James A. Winnefeld, Jr.

Date of Birth: April 24, 1956

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Biography

Admiral James A. Winnefeld, Jr., is a retired United States Navy admiral who served as the ninth Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2011 to 2015. Born into a military family, Winnefeld was raised with a strong sense of duty and service. He graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1978 with a degree in Aerospace Engineering and was commissioned through the Navy ROTC program. Throughout his illustrious career, he held various significant command and staff positions, including Commander, United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). Winnefeld is highly respected for his leadership, strategic insights, and contributions to national security. After retiring from active duty, he has continued to serve the public through various roles in academia, advisory boards, and think tanks.

5 Interesting Facts about James A. Winnefeld, Jr.

1. Winnefeld served as the ninth Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the second-highest-ranking military officer in the United States.

2. He was the Commander of the U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command from 2010 to 2011.

3. Winnefeld is a distinguished graduate of the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) and has flown various aircraft, including the F-14 Tomcat.

4. He has received numerous awards and decorations, including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal and the Navy Distinguished Service Medal.

5. After retirement, he has focused on issues like cybersecurity, national security, and the opioid crisis, co-founding the organization SAFE Project.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from James A. Winnefeld, Jr.

1. “Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.”

2. “National security is a shared responsibility that requires collaboration across all sectors.”

3. “Our strength lies not just in our military might but in the resilience and spirit of our people.”

4. “In every challenge, there’s an opportunity to innovate and improve.”

5. “True service is about making sacrifices for the greater good, not for personal gain.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved is not publicly disclosed, but as a retired four-star admiral and public speaker, he is believed to have accumulated significant wealth.

Children

James A. Winnefeld, Jr. and his wife Mary have two children. Their son, Jonathan Winnefeld, tragically passed away in 2017. Their other child, a daughter named Mollie, has pursued a career outside of the public military sphere.