Charlie Norwood

Charles Norwood color photo portrait

Charlie Norwood (July 27, 1941 – February 13, 2007) was an American politician who served as a United States Representative from Georgia. A member of the Republican Party, Norwood was known for his work on health care issues and his advocacy for veterans' rights during his tenure in Congress.

Early Life and Education

Charles Whitlow Norwood, Jr. was born in Valdosta, Georgia, and grew up in Augusta, Georgia. He attended Baylor School, a private prep school in Chattanooga, Tennessee, before earning his undergraduate degree from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.. After completing his undergraduate education, Norwood received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Georgetown University School of Dentistry.

Military Service

After graduating from dental school, Norwood joined the United States Army and served as a dentist. He was stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War era, where he provided dental care to soldiers. His military service instilled in him a lifelong commitment to veterans' affairs.

Political Career

Charlie Norwood first entered politics in 1994, when he was elected to the United States House of Representatives representing Georgia's 10th congressional district. He was a strong advocate for health care reform and was known for his efforts to improve the quality and accessibility of health care for Americans. Norwood was particularly focused on issues related to dental care, leveraging his professional background to influence health policy.

Throughout his career in Congress, Norwood was involved in several key pieces of legislation, including efforts to reform the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and initiatives to improve veterans' health care services. He was a member of several important committees, including the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Legacy

Charlie Norwood's legacy is marked by his dedication to health care reform and veterans' rights. His work in Congress helped to shape policy in these areas, and he is remembered as a passionate advocate for the needs of his constituents. Norwood's commitment to public service and his efforts to improve the lives of Americans continue to be recognized and appreciated.

Norwood passed away on February 13, 2007, after a long battle with cancer. His death was a significant loss to the state of Georgia and to the nation. In honor of his contributions, several facilities and awards have been named after him, ensuring that his legacy will continue to influence future generations.

See Also

• List of United States Representatives from Georgia
• Health care reform in the United States
• Veterans' health care in the United States