Eric Shinseki

Date of Birth: November 28, 1942

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Biography

Eric Ken Shinseki is an American retired General who served as the seventh United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs from 2009 to 2014. Born in Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii, he is of Japanese-American descent and a third-generation Japanese American, or Sansei. Shinseki graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1965 and served two tours of duty in Vietnam, where he was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. Shinseki’s military career is marked by several high-profile assignments, including serving as the Chief of Staff of the United States Army from 1999 to 2003. During his tenure, he was a proponent for the transformation of the Army to become more versatile and mobile. His tenure was marked by his advocacy for new technologies and his controversial prediction that several hundred thousand troops would be needed to stabilize post-invasion Iraq, a view that was later vindicated. After retiring from active duty, Shinseki was nominated by President Barack Obama and confirmed as Secretary of Veterans Affairs. His tenure was notable for efforts to modernize the VA healthcare system and address issues such as homelessness among veterans. However, his term ended amidst controversy over delays in veterans’ healthcare, leading to his resignation in 2014.

5 Interesting Facts about Eric Shinseki

1. Eric Shinseki was the first Asian American four-star general in U.S. history.

2. He lost part of his right foot after stepping on a landmine during his second tour in Vietnam.

3. Shinseki played a significant role in the early adoption of the Army’s black beret for all troops, which was previously worn only by elite units.

4. He was a vocal advocate for the “Stryker Brigade Combat Team,” a concept that aimed to create a lighter and more mobile ground force.

5. Shinseki has received numerous awards and decorations, including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Army Distinguished Service Medal, and the Legion of Merit.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Eric Shinseki

1. “You must love those you lead before you can be an effective leader. You can certainly command without that sense of commitment, but you cannot lead without it.”

2. “I do not want to be the Secretary of Veterans Affairs who sees veterans die in line for healthcare.”

3. “The Army will remain at the core of our national defense. It is the foundation of our military strength.”

4. “Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy.”

5. “Respect for soldiers, who they are, and what they represent is a fundamental value of our Army.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of his career, Eric Shinseki’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million, primarily from his military pension and subsequent roles in public service.