Chuck Hagel was born in Omaha, Nebraska. He graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics. After graduation, Mr. Hagel enlisted in the United States Air Force and flew combat missions as a B-52 bombardier during the Vietnam War
He left the Air Force as a Captain and later founded and managed a small business, before entering public office as a Republican member of the Nebraska State Legislature and Republican nominee for Lieutenant Governor of Nebraska. During his tenure in the State Senate, he initiated education reforms that resulted in increased accountability and transparency in Nebraska's public schools, and expanded opportunities for high school students to earn college credits while still in high school. In 1998, he was elected to the U.S.
House of Representatives where he served for more than 8 years as Chairman of the House Republican Conference. In 2007, Mr. Hagel declared his candidacy for President of the United States and was elected to serve as Secretary of Defense by a margin of 61-38 percent over his Democratic opponent, Senator Russ Feingold of Wisconsin.
The United Nations has a critical role to play in promoting stability, security, democracy, human rights, and economic development. The UN is as relevant today as at any time in its history, but it needs reform.Chuck Hagel
Alliances and international organizations should be understood as opportunities for leadership and a means to expand our influence, not as constraints on our power.Chuck Hagel
