Former US Vice President Dick Cheney passed away on Monday night at the age of 84 due to complications from pneumonia and heart-related illnesses.
In a statement, his family said, “For decades, Dick Cheney served our nation. We are grateful beyond measure for all he did for our country.”
Who is Dick Cheney?
Cheney served as vice president under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009. He played a major role in shaping US policy after the 9/11 attacks and was one of the main architects of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. When terrorists struck on September 11, 2001, Cheney took charge from Washington while President Bush was away.
Over nearly four decades in Washington, Cheney held several key positions. He was the youngest White House Chief of Staff under President Gerald Ford, served as a congressman from Wyoming during Ronald Reagan’s presidency, and became Secretary of Defense under President George H. W. Bush. Later, he completed two terms as vice president under George W. Bush.
Beyond politics, Cheney was also the CEO of Halliburton, a major Texas-based energy company.
In his later years, Cheney faced criticism from former President Donald Trump, especially after his daughter, Liz Cheney, became one of Trump’s strongest opponents within the Republican Party.
Despite surviving five heart attacks, Cheney remained optimistic. In 2013, he said he woke up each day “with a smile on my face, thankful for the gift of another day.”