Michael A. Sheehan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael Sheehan
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| Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict | |
| In office December 20, 2011 – August 25, 2013 |
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| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Michael D. Lumpkin (Acting) |
| Succeeded by | Michael D. Lumpkin |
| Coordinator for Counterterrorism | |
| In office December 14, 1998 – December 20, 2000 Acting: December 14, 1998 – August 9, 1999 |
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| President | Bill Clinton |
| Preceded by | Christopher W.S. Ross |
| Succeeded by | Francis X. Taylor |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 10, 1955 Red Bank, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Died | July 30, 2018 (aged 63) Bethesda, Maryland, U.S. |
| Education | United States Military Academy (BS) Georgetown University (MS) United States Army Command and General Staff College (MS) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Rank | Colonel |
Michael A. Sheehan (February 10, 1955 – July 30, 2018) was an American author, government official, and military officer. He was known for his work in national security and fighting terrorism. Sheehan also served as a special expert at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York. Later in his career, he became a terrorism expert for NBC News, sharing his knowledge with the public.
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Early Life and Schooling
Michael Sheehan was born in Red Bank, New Jersey, in 1955. He grew up in Hazlet. He went to Christian Brothers Academy and finished there in 1973. After high school, he attended the United States Military Academy (West Point), graduating in 1977. His father, John Sheehan, was also a West Point graduate. Michael Sheehan earned two master's degrees: one from the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service and another from the United States Army Command and General Staff College.
Military Service and Roles
Sheehan had an impressive career in the United States Army. He served as an officer in the infantry and in the Special Forces, which are highly trained units for special missions.
- He commanded a special unit focused on stopping terrorism in Panama.
- He advised on how to deal with rebellions in El Salvador.
- He led an infantry company in Korea.
- He took part in peacekeeping missions in Somalia and Haiti.
While in the military, he also worked at the White House. He was part of the National Security Council staff for Presidents George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton. This role meant he helped advise the presidents on important security matters.
Work in Government and Security
After his military career, Michael Sheehan continued to serve his country in various important roles.
State Department and United Nations
In 1998, he was chosen to be the Coordinator for Counterterrorism at the United States Department of State. This job meant he helped lead the U.S. efforts to fight terrorism around the world. He was given the special title of Ambassador-at-Large, which is a high diplomatic rank. The United States Senate approved his appointment in 1999.
From 2001 to 2003, Sheehan worked at the United Nations. He was an Assistant-Secretary-General in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations. In this role, he helped manage UN missions that aimed to keep peace in different parts of the world.
New York City Police Department
After his time at the UN, Sheehan became the Deputy Commissioner of Counter Terrorism for the New York City Police Department. He held this position until May 2006. In this role, he helped protect New York City from terrorist threats.
Return to Federal Service
In 2011, the White House nominated Michael Sheehan for another important government job. He was to become the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict. This role involved overseeing special military operations and dealing with smaller, less intense conflicts. The United States Senate confirmed his appointment in December 2011. He served in this position until August 2013.
Life After Public Service
After leaving government, Sheehan continued to work in security and defense.
- He co-founded and became president of Lexington Security Group. This company helped international police and security groups with advice and training.
- He was also a partner at Torch Hill Investment Partners. This group invested in companies related to defense, intelligence, and security.
- Sheehan was a terrorism analyst for NBC News. He shared his expert opinions on current events related to terrorism.
- He was also a fellow at New York University's Center on Law and Security.
Author and Legacy
Michael Sheehan wrote a book titled Crush the Cell: How to Defeat Terrorism Without Terrorizing Ourselves. The book shared his ideas on how to fight terrorism effectively.
Sheehan passed away on July 30, 2018, in Bethesda, Maryland, at the age of 63. He died from multiple myeloma, a type of cancer. He is remembered for his dedication to national security and his efforts to make the world safer.
