THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
_____________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release July 10, 2000
PRESIDENT CLINTON NAMES HERSHEL W. GOBER AS ACTING SECRETARY OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS
President Clinton today intends to designate Hershel W. Gober as
Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), upon the departure of Secretary
Togo West.
Mr. Hershel W. Gober, of Monticello, Arkansas, is currently the Deputy
Secretary of Veterans Affairs. As VA's number two official, he is the
chief operating officer of the federal government's second largest
department. With an annual budget of $41 billion, VA employs some 219,000
people at hundreds of VA medical centers, clinics, benefits offices, and
national cemeteries throughout the country. Prior to assuming his current
duties, Mr. Gober was the Director of Veterans Affairs for the State of
Arkansas. His military service covers 20 years, and includes tours of duty
in both the Marine Corps and the Army. Mr. Gober served two tours in
Vietnam and received numerous decorations, including the Purple Heart,
Bronze Star and the Soldier's Medal.
Mr. Gober received a B.A. from Alaska Methodist University (now Alaska
Pacific University).
The Department of Veterans Affairs was established as a Cabinet-level
position on March 15, 1989. The Secretary directs the federal government?s
second largest department, responsible for a nationwide system of health
care services, benefits programs, and national cemeteries for America?s
veterans.
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