Stephen W. Rochon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Stephen W. Rochon
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| 9th White House Chief Usher | |
| In office March 12, 2007 – 2011 |
|
| President | George W. Bush Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Gary J. Walters |
| Succeeded by | Angella Reid |
| Personal details | |
| Alma mater | Xavier University of Louisiana National Defense University |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Coast Guard |
| Years of service | 1970–2007 |
| Rank |  Rear Admiral |
Stephen W. Rochon is an American who worked in important roles for the United States government. He served as the director of the White House Executive Residence and the White House Chief Usher from 2007 to 2011. He was the first African American to hold this special job.
Before working at the White House, Rochon was a high-ranking officer in the Coast Guard. He finished his military career as a Rear Admiral on March 9, 2007. Just a few days later, on March 12, he started his new role at the White House. He took over from Gary J. Walters, who had been the Chief Usher for 20 years.
In 2011, Rochon left his position as Chief Usher. He then began working for the United States Department of Homeland Security, which helps keep the country safe. Angella Reid became the new Chief Usher after him on October 5, 2011.
Contents
Stephen Rochon's Life and Career
His Education and Learning
Stephen Rochon studied business administration at Xavier University of Louisiana. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree there. Later, he continued his studies at the National Defense University. From there, he received a Master of Science degree in national resource strategy.
His Time in the Coast Guard
Admiral Rochon joined the Coast Guard in 1970. He started as an enlisted member and worked his way up. In 1975, he became an officer, an Ensign, after attending Officer Candidate School in Yorktown, Virginia.
One of his big jobs in the Coast Guard was leading the Maintenance and Logistics Command Atlantic. In this role, he was in charge of many important things. These included engineering, managing money, helping personnel, and planning for emergencies. His responsibilities covered 40 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and even parts of Europe and the Middle East.
Admiral Rochon is from New Orleans. After the big hurricanes in 2005, he helped Coast Guard members and their families. He made sure they had homes and new job assignments. He also loves history and preserving old buildings. He made video documentaries in 1989 and 2005 about Alex Haley, who wrote the famous book "Roots."
He also helped make sure the African American crew of the Pea Island Life-Saving Station received the Gold Lifesaving Medal. This was for a brave rescue they performed in 1896 near the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Rochon has shared his knowledge with many museums across the United States. After the 2005 hurricanes, he helped rebuild and save three historic homes in New Orleans.
Working at the White House
Stephen Rochon became the Chief Usher at the White House on March 12, 2007. This was a very important job, and he was the first African American to hold it. As Chief Usher, he was like the general manager of the White House. He made sure everything ran smoothly for the President and their family.
He left this role in May 2011 to take a new position. This new job was with the United States Department of Homeland Security.
Awards and Recognition
Admiral Rochon received three Legion of Merit medals for his excellent service. He also earned many awards for his leadership in the community.
There is even a picnic table on the White House lawn dedicated to him.
His Personal Life
Stephen Rochon is Catholic. He attends Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Alexandria, Virginia.
He also worked as a consultant for the 2013 movie The Butler.
