Early Years:
Michael Vincent Hayden was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on March 17, 1945, to Harry Hayden Sr. and his wife Sadie. He grew up on Pittsburgh's North Side with his brother Harry and sister Debby and their parents in an area referred to as "The Ward." The family moved to Brighton Heights in 1972 when their North Side home was razed to make way for Three Rivers Stadium.General Michael Hayden is an alumnus of North Catholic High School in Pittsburgh. During high school, he was a National Honor student, an officer on the Student Council, and a participant in intramural sports. As an interesting side note, Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney was his football coach in sixth through eighth grades.
Education:
Michael Hayden graduated from Duqnesne University with a B.A. in history in 1967 and a Master's degree in modern American history in 1969. He was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the Air Force through Duquesne's ROTC program.
Military Service:
Michael Hayden's 36-year Air Force career began when he entered active service in the U.S. Air Force in 1969 and rose to the rank of General, awarded on April 22, 2005. He is the highest-ranking military intelligence officer in the armed forces and has held senior positions at the Pentagon, in U.S. European Command and on the National Security Council, and he served in the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria during the Cold War.
Family Life:
Gen. Michael Hayden is married to Jeanine Carrier. The couple has three children: Margaret, Michael and Liam.
Awards & Recognition:
Major awards and decorations bestowed on Michael Hayden include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, a Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, an Air Force Commendation Medal and an Air Force Achievement Medal.
