Gen. John Allen announces retirement

Tuesday, Feb. 19 | By .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

President Barack Obama said Tuesday he accepted Marine Gen. John Allen's request to retire rather than proceed with the White House's previous plan to make him commander of NATO forces in Europe.

Allen, who has close ties to Fauquier County and who earlier this month completed a 19-month stint as the top commander of U.S. and allied forces in Afghanistan, requested retirement "so that he can address health issues within his family,"

In a separate written statement, Allen said he wants to focus on helping his wife Kathy cope with health issues. He was not specific, but The Washington Post quoted Allen on Monday as saying that his wife suffers from a combination of chronic health issues that include an autoimmune disorder.

"The reasons for my decision are personal. I did not come to it lightly or quickly, but given the considerations behind it, I recognized in the end it was the only choice I could make," Allen said in his statement Tuesday.

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