Thomas Joseph "Tom" Ridge (born August 26, 1945) is an American politician.
Quick facts 1st United States Secretary of Homeland Security, President ...
Tom Ridge |
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In office
January 24, 2003 – February 1, 2005 |
| President | George W. Bush |
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| Preceded by | Position established |
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| Succeeded by | Michael Chertoff |
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In office
September 20, 2001 – January 24, 2003 |
| President | George W. Bush |
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| Preceded by | Position established |
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| Succeeded by | John Gordon |
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In office
January 17, 1995 – October 5, 2001 |
| Lieutenant | Mark Schweiker |
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| Preceded by | Robert Casey |
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| Succeeded by | Mark Schweiker |
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In office
January 3, 1983 – January 3, 1995 |
| Preceded by | Donald Bailey |
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| Succeeded by | Phil English |
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| Born | Thomas Joseph Ridge
(1945-08-26) August 26, 1945 (age 80)
Munhall, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
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| Political party | Republican |
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| Spouse(s) | Michele Ridge |
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| Children | 2 |
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| Education | Harvard University (BA)
Dickinson School of Law (JD) |
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| Allegiance | United States |
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| Branch/service | United States Army |
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| Rank | Staff sergeant |
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| Unit | 23rd Infantry Division |
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| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
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| Awards | Bronze Star
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Vietnam Gallantry Cross
Combat Infantryman Badge |
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Close
Ridge served as the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security from 2001 to 2003, and the first United States Secretary of Homeland Security from 2003 to 2005.[1]
Ridge was a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1983 to 1995 and the 43rd Governor of Pennsylvania from 1995 to 2001. He is a member of the Republican Party.
