Thomas J. Ridge
| Tom Ridge | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| 1st United States Secretary of Homeland Security | |
|
In office January 24, 2003 – February 1, 2005 |
|
| President | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Michael Chertoff |
| 1st United States Homeland Security Advisor | |
|
In office September 20, 2001 – January 24, 2003 |
|
| President | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | John Gordon |
| 43rd Governor of Pennsylvania | |
|
In office January 17, 1995 – October 5, 2001 |
|
| Lieutenant | Mark Schweiker |
| Preceded by | Robert Casey |
| Succeeded by | Mark Schweiker |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania's 21st district |
|
|
In office January 3, 1983 – January 3, 1995 |
|
| Preceded by | Donald Bailey |
| Succeeded by | Phil English |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Thomas Joseph Ridge August 26, 1945 Munhall, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Michele |
| Children | 2 |
| Education |
Harvard University (BA) Dickinson School of Law (JD) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |
 United States
|
| Service/branch |
 United States Army
|
| Rank |
 Staff sergeant
|
| Unit | 23rd Infantry Division |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards |
Bronze Star National Defense Service Medal Vietnam Service Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal Vietnam Gallantry Cross Combat Infantryman Badge |
Thomas Joseph "Tom" Ridge (born August 26, 1945) is an American politician who 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. Prior to this, 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.
Ridge was born in Munhall, Pennsylvania and raised in veterans' public housing in Erie, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Harvard University with honors, Ridge served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He earned the Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, and the Combat Infantryman Badge for his service. He then returned to Pennsylvania and completed his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree at the Dickinson School of Law, graduating in 1972, and entered private practice.
As Assistant District Attorney in Erie, Ridge ran for Congress in his district, where he served six terms. He then ran for Governor in 1994, despite being little-known outside of northwest Pennsylvania. He won the election, and was reelected in 1998 with the most votes for a Republican governor in Pennsylvania (where Democrats outnumber Republicans by almost 500,000) in more than half a century. As Governor of Pennsylvania, Ridge is credited for statewide advances in economic development, education, health care and the environment.
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