Hershel W. Gober

Hershel W. Gober was an American veteran and public servant who played a significant role in the United States Department of Veterans Affairs during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Born on December 21, 1936, he served in both the Marine Corps and the Army, including two tours in Vietnam where he sustained injuries while commanding a company. After retiring from the military as a major, Gober transitioned to civilian roles that focused on veterans’ services, eventually becoming director of the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs under Governor Bill Clinton. His experience led to his appointment as deputy secretary of the federal VA in 1993, and he later served twice as acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs during President Clinton’s administration. Gober passed away on October 15, 2024, at the age of 87.

Early life and career

Hershel W. Gober entered the United States armed forces shortly after completing his education. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1956, serving until 1959. Two years later he joined the Army, where he remained for nearly two decades, retiring with the rank of major in 1978. During this period, Gober completed two tours of duty in Vietnam. His service there was marked by combat responsibilities and a notable incident in 1969 when he was wounded while serving as a company commander.

While stationed in Vietnam, Gober also contributed to cultural efforts aimed at influencing public opinion. He worked with an American‑Vietnamese team that produced songs designed to sway Vietnamese sentiment in favor of the United States and South Vietnam. These recordings were intended to encourage Washington leadership to adopt a “hearts and minds” approach toward the Vietnamese people.

In addition to his military duties, Gober pursued a brief career as a recording artist. He released a 45‑rpm single titled “Picture of a Man” in 1970, which received some airplay on popular radio stations. Over the course of his musical endeavors, he issued at least five singles and one album under various labels, including releases as Hershel Almond on Ace and Challenge in 1959, and later recordings for ABC (“The Proud American,” 1966), “Tee Pee” (1967), and “Buddah” (1969).

After leaving active military service, Gober entered the field of veterans’ affairs at the state level. On January 4, 1988 he was appointed director of the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs, a position he held until February 4, 1993. His tenure coincided with Governor Bill Clinton’s administration in Arkansas, during which Gober worked to administer and improve veteran services within the state.

In 1993, Gober transitioned to the federal level when he was named deputy secretary of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs on February 4. He served in that capacity for nearly seven years, until August 10, 2000. During this period, he became a close and longtime aide within the Clinton‑era VA, contributing to policy discussions and administrative decisions.

Cabinet tenure

Gober’s experience as deputy secretary positioned him to step into higher leadership roles when vacancies arose at the top of the department. On July 1, 1997, following the resignation of Secretary Jesse Brown, Gober assumed duties as acting United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs. He served in this capacity until January 2, 1998, a period that bridged the transition to Togo D. West Jr., who became acting secretary thereafter.

In July 1997, President Bill Clinton nominated Gober for permanent appointment as Secretary of Veterans Affairs. The nomination was withdrawn on October 27 of that year before Senate action could be taken, due in part to concerns about a prior claim of sexual misconduct that surfaced in 1993. Gober also expressed a preference to remain in his role as deputy secretary at that time.

After returning to the deputy secretary position, Gober again stepped into the top post when Secretary West resigned on July 25, 2000. He served as acting Secretary until January 20, 2001, concluding his service with the end of President Clinton’s administration. According to official records, this second tenure was confirmed by the Senate.

During both periods in which Gober acted as secretary, he undertook initiatives aimed at improving veterans’ health care and expanding access to medical services. He led a delegation that traveled to Vietnam to seek a comprehensive accounting of missing U.S. veterans, an effort that underscored his continued commitment to those who had served abroad. His leadership also involved efforts to broaden the network of clinics available to veterans across the country.

Legacy

Hershel W. Gober’s career reflects a sustained dedication to veteran affairs spanning military service, state administration, and federal leadership. His work as director of Arkansas’s Department of Veterans Affairs helped shape the provision of services at the state level during a period of increased attention to veterans’ needs. At the national level, his long tenure as deputy secretary provided continuity within the Department of Veterans Affairs during a time of transition.

As acting Secretary on two separate occasions, Gober oversaw critical initiatives aimed at enhancing health care delivery for veterans and addressing unresolved matters related to missing personnel from Vietnam. His efforts to expand clinics and improve medical services contributed to broader reforms in veteran health care access.

Beyond his administrative roles, Gober’s early military service—including combat experience and injury sustained as a company commander—underscored the personal connection he maintained with the veteran community. His involvement in cultural projects during the Vietnam War further illustrates his multifaceted approach to supporting U.S. interests abroad.

Gober passed away on October 15, 2024, at the age of 87. His life’s work left an imprint on the structure and delivery of veterans’ services in both Arkansas and across the United States, reflecting a career devoted to addressing the needs of those who had served in the armed forces.