Leo A. Brooks Sr. facts for kids
Leo Austin Brooks Sr. (born August 9, 1932) is a retired major general of the United States Army. After his military career, he became the city manager for Philadelphia.
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A Life of Service
Leo Austin Brooks Sr. was born in Alexandria, Virginia, on August 9, 1932. He graduated from Virginia State University in 1954. He joined the Army through the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program. He became an officer in the Army's Quartermaster Corps, which handles supplies and logistics.
Early Military Roles
In his early years in the Army, Brooks served as a leader for a group of soldiers (a platoon leader) with the 2nd Infantry Division in Alaska. He also commanded two different companies of soldiers. Later, he worked in the Army's main office, helping with the budget and talking to the United States Congress.
Vietnam War and Leadership
Brooks served two times in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. One time, he was an advisor to the Army of the Republic of Vietnam, helping them with their operations. Another time, he commanded a battalion, which is a large group of soldiers.
He earned a master's degree in financial management from George Washington University. After Vietnam, he held several important leadership roles. He commanded the Sacramento Army Depot, which is a supply base. He also led the 13th Corps Support Command, the Army Troop Support Agency, and the Defense Personnel Support Center. These roles involved managing supplies and support for soldiers.
Brooks retired from the military in 1984. He was a major general but retired as a brigadier general because of the length of time he served at that rank.
Military Training and Awards
General Brooks attended important military schools, including the United States Army Command and General Staff College and the National War College. These schools train top military leaders.
He received many awards for his service, including:
- Army Distinguished Service Medal
- Defense Superior Service Medal
- Legion of Merit (three times)
- Bronze Star Medal
- Meritorious Service Medal
- Joint Service Commendation Medal
- Army Commendation Medal
Public Service in Philadelphia
After his military career, Leo Brooks Sr. became the city manager for Philadelphia. In this role, he helped manage the city's daily operations. He was involved in a difficult event in 1985 involving a group called MOVE. Brooks resigned from his position shortly after the event. Three years later, a Philadelphia grand jury looked into the matter and found that Brooks and others were not responsible for any criminal actions.
A Family of Leaders
Leo Brooks Sr. was married to Naomi Lewis, a teacher, from 1955 until her passing in 2020. They had three children. Two of their sons followed in their father's footsteps and became generals in the United States Army:
- General (Retired) Vincent K. Brooks
- Brigadier General (Retired) Leo A. Brooks Jr.
His nephew, Mark Quander, is also an active duty major general in the Army. His daughter, Marquita K. Brooks, is an attorney.
His brother, Francis K. Brooks, also served in public life. Francis was a longtime member of the Vermont House of Representatives, where he became the majority leader. He also served as the Sergeant at Arms for the Vermont State House and was later elected to the Vermont Senate.
