Hershel Gober
American politician / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Hershel Wayne Gober (born December 21, 1936[1]) is a former government official and Vietnam War veteran. He served as acting United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) on two occasions during the administration of Bill Clinton: first from July 1, 1997,[2] until January 2, 1998,[3] between the resignation of Secretary Jesse Brown and the appointment of Togo D. West Jr. as acting secretary, and the second time from July 25, 2000,[4] until January 20, 2001,[1] after the resignation of Secretary West; this time Gober served in the post until the end of the Clinton presidency.
Hershel Gober | |
---|---|
United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs Acting | |
In office July 25, 2000 – January 20, 2001 | |
President | Bill Clinton |
Preceded by | Togo West |
Succeeded by | Anthony Principi |
In office July 1, 1997 – January 2, 1998 | |
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 | |
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 | |
Governor | Bill Clinton Jim Tucker |
Preceded by | Grady Brown |
Succeeded by | Nick Bacon |
Personal details | |
Born | Hershel Wayne Gober (1936-12-21) December 21, 1936 (age 87) 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 |
He started out in the VA as deputy secretary, serving from February 4, 1993,[4] until August 10, 2000.[5] Gober was also briefly secretary-designate, when Clinton named him on July 31, 1997,[6] to replace Jesse Brown. However, the nomination was withdrawn before Senate action on October 27 the same year[6] because of fears that nomination hearings for Gober would become heated due to questions about a 1993 claim of sexual misconduct made against him;[7] he also wished to stay as Deputy Secretary.[8]
During his tenure Gober, as a close and longtime aide, played an important role in the Clinton-era VA.[2] He headed a delegation that traveled to Vietnam to seek the fullest possible accounting of missing veterans.[9] He was also active in improving health care and expanding clinics for veterans.[9]
Before serving in the VA, Gober was director of the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs from January 4, 1988,[1] to February 4, 1993,[1] during Clinton's tenure as governor.[10]