Alfonso E. Lenhardt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Al Lenhardt
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Lenhardt in 2009
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| Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development | |
| Acting February 19, 2015 – December 2, 2015 |
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| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Rajiv Shah |
| Succeeded by | Gayle Smith |
| 17th United States Ambassador to Tanzania | |
| In office November 12, 2009 – October 9, 2013 |
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| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Mark Andrew Green |
| Succeeded by | Mark B. Childress |
| 36th Sergeant at Arms of the United States Senate | |
| In office September 4, 2001 – March 16, 2003 |
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| Leader | Tom Daschle Trent Lott Bill Frist |
| Preceded by | James Ziglar |
| Succeeded by | William H. Pickle |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 29, 1943 Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Education | University of Nebraska, Lincoln (BS) Central Michigan University (MA) Wichita State University (MS) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1965-1997 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards |  Legion of Merit Purple Heart Bronze Star |
Alfonso E. Lenhardt, born on October 29, 1943, is an American who has served his country in many important roles. From 2009 to 2013, he was the United States Ambassador to Tanzania. He also represented the U.S. to the East African Community (EAC).
Before that, he was the Sergeant at Arms of the United States Senate from 2001 to 2003. Mr. Lenhardt also had a long and impressive career in the United States Army. He served from 1965 to 1997 and retired as a Major General.
Early Life and Education
Mr. Lenhardt was born in New York City. He studied Criminal Justice at the University of Nebraska. There, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree.
He continued his studies, getting a Master of Arts degree from Central Michigan University. He also earned another Master of Science degree from Wichita State University.
Military Service
Mr. Lenhardt became an infantry officer in October 1966. He led a group of soldiers in Vietnam. During his time there, he received several awards for his bravery. These included the Bronze Star Medal and a Purple Heart. He also earned two Air Medals.
After serving in Vietnam, he returned to the United States. He continued his military career, leading and training military police groups. In August 1993, he was approved to become a Major General. He officially retired from the Army in August 1997.
His other military honors include the Distinguished Service Medal. He also received the Defense Superior Service Medal. He earned the Legion of Merit twice and the Meritorious Service Medal three times.
Public Service Roles
In September 2014, Mr. Lenhardt was confirmed for a new role. He became the Deputy Administrator of the Agency for International Development (USAID). USAID is an agency that helps other countries around the world.
When the head of USAID, Rajiv Shah, left in February 2015, Mr. Lenhardt stepped in. He became the acting administrator. Later, Gayle Smith was chosen by President Barack Obama to lead USAID permanently. She took over the role on December 2, 2015.
Mr. Lenhardt has served the U.S. government for over 40 years. He started as a young draftee in the U.S. Army in 1965. Throughout his career, he took on more and more important jobs. He showed great dedication to his country.
See also
- United States Ambassador to Tanzania
- Embassy of United States, Tanzania
| Government offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by James Ziglar |
Sergeant at Arms of the United States Senate 2001–2003 |
Succeeded by William Pickle |
| Diplomatic posts | ||
| Preceded by Mark Green |
United States Ambassador to Tanzania 2009–2013 |
Succeeded by Mark Childress |
| Political offices | ||
| Preceded by Rajiv Shah |
Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development Acting 2015 |
Succeeded by Gayle Smith |
