Max Cleland, former U.S. Georgia senator, Vietnam veteran, dies at age 79

ATLANTA — Former U.S. Senator Max Cleland has died, former Gov. Roy Barnes confirmed to Channel 2 Action News.

The 79-year-old was born and raised in Lithonia and graduated from Lithonia High School in 1960.

In 1967, Cleland volunteered for service in the Vietnam War and was seriously wounded in battle that next year. He lost both of his legs above the knee and his right forearm. He was awarded both the Bronze Star for meritorious service and the Silver Star for gallantry in action.

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Cleland went on to serve in the Georgia state Senate in the early 1970 and became an advocate for veterans affairs. When Jimmy Carter became president, he was appointed to the staff of the U.S. Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, where he investigated hospitals in the Veterans Administration health care system and their treatment of wounded U.S. troops returning from Vietnam.

In 1977, Cleland was appointed to run the Veterans Administration, becoming the nation’s youngest VA Administrator ever and the first Vietnam veteran to head the department.

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In 1996, Cleland was elected to succeed Sam Nunn in the U.S. Senate. Cleland held the seat on the Senate Armed Services Committee which was previously occupied by Nunn and Senator Richard Russell.

After his defeat for re-election in 2002, Cleland was appointed to the 9-11 Commission to study the circumstances surrounding the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and to recommend safeguards against future attacks.

On June 3, 2009, President Obama appointed Cleland as Secretary of the American Battle Monuments Commission, managing 25 cemeteries overseas where fallen American troops from World War I and World War II are memorialized.

In his memoir, Cleland said that through crises and defeats, “I have learned that it is possible to become strong at the broken places.”

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Pres. Biden released a statement about Cleland’s passing:

Max Cleland was an American hero whose fearless service to our nation, and to the people of his beloved home state of Georgia, never wavered.

As a 25-year-old serving in the 1st Cavalry Division of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, Max lost both of his legs and his right arm in a grenade explosion at Khe Sanh. After grueling months in the hospital, enduring multiple surgeries and a long road back to recovery, Max turned his pain into purpose. He continued his distinguished public service, becoming a lifelong champion of the dignity and rights of working people and America’s wounded veterans. His leadership was the essential driving force behind the creation of the modern VA health system, where so many of his fellow heroes have found lifesaving support and renewed purpose of their own thanks in no small part to Max’s lasting impact.

I had the distinct honor of knowing Max as both a colleague and a friend during our six years together in the United States Senate. He was a man of unflinching patriotism, boundless courage, and rare character. I was proud to have Max by my side. He will be remembered as one of Georgia’s and America’s great leaders.

Max Cleland was a good man who loved God and country.

Jill and I are deeply saddened to learn of his passing, and our prayers are with all those who loved him.

Gov. Kemp released a statement:

“Marty, the girls, and I join Georgians in mourning the loss of a great patriot, Max Cleland. Senator Cleland’s service to our state, nation, and his fellow veterans was defined by his optimism, grit, and determination to give hardworking Georgians a better chance to achieve the American dream. Max’s example of persevering through adversity will continue to inspire generations of Georgians for years to come.”

Sen. Jon Ossoff released a statement:

“Senator Cleland was a hero, a patriot, a public servant, and a friend. His advice as I entered the Senate and in the early months of my tenure have been invaluable. Georgia and the nation will deeply miss him. Alisha and I are keeping Senator Cleland’s family in our prayers.”

Sen. Raphael Warnock released a statement:

“The nation has lost a true giant of public service, and Georgia has lost one of our fiercest champions. My prayers are with Senator Cleland’s family and all those who loved him. Senator Cleland was a passionate patriot with a big heart for our veterans, and he always put the people of Georgia first. Georgians will long remember and admire his honorable life, legacy and contributions to our state and nation.”

Congressman Hank Johnson released a statement:

“The indefatigable Senator Max Cleland of Lithonia, Georgia, was a giant of a human being who, in overcoming all adversity, showed us how to build a winning life. Although our paths did not cross frequently, often when we saw each other Max would grab me and bestow a big hug, and I would hug him right back. Highly accomplished, Max also exuded warmth and positivity, and treated all with kindness. I salute Max for a life well lived, and we will miss him greatly. My prayers go out to his entire family.”

Georgia Agricultural Commissioner Gary Black released a statement:

“Max Cleland loved Georgia. He courageously inspired others to be “Strong at the Broken Places.” Please join Lydia and I in praying for his family and loved ones today.”

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