Cleland, Max (1942-2021), a Democrat from Georgia, was a member of the United States Senate from 1997 to 2003. Cleland was a decorated war veteran who used a wheelchair. As a senator, he was especially interested in legislation that would make it easier for people with disabilities to get around in buildings and public places.
Cleland was born in Atlanta on Aug. 24, 1942. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Stetson University in 1964 and a master’s degree from Emory University in 1968.
From 1965 to 1968, Cleland served in the U.S. Army, during the Vietnam War. He lost both his legs and one of his arms when a loose grenade that he was reaching for exploded. He received the Bronze Star and Silver Star medals for his service and bravery.
Cleland served in the Georgia state Senate from 1971 to 1975. In 1975, he began working for the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, first as a consultant and then as a staff member. In 1977, he left his staff position to become administrator of the U.S. Veterans’ Administration, a post he held until 1981. From 1983 to 1996, Cleland served as Georgia secretary of state. He was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1996, and he took office in 1997. He ran for reelection in 2002 but lost the election. He left office when his term ended in January 2003. Cleland died on Nov. 9, 2021.
