“ Every decision [Panetta] has made has been with one goal in mind: taking care of our sons and our daughters in uniform and keeping America safe.” —President Barack Obama, 2013 LEON PANETTA, THE SON OF ITALIAN IMMIGRANTS who operated a Monterey restaurant, rose to the highest levels of public service and served as President Barack Obama’s Secretary of Defense and Director of the CIA, where he oversaw the military operation that killed Osama Bin Laden. Panetta also served as President Bill Clinton’s White House Chief of Staff and as a U.S. Representative from Monterey from 1977 to 1993. After decades of service, Panetta continues his dedication to supporting the next generation of political leaders with the Panetta Institute of Public Policy at California State University, Monterey Bay. Leon Panetta was inducted into the California Hall of Fame in 2024, recognizing the mark Secretary Panetta has made on history. Leon Panetta FORMER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE AND DIRECTOR OF THE CIA HISTORIC PROFILE Right: The 2011 oath of office ceremony swearing in Leon Panetta as the 23rd U.S. Secretary of Defense. Images: United States Department of Defense
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