2009 Profiles in Courage - Congressman Tom Perriello
Congressman Tom Perriello was sworn into office January 6, 2009 and is proud to represent the 5th District of Virginia. He serves on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and the House Veterans' Affairs Committee.
Born and raised in the 5th district, Congressman Perriello previously served as a national security consultant, working in conflict zones such as Afghanistan, Darfur, Kosovo and Liberia. His work with child soldiers, amputees and local pro-democracy groups in Sierra Leone played a significant in the peace and reconciliation process that ended the blood diamonds war in that country. He also served as Special Advisor and court spokesman in the prosecution of Liberian dictator Charles Taylor, peacefully forcing him from power.
He also founded a number of nonprofit organizations aimed at bringing together faith communities to fight for children's health care, economic fairness, environmental stewardship and responsible solutions in Iraq.
Mr. Perriello was educated in Albemarle County Public Schools, St. Anne's-Belfield and has his undergraduate and law degrees from Yale University.