Army secretary to lead DOD homeland security

Army secretary to lead DOD homeland security

• By Dawn S. Onley
• Oct 03, 2001

Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld has named Thomas E. White, Army secretary, as the Defense Department's executive agent for all homeland security matters.

"In the wake of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, homeland security has emerged as a paramount national priority," White said. "As the Department of Defense executive agent for homeland security, I look forward to working closely with [former Pennsylvania] Gov. Tom Ridge as he leads this vital effort."

White became the 18th secretary of the Army in May. Before his appointment, he was vice chairman of Enron Energy Services of Houston. White is a retired Army brigadier general.

"Since the earliest days of our nation, the Army'both active and reserve'has engaged in homeland security," White said. "So the Army brings enormous experience, talent and capabilities to the effort."