturday to carry on his legacy after the service.

“Although Beau’s life was too short, his legacy will live on in the thousands he touched,” Odierno said.

“Find the best in people and dedicate yourselves to making the world a better place,” he added. “Do this and Beau Biden will live in each of us and never be forgotten.”

Beau Biden served as Delaware’s attorney general between 2007 and earlier this year.

The popular Democrat was reportedly considering a 2016 gubernatorial run in his home state before his death late last week.

President Obama hailed him as a man with “a mighty heart” in a eulogy delivered after Odierno’s opening remarks.

Tags Beau Biden Ray Odierno