Mike Matzinger
Donald Henry Rumsfeld was born on July 9, 1932, in Chicago, Illinois, to George, a real estate salesman, and Jeanette, a homemaker. Raised with a strong work ethic and a love of learning, Rumsfeld developed the qualities of determination and leadership that would define his life.
Rumsfeld’s introduction to leadership and service began in the Boy Scouts of America. He joined Cub Scouts at age 7, enjoying hiking, fishing, and canoeing excursions that instilled in him a love for the outdoors. His family’s support carried him through frequent relocations during his father’s service in World War II, with Rumsfeld proudly continuing his Scouting journey in Illinois, North Carolina, Washington State, and California. He became a Boy Scout, an Explorer Scout, and ultimately earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1949, later being honored as a Distinguished Eagle Scout in 1976.
One of the formative experiences of Rumsfeld’s youth was his time at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, where he served as a trail guide (now call Ranger), leading crews of Scouts through the rugged backcountry. Reflecting on the experience later, he called it “a special experience for a young boy from Chicago.” His time at Philmont not only deepened his love of the outdoors but also strengthened his commitment to mentoring and service—values that guided him throughout his career. Rumsfeld also served as a camp counselor at the Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan Scout Reservation in Wisconsin, further honing his leadership skills.
Rumsfeld credited Scouting with teaching him courage, personal responsibility, and the importance of completing tasks once begun. He recalled that even at age 12, he learned from his father that quitting is easy, but perseverance defines a person’s character. These lessons shaped both his personal life and his professional trajectory.
After high school, Rumsfeld attended Princeton University on academic and ROTC scholarships, excelling as a student and wrestler. He served in the U.S. Navy before embarking on a career that combined public service, diplomacy, and corporate leadership. Rumsfeld was a U.S. Congressman, U.S. Ambassador to NATO, and White House Chief of Staff, and he led two Fortune 500 companies.
Rumsfeld made history as the youngest Secretary of Defense at age 43 under President Gerald Ford (himself the only Eagle Scout president) from 1975 to 1977. He returned to the position from 2001 to 2006 under President George W. Bush, becoming the only individual to serve nonconsecutive terms. During his tenure, he oversaw military operations in the global war on terror, including campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq, and helped shape U.S. defense policy in a period of unprecedented challenges.
Throughout his life, Rumsfeld remained deeply connected to Scouting. In 2006, he received the Silver Buffalo Award, the Scouting America’s highest honor for service to youth. He often credited Scouting with instilling the values of honor, duty, and service that guided his decisions as a public servant. Even in retirement, he and his wife, Joyce, maintained strong ties to Philmont Scout Ranch, visiting in 2020 and sharing stories of his early summers on the trails.
Donald Rumsfeld passed away on June 29, 2021, at his home in Taos, New Mexico, at the age of 88. His life exemplified dedication to public service, leadership under pressure, and the enduring impact of youth experiences in Scouting, leaving a legacy that spans both national defense and the mentoring of future generations.
