kids encyclopedia robot

Togo D. West, Jr. facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Togo West
TogoDWest.jpg
3rd United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs
In office
May 4, 1998 – July 10, 2000
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
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
President Jimmy Carter
Preceded by Grey Lewis
Succeeded by Coleman Hicks
Personal details
Born
Togo Dennis West Jr.

(1942-06-21)June 21, 1942
Winston-Salem, North Carolina, U.S.
Died March 8, 2018(2018-03-08) (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.

kids search engine
Togo D. West, Jr. Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.