Bob Kerrey is a name that resonates with many Americans. Whether it’s his decorated military service, his two terms as governor of Nebraska, or his tenure in the United States Senate, Kerrey has left an indelible mark on American politics and public life. But who is Bob Kerrey? What drives him to serve his country and fellow citizens so passionately? In this comprehensive biography, we will explore the life and career of one of America’s most dynamic leaders – from his humble beginnings in Lincoln, Nebraska to his rise to national prominence on Capitol Hill. So come along for the ride as we delve deep into the fascinating world of Bob Kerrey – a man whose legacy continues to shape our nation today!

Introduction to Bob Kerrey

Bob Kerrey was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, on August 27, 1943. After attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for two years on a swimming scholarship, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a SEAL during the Vietnam War. Upon his return from Vietnam, he enrolled at the New School for Social Research in New York City, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science. He then returned to Nebraska and ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate in 1982. In 1988, he was elected to the Senate, where he served until 2001. During his time in the Senate, Kerrey was an outspoken critic of U.S. involvement in the Balkans conflict and voted against sending troops to Bosnia and Kosovo. He also voted against the Gulf War in 1991 but supported the use of force in Afghanistan after 9/11. In 2000, Kerrey ran for president but withdrew from the race before the Iowa caucus. After leaving the Senate, Kerrey served as president of The New School from 2001 to 2010. He is currently a senior fellow at the think tank Third Way and serves on various corporate boards.

Early Life and Education

Bob Kerrey was born on August 27, 1943 in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was the middle child of Elinor and James Kerrey. His father served in World War II and his mother was a homemaker. Kerrey attended public schools in Lincoln and graduated from Lincoln Southeast High School in 1961. He then went on to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he majored in pharmacy. He graduated from UNL in 1966 with a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy.

Kerrey began his career as a pharmacist at Woolworth’s drugstore in Omaha, Nebraska. He then enlisted in the United States Navy and served as a Navy Seal during the Vietnam War. After returning from Vietnam, Kerrey enrolled at the University of New York at Stony Brook, where he earned a master’s degree in public administration. He then returned to Nebraska and ran for the U.S. Senate, winning election in 1982.

Political Career

Bob Kerrey’s political career began in 1982 when he was elected to the United States Senate from Nebraska. He served on the Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee and the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee. He also served on the Special Committee on Aging. In 1988, he ran for reelection and won. He was reelected again in 1994.

In 2000, Kerrey decided not to run for reelection and instead ran for the Democratic nomination for president. However, he withdrew from the race after a poor showing in the primaries.

After leaving the Senate, Kerrey became president of The New School in New York City. He served in that role from 2001 to 2010. In 2012, he was appointed co-chair of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform by President Barack Obama.

Military Service

After his graduation from the University of Nebraska in 1966, Bob Kerrey joined the United States Navy. He served as a Navy Seal during the Vietnam War. From 1969 to 1970, he took part in over 50 combat missions and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions. After returning from Vietnam, Kerrey attended graduate school at the University of South Dakota. He then worked as a business consultant and investment banker before being elected to the U.S. Senate in 1988.

Awards and Honors

Bob Kerrey has had an illustrious career, both in public service and in the private sector. He has been recognized with many awards and honors, including the Medal of Honor, the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart. He was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013.

Personal Life

Bob Kerrey was born in Lincoln, Nebraska on August 27, 1943. He was the middle child of three boys. His father, Elmer, was a lawyer and his mother, Stella, was a homemaker. Kerrey attended public schools in Lincoln and graduated from Lincoln Southeast High School in 1961. He then enrolled at the University of Nebraska where he became a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy in 1966.

Kerrey married Martha Clark in 1968 and they had two children together, Ben and Lindsey. The couple divorced in 2001. In 2005, Kerrey married Sarah Paley; they have one child together, Henry.

Kerrey has been active in politics since he served as a delegate to the 1972 Democratic National Convention. In 1982, he was elected to the U.S. Senate and served until 1989 when he chose not to run for reelection. After leaving the Senate, Kerrey became president of The New School university in New York City but resigned after only two years to return to Nebraska and run for governor. He lost that race but later regained his old Senate seat in 1992 and served until 2000 when he again chose not to run for reelection.

Since leaving the Senate, Kerrey has worked as a business consultant and is currently a co-chair of the Council on Foreign Relations’ Independent Task Force on U.S.-China Policy.

Net Worth

From humble beginnings in Nebraska, Bob Kerrey has had a long and successful career in politics, business, and education. His net worth is estimated to be $5 million.

Kerrey’s political career began with his election to the U.S. Senate in 1988. He served two terms in the Senate before being elected Governor of Nebraska in 1992. He served one term as Governor before returning to the private sector.

In the private sector, Kerrey has been involved in a number of businesses. He is currently a partner at the investment firm Rosemont Capital Partners. He has also served on the boards of several companies, including The New York Times Company and ConocoPhillips.

Kerrey has also been active in education. He is currently the president of The New School, a private university in New York City. He has also taught at Yale University and Columbia University.

Recent Activities

Since his retirement from the U.S. Senate in 2000, Bob Kerrey has been involved in a number of activities. He served on the 9/11 Commission and the Iraq Study Group, and he was a Distinguished Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. In 2006, he founded The Minerva Institute for Security Studies, a think tank dedicated to finding creative solutions to global security challenges. He has also been active in philanthropy and education, serving on the boards of several organizations including the New America Foundation, Teach For America, and Concordia University Nebraska.

Conclusion

Bob Kerrey has had an impressive career as a political leader and public servant, with his life full of both success and controversy. He has been an advocate for numerous causes, including veterans’ rights, healthcare reform, education policy, and economic development. We have explored Bob’s unique journey through his various roles over the years while also looking at some of his most notable achievements. His legacy will live on in the many people he has touched throughout the course of his lifetime.