Anthony Principi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Anthony Principi
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Official portrait, 2001
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| 4th United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs | |
| In office January 23, 2001 – January 26, 2005 |
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| President | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Togo West |
| Succeeded by | Jim Nicholson |
| Acting September 26, 1992 – January 20, 1993 |
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| President | George H. W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Ed Derwinski |
| Succeeded by | Jesse Brown |
| 1st United States Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs | |
| In office March 17, 1989 – September 26, 1992 |
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| President | George H. W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Hershel Gober |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Anthony Joseph Principi
April 16, 1944 New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Education | United States Naval Academy (BS) Seton Hall University (JD) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1967–1980 |
| Rank | Lieutenant Commander |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
Anthony Joseph Principi, born on April 16, 1944, was an important leader in the United States government. He served as the fourth United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs, which means he was in charge of the department that helps military veterans. President George W. Bush chose him for this role on January 23, 2001. Principi held this position until January 26, 2005. After that, he led a special group called the 2005 Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC). He also worked as a consultant and board member for different organizations.
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Early Life and Education
Anthony Principi was born in the East Bronx area of New York City on April 16, 1944. He grew up in Teaneck, New Jersey, and went to St. Anastasia School there. In 1962, he graduated from Mount Saint Michael Academy, where he was a top athlete and the president of the student council.
In 1967, Principi finished his studies at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis. His first active duty was on a ship called the USS Joseph P. Kennedy. Later, he served in the Vietnam War, leading a special River Patrol Unit in the Mekong Delta.
Becoming a Lawyer
Principi continued his education and earned a law degree from Seton Hall in 1975. He then became a lawyer for the United States Navy in San Diego. In 1980, he moved to Washington to work as a legal advisor for the United States Department of the Navy. He left active duty in 1980 after 14 years of service.
Career in Government
Throughout his career, Anthony Principi worked on important national issues. He held several high-level jobs in the federal government. In 1991, he led the Federal Quality Institute. He also chaired the Commission on Servicemembers and Veterans Transition Assistance, which was created by Congress in 1996 to help military members as they left service.
Helping Veterans
From 1989 to 1992, Principi served as the Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs. This was the second-highest job in the department that helps veterans. On September 26, 1992, President George H. W. Bush named him the Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs. He held this role until January 1993. After that, he worked as a chief legal advisor for the United States Senate Committee on Armed Services.
From 1984 to 1988, he was the chief legal advisor for the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Before that, from 1983 to 1984, he helped the Veterans Administration with its work with Congress and the public.
Later Roles
On March 15, 2005, President George W. Bush chose Principi to lead the 2005 BRAC Commission. This commission was responsible for deciding which military bases to close or reorganize. In October 2015, Principi was chosen to join the board of directors for a company called Imprimis Pharmaceuticals.
