Dick Cheney was a prominent American politician and businessman who played a central role in U.S. government and defense policy in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

• Early life and career: Richard Bruce Cheney was born on January 30, 1941, in Lincoln, Nebraska. He built a career in public service and business before rising to national prominence. He studied at the University of Wyoming and Yale, and he began his political career in the 1960s and 1970s, including time in political staff and roles in Washington, D.C. [historical context and biographical overviews]
• Public service roles:
  • White House staff and Congress: Cheney served in various capacities in the White House and as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for Wyoming from 1979 to 1989, eventually becoming House Minority Whip in 1989. He earned a reputation as a skilled administrator and political strategist. [historical context and biographical overviews]
  • Secretary of Defense: He was the 17th U.S. Secretary of Defense under President George H. W. Bush from 1989 to 1993, overseeing military operations such as Desert Storm during the Gulf War. [historical context and biographical overviews]
• Vice Presidency: Cheney served as the 46th vice president of the United States from 2001 to 2009 under President George W. Bush. His tenure is frequently described as one of the most powerful vice presidencies in U.S. history, with substantial influence over national security and foreign policy decisions. He was a leading architect of U.S. policy during the early 2000s, including the "war on terror" era following the September 11 attacks. [historical context and biographical overviews]
• Later years and legacy: After leaving office, Cheney led Halliburton as its chief executive from the mid-1990s into the early 2000s before returning to public life in a high-profile political role. He remains a controversial figure due to his expansive role in national security strategy and foreign policy decisions. [historical context and biographical overviews]

If you’d like, can provide a concise summary of his most impactful policies, or a timeline of key events in his career.