IN 2021, President Biden announced retired Army General Lloyd Austin as his secretary of defense, forming part of his administration.
His role made him the first Black man to run the department joining other historic cabinet appointees working for the president.
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Who is Lloyd Austin's wife, Charlene?
Lloyd Austin has been married to Charlene Austin for over four decades.
Charlene is a national advisor for the Military Child Education Coalition.
She is also a board member of the Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University.
Charlene also provided volunteer consulting to local and national non-profit organizations from 2009 to 2016.
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She also serves on the Board of Governance for United Way Suncoast based in Tampa, Florida, and the Advisory Committee for the United Way Suncoast -Mission United Project.
Charlene has been recognized for her work in public service and was awarded in 2013 the Secretary of the Army Public Service Award for her contributions to the community.
Do they have any kids?
Throughout their long marriage, Charlene and her husband have not welcomed any children together.
However, Charlene reportedly has two sons from a previous relationship.
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While not much public information is known about them, Biography Gist identified them as Reginald and Christopher Hill.
As for Charlene and Lloyd, the couple reside in Great Falls, Virginia, as of January 2024.
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When was Lloyd Austin appointed?
President Biden is working to finalize his cabinet pick as his term in office kicks off.
Austin was confirmed as secretary of defense in 2021 by the US Senate with a 93-2 vote.
Biden has promised the most diverse Cabinet in US history and he made a point in his victory speech last month of telling black voters that he would remember them.
Austin is known as a shrewd strategist with deep knowledge of the armed forces and developed a working relationship with Biden during the Obama administration.
He has been advising the transition team on national security issues as of late.
On January 8, 2024, it was reported that Lloyd underwent surgery on December 22, 2023, and was sent home the following day.
Lloyd had complications from the surgery and was admitted to the ICU on January 1, 2024.
In the meantime, Lloyd failed to report his hospitalization to the White House, only doing so three days after he was admitted.
The incident received criticism as the White House was unaware of the incident.
GOP Representative Elise Stefanik said in a statement: "It is shocking and absolutely unacceptable that the Department of Defense waited multiple days to notify the president, the National Security Council, and the American people that Defense Secretary Austin was hospitalized and unable to perform his duties."
Despite the controversy, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said President Biden has "full confidence" in Lloyd, according to CNN.
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Lloyd released a statement apologizing. Lloyd said: "I could have done a better job ensuring the public was appropriately informed. I commit to doing better."
Lloyd has since recovered and has resumed his duties.
