Francis J. “Frank” Sullivan who died recently in Alexandria, Virginia at age 90 was known on Capitol Hill and at the Pentagon as a brilliant national security strategist who worked to assure effective policy and adequate funding to keep America’s military strong. After serving in the U.S. Army, Frank worked for Western Electric on the first use of digital computers in the military and later began his career in public service at the U.S. Army Management Logistics Center in Petersburg, Virginia before moving to the Washington, DC area to take a position at the Pentagon. After making a presentation before the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, U.S. Senator John Stennis, who would later become chairman of the committee, persuaded Frank to leave the Department of Defense to become a member of the Committee staff. He rose to serve as staff director of the Senate Armed Services Committee and later as staff director of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee when Senator Stennis became chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Frank, a proud Bostonian, was a trusted advisor not only to the Mississippi Senator, but to many Senators and House Members from both sides of the aisle who turned to him for advice and counsel on national security matters. Newly elected Senators and Representatives and newly confirmed leaders at the Pentagon, both military and civilian, sought Frank’s advice and guidance as they began their duties and as they faced difficult decisions. Although he retired from the Senate in 1989, Frank remained current on national security issues and remained on call to national leaders up until his death. His brilliance along with his historic knowledge made Frank a valued counselor.

Frank developed the Civil-Military Leadership Program at the Stennis Center for Public Service, bringing civilian and military leaders together to build understanding and relationships that would strengthen U.S. national security. The program has been particularly effective in helping Members of Congress meet their Constitutional responsibility to “provide for the common defense” by providing opportunities to connect with military members and their families through a variety of programs designed to provide meaningful insights that can best be gained through personal connection and dialogue.

Frank’s commitment to public service is an example and inspiration to all who knew him. He was a trusted friend and mentor to many currently working on Capitol Hill and in the Pentagon. His wise counsel will be missed, but his legacy of effective leadership will continue to serve as a guide for those who follow.

The Stennis Center extends heartfelt sympathy to Frank’s wife of 68 years, Pat, and to his five children – David, Kathy, Martha, Patrick, and Peter – and his eight grandchildren and two great- grandchildren.

We are grateful to Frank for his life of service to his family and friends, to the Department of Defense and the United States Senate, to the Stennis Center for Public Service, and to our country.