Vietnam vet tackles terror as head of FBI: Robert Mueller has a daunting task ahead, but his combat experience as a Marine promises to make him an effective leader

VFW Magazine, Oct, 2002 by Tom Nugent

Remembering his year of combat in Vietnam, Bob Mueller says he's grateful for the lessons it taught him--and for the deep friendships he made and continues to enjoy today. "For all of us, the Marine Corps is our second family," he says with a hint of emotion creeping into his voice.

"I wouldn't be here without the lessons I learned in the Corps. And I'm going to continue using them day in and day out--in order to make the FBI the very best that it can be."

TOM NUGENT, a veteran journalist, is the author of Death At Buffalo Creek. Nugent served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve from 1962-68. He interviewed Robert Mueller in June.