President Obama on Sandy Berger: 'I've Benefited Personally from His Advice and Counsel'

Statement by the President on the Former
National Security Advisor's Passing

Sandy Berger was one of our nation's foremost national security leaders.  From his service in President Carter's State Department to President Clinton's National Security Advisor, Sandy devoted himself to strengthening American leadership in an uncertain world.  Today, his legacy can be seen in a peaceful Balkans, our strong alliance with Japan, our deeper relationships with India and China.  Around the globe, families and children are living healthier, more secure lives because, as a private citizen, Sandy was a humanitarian who helped the world respond to crises and feed the hungry.  With his trademark passion, wisdom and good humor, he is remembered fondly within the ranks of the National Security Council, where those he mentored carry on his work.  I'm grateful to Sandy because, as President, I've benefited personally from his advice and counsel.  Our thoughts are with Sandy’s beloved family, including his wife Susan, his children Deborah, Alexander and Sarah, and five cherished grandchildren.  May they find some comfort in knowing that the America he loved is stronger because of his service. 

Statement by National Security Advisor Susan Rice

I am profoundly saddened by the passing of my dear friend and predecessor, Sandy Berger.  Here, at the NSC staff, many of us were deeply privileged to serve with Sandy, and we are all mourning his loss.  I first worked with Sandy during his distinguished tenure as Deputy National Security Advisor and then as National Security Advisor.  In every year since, I have been blessed to be able to count on his personal support, unwavering friendship, wisdom and advice.

Sandy was a remarkable man -- incredibly funny, warm, passionate, brilliant, and unfailingly loyal.  He gave everything to those he loved -- from his extraordinary family to his many friends, colleagues and protégés.  There perhaps is no greater professional tribute to Sandy than the enduring admiration and gratitude of a whole generation of foreign policy experts and practitioners whom he nurtured, challenged and mentored.  I am proud to be among those who can say that I owe a great deal of what I have learned to Sandy and, like so many, I continued to rely on him for guidance and advice until the very end.  

Sandy lived and worked as his favorite ball players did—by leaving everything on the field.  Because of Sandy, our ties with countries like Japan, India and China are stronger, our bonds with Africa are deeper, and the people of the Balkans are living side by side in peace. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with Sandy’s family—his wife Susan, his cherished children Debby, Alex, and Sarah, and the five grandchildren he so adored.  We will all miss Sandy dearly, but his legacy lives on in his extraordinary contributions to our country and to our world.    

Source: The White House, Office of the Press Secretary