Tom Ridge

Thomas Joseph Ridge (born August 26, 1946) is a former Governor of Pennsylvania (1995–2001), Assistant to the President for Homeland Security (2001–2003), and the first United States Secretary of Homeland Security (2003–2005).

Early life

Born in Munhall, Pennsylvania, in Pittsburgh's Steel Valley, the son of a travelling salesman and Navy veteran, he was the oldest of three children. His mother's family of Ruthenian ethnicity came from Slovakia, his father's ancestors were Irish and Cherokee. Ridge was raised in a working class family in veterans' public housing in Erie, Pennsylvania from 1948. He was educated at local Catholic schools and did well both academically and in sports. He earned a scholarship to Harvard College, paying his way through with construction work and graduating with honors in 1967.

Related Topics:
Munhall - Pennsylvania - Pittsburgh - Ruthenian ethnicity - Slovakia - Irish - Cherokee - Erie - 1948 - Catholic - Harvard College - 1967

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

After his first year at the Dickinson School of Law, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served as an infantry staff sergeant during the Vietnam War. He had been offered a position as an officer but had turned it down when he learned that it would require an extra year of service. His awards included the Bronze Star Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, and the Combat Infantry Badge.

Related Topics:
Dickinson School of Law - U.S. Army - Staff sergeant - Vietnam War - Officer - Bronze Star Medal - National Defense Service Medal - Vietnam Service Medal - Vietnam Campaign Medal - Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm - Combat Infantry Badge

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A ruptured appendix cut short his tour and he returned home in 1970; a childhood ear infection was also aggravated by his service and Ridge has needed a hearing aid in his left ear since then, which causes him to have to lean in close and listen intently to whomever is speaking to him.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

After returning to Pennsylvania, he completed his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree at Dickinson, graduating in 1972, and entered private practice.

Related Topics:
Pennsylvania - Juris Doctor - (J.D.)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~