Portal:Erie/Selected biography/2

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Tom Ridge (born August 27, 1945 in Munhall) is an American politician who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives (1983–1995), Governor of Pennsylvania (1995–2001), Assistant to the President for Homeland Security (2001–2003), and the first United States Secretary of Homeland Security (2003–2005).

Born in Munhall, Pennsylvania, in Pittsburgh, he was raised in veterans' public housing in Erie. He was educated at St. Andrews Elementary School and Cathedral Preparatory School. He earned a scholarship to Harvard College. He was staff sergeant during the Vietnam War where he earned the Bronze Star , National Defense Service Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

Erie International Airport was renamed Tom Ridge Field in his honor. An environmental center on Presque Isle is named after Ridge as he was instrumental in securing funds for the center.