Max Cleland
| Max Cleland | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Secretary of the American Battle Monuments Commission | |
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Assumed office June 2009 |
|
| President |
Barack Obama Donald Trump |
| Preceded by | John W. Nicholson |
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United States Senator from Georgia |
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In office January 3, 1997 – January 3, 2003 |
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| Preceded by | Sam Nunn |
| Succeeded by | Saxby Chambliss |
| 23rd Secretary of State of Georgia | |
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In office January 11, 1983 – January 1996 |
|
| Governor |
Joe Harris Zell Miller |
| Preceded by | David Poythress |
| Succeeded by | Lewis Massey |
| Administrator of Veterans Affairs | |
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In office January 20, 1977 – January 20, 1981 |
|
| President | Jimmy Carter |
| Preceded by | Richard Roudebush |
| Succeeded by | Bob Nimmo |
| Member of the Georgia Senate from the 55th district |
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In office January 11, 1971 – January 13, 1975 |
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| Preceded by | Ed Reeder |
| Succeeded by | Bud Stumbaugh |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Joseph Maxwell Cleland August 24, 1942 Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education |
Stetson University (BA) Emory University (MA) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |
 United States
|
| Service/branch |
 United States Army
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| Years of service | 1965–1968 |
| Rank |
 Captain
|
| Unit | 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment |
| Battles/wars |
Vietnam War • Battle of Khe Sanh |
| Awards |
Silver Star Bronze Star with "V" Device Soldier's Medal Purple Heart National Defense Service Medal Vietnam Service Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal |
Joseph Maxwell "Max" Cleland (born August 24, 1942) is an American politician from Georgia. Cleland, a Democrat, is a disabled US Army veteran of the Vietnam War, a recipient of the Silver Star and the Bronze Star for valorous actions in combat, and a former U.S. Senator. He was also Administrator of Veterans Affairs (now a Cabinet-level position). From 2003 to 2007 he served on the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, a presidentially-appointed position. He has served as Secretary of the American Battle Monuments Commission since May 2009.
Since he left office in 2003, no other Democrat from Georgia has served a full term in the United States Senate.
Cleland was born on August 24, 1942 in Atlanta, the son of Juanita Wilda (Kesler) and Joseph Hughie Cleland. He grew up in Lithonia, Georgia, and graduated from Stetson University in the class of 1964, where he was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. Cleland was named outstanding senior in high school. He went on to receive a master's degree from Emory University (Georgia).
Cleland then served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, attaining the rank of Captain. He was awarded the Silver Star and the Bronze Star for valorous action in combat, including during the Battle of Khe Sanh on April 4, 1968.
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Wikipedia