A Statement from our Chairman on the Passing of Ambassador Richard L. Armitage

By: Randall G. Schriver |

The Project 2049 Institute deeply grieves the passing of Ambassador Richard L. Armitage. He leaves behind a storied legacy of leadership, intellect, integrity, and humility that was evident in his distinguished public service. The memories of Ambassador Armitage – the laughter we shared with him in the halls of the Departments of Defense and State, the numerous battle stories he shared, and the personal and professional guidance he so selflessly offered – they will be cherished by us forever. He was a true friend and mentor to the Project 2049 Institute, and we are very thankful for the time and dedication he poured into our organization.

Years before Ambassador Armitage was our Chairman of the Board, he bravely served his nation in Vietnam. As a naval officer, he volunteered for three combat tours with the Republic of Vietnam Navy as part of the riverine/advisory forces. Prior to the fall of Saigon, Ambassador Armitage organized the evacuation of as many as 30,000 South Vietnamese refugees, personally leading a flotilla of ships to shelter. This evacuation has been regarded as one of the U.S. military’s great humanitarian missions. Today, children of those refugees are serving as public servants and business leaders, fulfilling the American dream that Ambassador Armitage believed with his whole heart.

Following the war, Ambassador Armitage embarked on a decades-long career in government service. After working as an assistant to Kansas Senator Bob Dole, Ambassador Armitage served in the Reagan administration as Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs and in the George W. Bush administration as Deputy Secretary of State. He also held several diplomatic positions under the George H. W. Bush Administration through which he negotiated key international agreements, including the aid program for countries that broke away from the Soviet Union. Ambassador Armitage is the recipient of numerous U.S. military decorations and civil service awards, and he has received military and civilian honors from Thailand, the Republic of Korea, Bahrain, Pakistan, Japan, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Romania. His stories were many and we continue to retell those stories to remember the impacts of his service and dedication to this country.

After his career in the government, Ambassador Armitage founded Armitage International, one of the Washington area’s foremost international advisory firms, through which he continued to make a mark on America’s global standing and importance of alliances—until the end, visiting dignitaries, researchers, and students sought him out for council, which he was always willing to provide. He also served on the boards of multiple corporations and nonprofit organizations. Wherever he went, he inspired friends and next generation policy experts with his intellectual curiosity and kindness towards everyone.

Ambassador Armitage’s loss will be felt particularly deeply by the Project 2049 Institute. He left an indelible mark on the Institute, serving as a mentor and friend to those who passed through Project 2049 since its inception in 2008. Always generous with his time and his wisdom, Ambassador Armitage undoubtedly shaped generations of aspiring national security professionals, including those who walked through our doors. During his time as board chairman, from 2018 to 2020, Ambassador Armitage was instrumental in putting the Institute on sound financial footing and took an active role in providing direction for Project 2049’s research agenda and programmatic endeavors. Our successes today are due in no small part to his leadership in years past.

Ambassador Armitage’s passing is a terrible loss to us all. He was a true friend and mentor to me and I will always be grateful for who he has been in my life. During this difficult time, our deepest condolences go out to his family, his friends, and the many whose lives he touched during a lifetime of leadership and service.

The Honorable Randall G. Schriver

Chairman
The Project 2049 Institute