Early Life and Education of Dick Cheney: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Dick Cheney. From birth to education, explore key events.

Richard Bruce Cheney served as the 46th U.S. Vice President under George W. Bush (2001-2009), a tenure noted for its unprecedented power. A Republican, Cheney's career included roles as White House Chief of Staff under Gerald Ford, U.S. Representative for Wyoming, and Secretary of Defense under George H.W. Bush. He is widely regarded as a major figure in the decision to invade Iraq. Cheney's influence and policy decisions have made him a significant and controversial figure in recent American history.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

January 30, 1941: Richard Bruce Cheney Born

On January 30, 1941, Richard Bruce Cheney was born. He later became the 46th Vice President of the United States.

November 1962: Cheney Convicted of DWI

In November 1962, Dick Cheney was convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI).

1963: Cheney Arrested for DWI Again

In 1963, Dick Cheney was arrested again for driving while intoxicated (DWI).

1964: Cheney Married Lynne Vincent

In 1964, Dick Cheney married Lynne Vincent, his high-school sweetheart.

October 26, 1965: Draft expanded to include married men

On October 26, 1965, the draft expanded to include married men without children, impacting Cheney's draft status.

1966: Cheney drops out of doctoral program

In 1966, Dick Cheney dropped out of the doctoral program at the University of Wisconsin to become a staff aide for Governor Warren P. Knowles.

January 30, 1967: Cheney Turns 26, No Longer Eligible for Draft

On January 30, 1967, Dick Cheney turned 26 and was no longer eligible for the military draft.

1968: Cheney awarded congressional fellowship

In 1968, Dick Cheney was awarded an American Political Science Association congressional fellowship and moved to Washington, D.C.

1989: Cheney Discusses Deferments

In 1989, after Cheney was nominated for Secretary of Defense, he addressed his draft deferments during an interview with The Washington Post.

2001: Cheney's Recollections of 9/11

In his memoir, 'In My Time', published in August 2011, Dick Cheney recounts his recollections of the events of September 11, 2001.

2003: Cheney's Account of the Run-Up to the Iraq War

In his memoir, 'In My Time', published in August 2011, Dick Cheney shares his account of the run-up to the Iraq War in 2003.

2004: Cheney supports same-sex marriage

In 2004, Dick Cheney publicly supported same-sex marriage, differing with President Bush.

February 11, 2006: Cheney accidentally shoots Harry Whittington

On February 11, 2006, while quail hunting in Texas, Dick Cheney accidentally shot Harry Whittington, a 78-year-old attorney. Whittington sustained birdshot wounds to his face, neck, and chest and was treated by Secret Service agents and medical aides before being transported to a hospital.

February 14, 2006: Whittington suffers non-fatal heart attack

On February 14, 2006, three days after being accidentally shot by Cheney, Harry Whittington suffered a non-fatal heart attack and atrial fibrillation. This was due to birdshot pellets lodged in or near his heart, with doctors opting to leave most of the pellets in place due to their small size.

February 16, 2006: Sheriff's office releases report on the shooting

On February 16, 2006, the sheriff's office released a report on the accidental shooting of Harry Whittington by Dick Cheney. Witness statements released on February 22 indicated the shooting occurred on a clear day and Whittington was shot from a distance. Discrepancies arose regarding the actual shooting distance.

February 27, 2006: Cheney's approval rating drops after shooting incident

On February 27, 2006, polls indicated that Dick Cheney's approval rating had dropped by 5 percentage points to 18% following the accidental shooting of Harry Whittington. The incident became a subject of jokes and satire.

February 27, 2007: Suicide Bombing During Cheney's Visit to Afghanistan

On February 27, 2007, a suicide bomber killed 23 people outside Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan during Dick Cheney's visit. The Taliban claimed responsibility, stating that Cheney was the intended target. He was inside the base at the time and reported hearing the blast.

2008: Cheney purchases home in McLean, Virginia

In 2008, Dick Cheney purchased a home on Chain Bridge Road in McLean, Virginia, which he tore down to build a replacement structure.

January 19, 2009: Cheney strains back moving boxes

On January 19, 2009, Dick Cheney strained his back "while moving boxes into his new house." He was in a wheelchair for two days, including the 2009 United States presidential inauguration.

May 2009: Cheney Expresses Support for Same-Sex Marriage

In May 2009, Dick Cheney publicly expressed his support for same-sex marriage. This was a notable stance, making him one of the most prominent Republican politicians to do so at the time.

May 2, 2011: Cheney Praises Obama Administration for Bin Laden Raid

On May 2, 2011, Dick Cheney praised the Obama administration for the covert military operation in Pakistan that resulted in the death of Osama bin Laden, acknowledging the success of the mission.

July 2012: Cheney Hosts Fundraiser for Mitt Romney

In July 2012, Dick Cheney hosted a private fundraiser for Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney at his Wyoming home. The event raised over $4 million for Romney's campaign.

2012: Cheney Encourages Maryland Legislators to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

In 2012, Dick Cheney reportedly encouraged several Maryland state legislators to vote to legalize same-sex marriage in that state, demonstrating his continued support for the issue.

2014: Cheney recounts meeting with President Bush

In 2014, Dick Cheney recounted his meeting with President Bush to accept the offer of Secretary of Defense, recalling a painting he saw and its connection to his family history.

May 2016: Cheney Endorses Donald Trump for President

In May 2016, Dick Cheney endorsed Donald Trump as the Republican nominee in the 2016 presidential election. This marked his support for Trump's candidacy.