Below is an internal note from NBC News Washington Bureau Chief Ken Strickland:
# # #
I’m writing to share the bittersweet news that Jim Miklaszewski has decided to retire at the end of the year after 31 years with NBC News.
He will do so leaving a legacy of powerful journalism dedicated to informing the public about the U.S. military and our defense operations. Mik has led the way on these issues for NBC News and MSNBC — including his unforgettable first hand reporting on September 11, as he was in the building when the Pentagon was attacked. Throughout his career Mik provided frontline coverage of wars in Lebanon, El Salvador, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He has also broken many stories over the years, including the first detailed account of the Navy Seal operation that killed Osama Bin Laden and the news of General Stanley McChrystal’s resignation. Before taking over the Pentagon beat, Mik was a White House correspondent during the George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton administrations.
As a journalist, Mik is passionate about his subject matter — you can hear it in his voice. As a colleague, he is generous about sharing his vast knowledge. He shaped so many talented producers over the years — anyone who works with him becomes a wiz under his education.
While we’ve always appreciated him, Mik’s work has also been recognized by a number of outside groups. Just last year he received an Emmy for his role in the coverage of Malaysia Flight 17, was inducted into the Hall of Fame for the DC Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, and honored with the Panetta Institute’s Jefferson-Lincoln award recognizing lives of public service. In September, he was the keynote speaker at the Shanksville, PA memorial in observance of the 9/11 anniversary.
We have many months left to learn from him and celebrate his career, but join me in congratulating and wishing him well.
Ken
