This is Henry Hager's Dad .. sounds like he's apparently wheelchair bound.
John Henry Hager -- Department of Education
Assistant Secretary, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
John H. Hager was nominated by President George W. Bush on June 1, 2004, to the position of assistant secretary for special education and rehabilitative services, and he was confirmed by the Senate on Nov. 21, 2004.
Prior to that, Hager served as a consultant to U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige.
Hager became the director of Virginia's homeland security soon after the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and served in that position until May 1, 2004. Initially serving with then-Governor James Gilmore, Hager led the transition and then assumed a Cabinet-level position under newly elected Governor Mark Warner.
He was responsible for the management, structure and organization of and funding for the state's security. Under his guidance, Virginia's security strengthened in many areas and became a model for other states.
During this time, Hager and his DC and Maryland counterparts initiated a cross-jurisdictional organization for the National Capital Region, which leads the nation in preparedness.
Hager was elected to Virginia's second-highest office, that of lieutenant governor, in 1997, and served in that position for four years. His election proved that perseverance and determination in the face of daunting obstacles lead to victory in an election or in one's life.
Hager's full-time approach of serving the people of Virginia redefined the role of the lieutenant governor for that state. He served as chairman or vice-chairman of five active state commissions and continued to participate in and lead many statewide civic, charitable and community efforts. As lieutenant governor of Virginia, John Hager was a strong proponent of better education, improved transportation and a more effective and efficient system of governance.
As president of the Senate, he proudly cast numerous tie-breaking votes, including a vote to return the state's lottery profits to localities for use in public education. He received national recognition as chairman of the Disability Commission and as a role model for disabled Virginians.
A strong proponent of anti-crime initiatives, he was involved with the Drug Task Force, the DNA Task Force and safe driving legislation.
Hager graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and from Harvard University with a master's degree in business administration. He served in the United States Army and the Army Reserves, rising to the rank of captain.
He is currently a member of the American Legion. A lifelong athlete, John has competed in many wheelchair races. Hager married the former Margaret Dickinson Chase in 1971. Maggie and their two sons, Jack and Henry, support John's continued efforts to build a better Virginia.
Jack is currently a graduate student at the Darden School of the University of Virginia, and Henry works in Washington at the White House. A business executive who started at the bottom of the career ladder, John quickly rose through the ranks of the American Tobacco Company to the position of executive vice president.
After a near-fatal bout with polio, John rebuilt his life and his career. He retired in 1994 as senior vice president of Leaf and Specialty Products when the corporation was sold. He expanded his community service role across Virginia and led some 30 organizations during his career.