WASHINGTON, D.C.— Heritage Foundation Executive Vice President Kim R. Holmes today issued the following statement on the death of former National Security Advisor Brent Scowcroft:

“The Heritage Foundation mourns the passing of Brent Scowcroft, a leading public servant in the Washington foreign policy community for half a century. Scowcroft served as national security advisor to Presidents Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush, and his influence and thinking was present in several US administrations, dating back to President Nixon. In many respects he was a model NSA who continues to inspire his successors today, with his admirable focus on thoughtful, highly informed policy-making firmly grounded in scholarship, historical understanding and a big picture world view.

“In addition to his political service, Scowcroft served nearly three decades with the U.S. military, attaining the rank of lieutenant general in the U.S. Air Force. He was a graduate of West Point and Columbia University. In 1991, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

“Brent Scowcroft played a key role in shaping U.S. policy during the Cold War era, and made a major contribution towards America’s strategic posture towards both Russia and China. He was also instrumental in the U.S. decision to lead a historic international coalition to liberate Kuwait in 1991 and drive Saddam Hussein’s forces back to Iraq through Operation Desert Storm.

“Gen. Scowcroft served his country with distinction, guided by a strong sense of national duty and a determination to advance his country’s interests on the world stage. He brought with him a deep-seated understanding of the immense challenges facing the world’s superpower, and approached his work in the White House with unyielding seriousness of purpose and dedication to his country. He was also a powerful advocate for the transatlantic alliance, and in recognition of his role in strengthening the U.S.-U.K. Special Relationship he was awarded an honorary knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II in 1993.

“The United States is indebted to Brent Scowcroft for his service and foreign policy counsel.The Heritage Foundation extends our condolences and sympathy to his family.”