Retired Marine Lt. Col. Oliver North says U.S. service members fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan are the next "greatest generation," and he encouraged the nation to embrace them as such.

Best known for his role in the 1980s Iran-Contra scheme to sell arms to Iran and divert the money to Nicaraguan revolutionaries, the 66-year-old North spoke Wednesday night at the 28th annual Law Enforcement Appreciation banquet in Sioux Falls.

North says today's service members are more educated and more technologically savvy than any other generation. He says he has never seen so many young people with so much faith, integrity and courage.

North asked the audience to do three things for those serving their country today: Thank them, pray for them and hire them when they come home.