Cheney, Dick. Former Vice President Dick Cheney was a leading framer of the “global war on terror” and a staunch supporter of aggressive U.S. military action around the world. Dick Cheney: Dick Cheney, 46th vice president of the United States (–09) in the Republican administration of Pres. George W. Bush and secretary of defense (–93) in the administration of Pres. George H.W. Bush. Learn more about Cheney’s life and career in this article. Sep 21, · Read CNN's Fast Facts about Dick Cheney and learn more about the 46th vice president of the United States.