Ed Derwinski facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ed Derwinski
1st United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs
In office March 15, 1989 – September 26, 1992
Preceded by	(none)
Succeeded by	Jesse Brown
Under Secretaries of State for International Security Affairs
In office March 24, 1987 – January 21, 1989
Preceded by	William Schneider, Jr.
Succeeded by	Reginald Bartholomew
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's Illinois's 4th congressional district district
In office January 3, 1959 – January 3, 1983
Preceded by	William E. McVey
Succeeded by	George M. O'Brien
Personal details
Born	September 15, 1926 Chicago, Illinois
Died	January 15, 2012 (aged 85) Oak Brook, Illinois
Cause of death	Merkel-cell carcinoma
Political party	Republican
Alma mater	Loyola University Chicago
Military service
Branch/service	United States Army
Unit	Infantry
Battles/wars	World War II

Edward Joseph Derwinski (born September 15, 1926; died January 15, 2012) was an American politician. He was the very first United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs. This important job is part of the President's Cabinet. He worked for President George H. W. Bush from 1989 to 1992. Before that, he was a member of the United States House of Representatives. He served in Congress from 1959 to 1983. He represented the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois.

Ed Derwinski's Political Journey

Ed Derwinski served in the United States Army during World War II. He was in the Pacific region of the war. After the war, he was part of the U.S. forces in Japan. He later went to Loyola University Chicago and graduated in 1951.

Starting in Government

In 1957, Derwinski was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives. He served one term there. The next year, in 1958, he won a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was a Republican and represented the 4th District of Illinois. This area was south and west of Chicago.

Serving in Congress

Derwinski served 12 terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. This means he was a congressman for 24 years! He became a very important member of the House Foreign Relations Committee. This committee deals with how the U.S. interacts with other countries. He also worked with the United Nations General Assembly from 1971 to 1972. He led the U.S. group to the Interparliamentary Union twice.

Changes and New Roles

After the 1980 Census, the voting districts in Illinois were redrawn. This is called redistricting. Derwinski's district changed a lot. He ended up in the same district as another Republican congressman, George M. O'Brien. O'Brien won the election in 1982.

After leaving Congress, President Ronald Reagan chose Derwinski for new roles. He became a special advisor to the State Department. Later, in 1987, Reagan made him Under Secretary of State. This job involved international security and science.

Leading the VA

When George H.W. Bush became president, he picked Ed Derwinski for a very important job. He was chosen to lead the VA. This department helps military veterans and their families. Derwinski was the first person to hold this Cabinet-level position. He served as Secretary of Veterans Affairs until 1992.

Personal Life

Ed Derwinski lived in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. His wife was Bonita Hickey. He had two children from his first marriage: Maureen and Michael.