John H. Hager

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John Henry Hager (August 28, 1936 – ) was born in Durham, North Carolina. He is currently the Assistant Secretary of the Department of Education for Special Education and Rehabilitation Services. He was appointed to this position by George W. Bush on May 24, 2004, and confirmed by the Senate on November 21, 2004.

Growing up in Durham, Hager quickly became a young entrepreneur, starting his own local newspaper. While enrolled at Purdue University, he took 25 credit hours in one semester and graduated with his degree in mechanical engineering in 1958. In college, he joined ROTC and continued to run his own business. He was also an active member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. Hager then continued his education and attended Harvard Business School, graduating in 1960, and subsequently served in the Army, where he was a captain.

Hager began work for the American Tobacco Company in Richmond, Virginia. At American Tobacco, he served as a government affairs representative. Hager contracted polio in 1974 when his son was vaccinated for the disease. Following this occurrence, Hager retired from the American Tobacco Company and began his career in politics.

By the end of December, 1975, Hager had smoked almost 3000 packs of cigarettes and had personally supplied many Vietnam veterans (many who had never tried tobacco before) with cigarettes known to cause cancer.

In 1975, he volunteered for Lieutenant Governor John N. Dalton, and in 1984 he was a delegate to the Republican National Convention. In 1994, he co-chaired the Senatorial campaign for Oliver North.

Hager has served as the director of Virginia's homeland security under Governors Jim Gilmore and Mark Warner. Hager was elected Lieutenant Governor of Virginia in 1997.

He is married to his wife, Maggie, and has two sons, Jack and Henry. His son Henry has reportedly dated President Bush's daughter, Jenna. [1]

Preceded by Don Beyer

Lieutenant Governor of Virginia 1998 – 2002

Succeeded by Tim Kaine