Russell A. Rourke

Russell A. Rourke (December 30, 1931 – January 19, 2003) was an American lawyer and public official. He served in key staff positions on Capital Hill and in senior executive positions within the Federal Government. President Ronald Reagan appointed him to serve as the fifteenth Secretary of the Air Force.

Early life and education Born in New York City, Rourke completed his graduation in political science at the University of Maryland in 1953 and also went to Georgetown University's law school in 1959.

Career

Military After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served in the Korean War, completing his active duty service as a first lieutenant. However, Rourke remained in the Marine Corps Reserve, eventually commanding the Marine Air Control Squadron 24 at Quantico, Virginia. He retired in 1985 as a colonel after 32 years of service. His Marine decorations include the Legion of Merit.

Public service Rourke began his civilian government service as administrative assistant to Republican Congressman John R. Pillion of New York. In 1965, he became administrative assistant to Congressman Henry P. Smith III another New York Republican.

Following his unsuccessful run for Congress, Rourke became deputy to presidential counselor John O. Marsh. In 1976, he became a special assistant to President Gerald R. Ford. His responsibilities included legislative liaison between the White House and Congress. After President Ford lost his bid for re-election in 1977, Rourke served on the White House Transition Team. At the close of the Ford Administration, Rourke accepted a position as administrative assistant to Republican Congressman Harold S. Sawyer of Michigan. In that capacity, Rourke was the principal adviser to Secretary of Defense Caspar W. Weinberger on congressional matters and was responsible for overseeing congressional liaison activities in the Department and military Services. Upon his departure in 1985, he was awarded the Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Medal by Secretary Weinberger. After confirmation by the United States Senate, he was sworn in as the fifteenth Secretary of the Air Force on December 1, 1985. He served only four months in that position before resigning on April 7, 1986, for personal reasons.

After leaving the Air Force, Rourke and his family operated a real estate business in Annapolis, Maryland. He died in Annapolis, Maryland, on January 19, 2003, at the age 71.