Former National Capital Area Council President Togo D. West Jr. has passed away. He was 75.
Mr. West began his career as an electrical engineer, but soon found a passion for the practice of law and public service. After completing his legal education, he joined the army where he was a lawyer in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. Later he served as the top lawyer in the Department of the Navy and the Defense Department under President Jimmy Carter. His military career earned him both the Legion of Merit and the Meritorious Service Medals.
Mr. West went on to become a senior vice president at Northrop, but returned to public service in the 1990s, gaining national prominence via several high-ranking posts in the Clinton administration, including Army secretary and Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
After leaving office, Mr. West continued to practice law and serve as a board member for various institutions. An Eagle Scout, Mr. West led NCAC as its Council President from 2003 to 2004, and has served on the Advisory Board and the President’s Council in the years following. He also distinguished himself as a national executive board member for the Boy Scouts of America.
In 2009 he was called upon once more by the Defense Department, this time to help lead its investigation into the Fort Hood massacre.
Mr. West is survived by his wife of 51 years, Gail Berry West, his two daughters, Tiffany West Smink and Hilary Carter West, and two grandchildren.
He has gone home.