Stephen W. Rochon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Stephen W. Rochon
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| 9th White House Chief Usher | |
| In office March 12, 2007 – 2011 |
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| 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 served as the White House Chief Usher. This important role means he was in charge of the White House building itself. He made sure everything ran smoothly for the President and their family. From 2007 to 2011, he held this job. He was also the first African-American person to be the White House Chief Usher.
Before working at the White House, Rochon was a high-ranking officer in the United States Coast Guard. He finished his Coast Guard career as a Rear Admiral on March 9, 2007. Just a few days later, on March 12, he started his new job at the White House. He took over from Gary J. Walters, who had been the Chief Usher for 20 years. In 2011, Rochon left the White House to work for the Department of Homeland Security. Angella Reid then became the new Chief Usher.
Contents
Stephen Rochon's Life and Career
Education and Early Life
Stephen Rochon studied business administration at Xavier University of Louisiana. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree there. Later, he also received a Master of Science degree from the National Defense University. This degree was in national resource strategy.
His Time in the Coast Guard
Admiral Rochon joined the Coast Guard in 1970. He started as an enlisted member. This means he began at a basic level. He worked hard and moved up through the ranks. In 1975, he became an officer. He earned this rank after going to Officer Candidate School in Yorktown, Virginia.
As a high-ranking officer, Admiral Rochon had many important jobs. He was in charge of the Coast Guard's Maintenance and Logistics Command Atlantic. This meant he oversaw engineering, money, and people. He also handled legal matters and planning for emergencies. His work covered 40 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, Europe, and the Middle East.
Admiral Rochon is from New Orleans. After the big hurricanes in 2005, he helped many Coast Guard families. He made sure they had homes and new job assignments. He cares a lot about history and old buildings. He even made video documentaries in 1989 and 2005. These videos honored Alex Haley, who wrote the famous book "Roots." Haley was also a Coast Guard veteran.
Rochon also helped honor a brave African-American crew. They were from the Pea Island Life-Saving Station. In 1896, they performed a daring rescue. Admiral Rochon helped them receive the Gold Lifesaving Medal. He has also shared his knowledge with museums. He helped rebuild old homes in New Orleans after the 2005 hurricanes. He worked to keep their historical importance.
Working at the White House
Stephen Rochon became the White House Chief Usher on March 12, 2007. This was a big moment because he was the first African American to hold this position. As Chief Usher, he managed the daily operations of the White House. This included everything from events to maintenance. He made sure the President's home was always ready. In May 2011, he decided to leave this role. He took a new job at the United States Department of Homeland Security.
Awards and Recognition
Admiral Rochon has received several important awards. He earned the Legion of Merit medal three times. This is a high honor for military service. He has also been recognized for his leadership in communities. A picnic table on the White House lawn is even dedicated to him.
Personal Life
Stephen Rochon is Catholic. He attends Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Alexandria, Virginia. He also helped with the 2013 movie The Butler. He served as a consultant for the film.
