Anthony Principi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Anthony Principi
|
|
|---|---|
Official portrait, 2001
|
|
| 4th United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs | |
| In office January 23, 2001 – January 26, 2005 |
|
| President | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Togo West |
| Succeeded by | Jim Nicholson |
| In office September 26, 1992 – January 20, 1993 Acting |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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 was born on April 16, 1944. He is a well-known American leader who has served his country in many important roles. He was the United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs under President George W. Bush. This job meant he was in charge of helping military veterans.
Principi also led a special group called the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC) in 2005. Today, he works as a consultant and is part of the board for different organizations.
Early Life and Education
Anthony Principi grew up in Teaneck, New Jersey. He went to St. Anastasia School when he was younger. In 1962, he graduated from Mount Saint Michael Academy. He was the best athlete and student council president there.
In 1967, Principi finished his studies at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis. This is a special school for people who want to become officers in the U.S. Navy.
Serving in the Military
After graduating, Principi started his active duty in the Navy. He served on a ship called the USS Joseph P. Kennedy. Later, he fought in the Vietnam War. He was in charge of a River Patrol Unit in the Mekong Delta, which is a river system in Vietnam.
After his military service, Principi continued his education. He earned a law degree (called a Juris Doctor) 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 Department of the Navy. He left active duty in 1980 after 14 years.
A Career in Government Service
Anthony Principi has spent much of his career working on important national issues. He held several high-level jobs in the U.S. government.
From 1989 to 1992, he was the Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs. This was the second-highest job in the department that helps veterans. In September 1992, President George H. W. Bush made him the Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs. He held this role until January 1993.
Before these roles, Principi worked for the United States Senate. From 1984 to 1988, he was a chief legal advisor for the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs. This committee deals with laws and issues related to veterans. He also worked for the Veterans Administration, helping with public and congressional affairs.
In 2005, President George W. Bush asked Principi to lead the 2005 BRAC Commission. This group was in charge of deciding which military bases in the U.S. would close or change. In 2015, Principi joined the board of directors for a company called Imprimis Pharmaceuticals.
