Anne L. Armstrong facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Anne Armstrong
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| Chair of the President's Intelligence Advisory Board | |
| In office October 20, 1981 – July 17, 1990 |
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| President | Ronald Reagan George H. W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Leo Cherne (1977) |
| Succeeded by | John Tower |
| United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom | |
| In office March 17, 1976 – March 3, 1977 |
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| President | Gerald Ford Jimmy Carter |
| Preceded by | Elliot Richardson |
| Succeeded by | Kingman Brewster |
| Counselor to the President | |
| In office January 19, 1973 – December 18, 1974 Serving with Dean Burch, Kenneth Rush |
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| President | Richard Nixon Gerald Ford |
| Preceded by | Robert Finch |
| Succeeded by | Robert T. Hartmann< John O. Marsh |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 27, 1927 New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Died | July 30, 2008 (aged 80) Houston, Texas, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Tobin Armstrong |
| Children | 5 |
| Education | Vassar College (BA) |
Anne Legendre Armstrong (December 27, 1927 – July 30, 2008) was an important American diplomat and politician. She made history as the first woman to hold two major roles. She was the first woman to serve as Counselor to the President. She was also the first woman to be the United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom. She worked under Presidents Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, and Jimmy Carter. In 1987, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a very high honor.
Early Life and Political Start
Anne Armstrong was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on December 27, 1927. She went to Vassar College and graduated in 1949. The next year, in 1950, she married Tobin Armstrong. They moved to Kenedy County, Texas, where she began her political journey.
Rising in the Republican Party
Anne Armstrong quickly became active in politics. From 1966 to 1968, she was the vice chairman of the Texas Republican Party. Her leadership skills were noticed. From 1971 to 1973, she became the co-chairman of the Republican National Committee. This was a very important role in the national party.
Keynote Speaker at the Convention
In 1972, Anne Armstrong made history again. She was the keynote speaker at the 1972 Republican National Convention. This was a big deal because she was the first woman from either major political party to give the main speech at a national convention. This showed how respected and influential she had become.
White House Roles
Anne Armstrong held significant positions in the White House. She worked closely with the President. These roles allowed her to make a real difference.
Counselor to the President
On January 19, 1973, Anne Armstrong became Counselor to the President. She served in this role under President Richard Nixon and later President Gerald Ford. As Counselor, she helped the President with many important issues.
Supporting Women and Hispanic Americans
During her time as Counselor, Anne Armstrong started the first Office of Women's Programs in the White House. This office worked to help women across the country. It was a big step forward for women's rights. She also spoke Spanish fluently. This skill made her a special link between President Nixon and Hispanic Americans. She was part of a group that looked for opportunities for Spanish-speaking people.
Ambassador to the United Kingdom
From 1976 to 1977, Anne Armstrong served as the United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom. This was another historic first for her. She was the first woman to represent the U.S. as ambassador to the UK. This role meant she was the top diplomat for the U.S. in Britain.
Presidential Campaign Involvement
At the 1976 Republican National Convention, some people wanted Anne Armstrong to be the vice presidential nominee. They hoped she would run with President Gerald Ford. However, Senator Robert Dole was chosen instead. In 1978, she supported George W. Bush when he ran for Congress in Texas.
Awards and Later Life
Anne Armstrong received many honors for her public service. She also served on the boards of major companies.
Presidential Medal of Freedom
In 1987, President Ronald Reagan awarded Anne Armstrong the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This is the highest civilian award in the United States. It recognizes people who have made major contributions to the security or national interests of the U.S.
Other Honors and Board Service
In 1989, she received the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement. She also received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from St. Mary's University, Texas in 1978. Besides her government work, Anne Armstrong was on the boards of many large U.S. companies. These included American Express, Boise Cascade, Halliburton, and General Motors. She also served on boards for non-profit groups like the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Death
Anne Armstrong passed away from cancer in Houston, Texas, in 2008. She was buried at Oakwood Cemetery in Austin, Texas. Her life showed how much one person can achieve in public service and diplomacy.
