Togo D. West, Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Togo West
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| 3rd United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs | |
| In office May 4, 1998 – July 10, 2000 |
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| President | Bill Clinton |
| Preceded by | Jesse Brown |
| Succeeded by | Anthony Principi |
| United States Secretary of the Army | |
| In office November 22, 1993 – May 4, 1998 |
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| President | Bill Clinton |
| Preceded by | Gordon Sullivan (Acting) |
| Succeeded by | Mike Walker (Acting) |
| General Counsel of the Navy | |
| In office April 22, 1977 – January 13, 1979 |
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| President | Jimmy Carter |
| Preceded by | Grey Lewis |
| Succeeded by | Coleman Hicks |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Togo Dennis West Jr.
June 21, 1942 Winston-Salem, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | March 8, 2018 (aged 75) Caribbean Sea aboard cruiseliner between Barbados and Puerto Rico |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Gail Berry |
| Children | 2 daughters |
| Education | Howard University (BS, JD) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1965–1973 |
| Unit | Army Judge Advocate General's Corps |
| Awards | Legion of Merit Meritorious Service Medal |
Togo Dennis West Jr. (born June 21, 1942 – died March 8, 2018) was an important American lawyer and government official. He served as the third United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs, a job where he helped people who had served in the military.
President Bill Clinton chose him for this role in 1998. Before that, West was the United States Secretary of the Army from 1993 to 1997, also under President Clinton. He was the second African American person to become the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
About Togo West's Early Life
Togo West Jr. was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. As a young person, he was very active in the Boy Scouts of America. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, which is the highest rank in scouting.
West went to Atkins High School, where both of his parents were teachers. He was a very good student and graduated at the top of his class in 1959. After high school, he attended Howard University. He earned a science degree in 1965 and a law degree in 1968. He was an excellent law student, graduating first in his class.
While at Howard University, he joined the Alpha Phi Omega and Omega Psi Phi fraternities. He also met Gail Berry, who later became his wife. They had two daughters together. West was also a member of St. John's Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C., where he held important roles.
His dedication to youth was recognized when he received the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award and the Silver Buffalo Award. These awards are given for major contributions to young people across the country. He also served as the President of the National Capital Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
Togo West's Career in Government
After finishing law school, Togo West worked for a federal judge. Then, he joined the United States Army and served in the Judge Advocate General's Corps. This is a group of lawyers who work for the military. For his service, he received two important awards: the Legion of Merit and the Meritorious Service Medal.
After his military service, West worked as a lawyer in a private firm. He then joined the government during President Gerald Ford's time in office. Later, he held several important positions under President Jimmy Carter. These roles included:
- General Counsel to the Navy (1977-1979)
- Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense (1979)
- General Counsel to the Department of Defense (1980-1981)
In 1981, West returned to working as a private lawyer. He also worked for a large company called Northrop Corporation, handling government relations. He continued this work until he joined President Bill Clinton's administration.
After leaving government service, West continued to work as a lawyer. He also led the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies. This is a group that studies important issues, especially those affecting minority groups. He was also a strong supporter of the Mount Vernon preservation society, which helps take care of George Washington's historic home.
His Passing
Togo West Jr. passed away on March 8, 2018, when he was 75 years old. He died from a heart attack while on a cruise ship. The ship was traveling between Barbados and Puerto Rico in the Caribbean Sea.
