Hershel Gober facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hershel Gober
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| United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs Acting |
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| In office July 25, 2000 – January 20, 2001 |
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| President | Bill Clinton |
| Preceded by | Togo West |
| Succeeded by | Anthony Principi |
| In office July 1, 1997 – January 2, 1998 |
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| President | Bill Clinton |
| Preceded by | Jesse Brown |
| Succeeded by | Togo West |
| United States Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs | |
| In office February 4, 1993 – August 10, 2000 |
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| President | Bill Clinton |
| Preceded by | Anthony Principi |
| Succeeded by | Leo Mackay |
| Director of the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs | |
| In office January 4, 1988 – February 4, 1993 |
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| Governor | Bill Clinton Jim Tucker |
| Preceded by | Grady Brown |
| Succeeded by | Nick Bacon |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Hershel Wayne Gober
December 21, 1936 Monticello, Arkansas, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | Alaska Pacific University (BA) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch/service |  United States Army United States Marine Corps |
| Rank | Major (USMC) |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards | Purple Heart Bronze Star |
Hershel Wayne Gober (born December 21, 1936) is a former government official. He is also a veteran of the Vietnam War. He worked to help veterans in the United States.
He served as the acting United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) twice. This means he was in charge temporarily. His first time was from July 1, 1997, to January 2, 1998. His second time was from July 25, 2000, until January 20, 2001. Both times were during the presidency of Bill Clinton.
Before that, he was the deputy secretary for the VA. He held this role from February 4, 1993, to August 10, 2000. As deputy secretary, he helped lead the department. He was even chosen to become the full Secretary of Veterans Affairs in 1997, but he did not take the job.
Contents
Helping Veterans in Government
During his time at the VA, Hershel Gober was a key helper to President Clinton. He worked hard to improve things for veterans.
Improving Healthcare for Veterans
Gober was very active in making healthcare better for veterans. He helped expand clinics, which are places where veterans can get medical care. This made it easier for many veterans to get the help they needed.
Finding Missing Veterans
He also led a group that traveled to Vietnam. Their goal was to find out what happened to American soldiers who went missing during the war. This was a very important mission for many families.
Work in Arkansas
Before working for the national VA, Gober was the director of the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs. He held this job from 1988 to 1993. This was when Bill Clinton was the governor of Arkansas.
Military Service and Experience
Hershel Gober has a long history of serving his country in the military.
Serving in the Marine Corps and Army
He first served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1956 to 1959. Later, he joined the U.S. Army and served from 1961 to 1978. He retired from the Army as a Major.
Vietnam War Tours
Gober served two times in Vietnam during the war. Besides his combat duties, he worked with a team to create songs. These songs were meant to encourage Vietnamese people to support the American and South Vietnamese causes. In 1969, he was injured while leading a company of soldiers.
Music Career
Hershel Gober also had a brief career in music.
Releasing Songs
In 1970, he released a song called "Picture of a Man." This song was played on some popular radio stations. He released at least five single songs and one album. His first two songs were released in 1959 under the name Hershel Almond. He released other songs in 1966, 1967, and 1969.
