Chuck Hagel
Charles Timothy Hagel (/ˈheɪɡəl/ HAY-gəl; born October 4, 1946) is an American military veteran and former politician who served as the 24th United States secretary of defense from 2013 to 2015 in the administration of Barack Obama. He previously served as chairman of the president's Intelligence Advisory Board from 2009 to 2013 and as a United States senator representing Nebraska from 1997 to 2009.
Chuck Hagel | |
|---|---|
Official portrait, 2013 | |
| 24th United States Secretary of Defense | |
| In office February 27, 2013 – February 17, 2015 | |
| President | Barack Obama |
| Deputy | Ash Carter Christine Fox (acting) Robert O. Work |
| Preceded by | Leon Panetta |
| Succeeded by | Ash Carter |
| Chair of the President's Intelligence Advisory Board | |
| In office October 28, 2009 – February 27, 2013 Served with David Boren | |
| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Steve Friedman |
| Succeeded by | Shirley Ann Jackson Jami Miscik (2014) |
| Chair of the Intelligence Oversight Board | |
| In office October 28, 2009 – February 27, 2013 | |
| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Steve Friedman |
| Succeeded by | Dan Meltzer |
| United States Senator from Nebraska | |
| In office January 3, 1997 – January 3, 2009 | |
| Preceded by | J. James Exon |
| Succeeded by | Mike Johanns |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Charles Timothy Hagel October 4, 1946 North Platte, Nebraska, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouses | Patricia Lloyd
(m. 1979; div. 1982)Lilibet Ziller (m. 1985) |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Brown Institute University of Nebraska Omaha (BGS) |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1967–1968 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | 2nd Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment 9th Infantry Division |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War (WIA) |
| Awards | Purple Heart (x2) Army Commendation Medal Vietnam Gallantry Cross Combat Infantryman Badge |
A recipient of two Purple Hearts while an infantry squad leader in the Vietnam War, Hagel returned home to start careers in business and politics. He co-founded Vanguard Cellular, the primary source of his personal wealth, and served as president of the McCarthy Group, an investment banking firm, and CEO of American Information Systems Inc., a computerized voting machine manufacturer. A member of the Republican Party, Hagel was first elected to the United States Senate in 1996. He was reelected in 2002, but did not run in 2008.
On January 7, 2013, President Barack Obama nominated Hagel to serve as Secretary of Defense. On February 12, 2013, the Senate Armed Services Committee approved Hagel's nomination by a vote of 14–11. On February 14, 2013, Senate Republicans did not vote with Democrats so there were not 60 votes needed to end the debate on Hagel's nomination and proceed to a final vote, citing the need for further review. It was the first time that a nominee for Secretary of Defense was filibustered, although candidates for other cabinet offices had been filibustered before. On February 26, 2013, the Senate voted for cloture on Hagel's nomination and confirmed him by a vote of 58–41. He took office on February 27, 2013, as his predecessor, Leon Panetta, stepped down.
Hagel previously served as a professor at the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, chairman of the Atlantic Council, and co-chairman of the President's Intelligence Advisory Board. Before his appointment as Secretary of Defense, Hagel served on a number of boards of directors, including that of Chevron Corporation.
On November 24, 2014, it was announced that Hagel would resign following conflicts within the administration, particularly relating to issues concerning ISIL.