December 21, 1936

Hershel Wayne Gober, who held high positions in the Department of Veterans Affairs at the state and national level under President Bill Clinton, was born in Monticello (Drew County). Following his graduation from Alaska Methodist University, Gober joined the military and served for twenty years. His spent first three years in the U.S. Marine Corps before joining the U.S. Army, where he served until 1978. Gober earned numerous decorations for his efforts, including the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the Parachutist Badge, and the Soldier’s Medal. He was inducted into the Officers’ Candidate School (OCS) Hall of Fame in 1993.