A Soldier's Story: Colonel Oveta Culp Hobby

Born on January 19, 1905, in Killeen, Texas, Colonel Oveta Culp Hobby had a largely informal legal education through Mary Hardin Baylor College, South Texas College, and the University of Texas.

She began working as a parliamentarian for the Texas House of Representatives before joining the staff of the Houston Post in 1931.

During World War II, Colonel Oveta Culp Hobby became the director of the newly created Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, which was created to fulfill the non-combat roles left vacant after the fighting commenced.  Colonel Oveta Hobby created the enlistment standards and code of conduct and gave women service members equal access to military benefits and pensions.  After the war, she returned to civilian life and her career at the Houston Post.

She became the first female secretary under President Eisenhower, appointed to head the Department of Health and Human Services on April 11. 1953.  Her legacy includes the approval of the polio vaccine.

In 1955 Colonel Oveta Hobby resigned as secretary, returning to the Houston Post, and served on several other civic and corporate boards, including the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Colonel Olveta Culp Hobby died on August 16, 1955, and rests in Glenwood Cemetery.

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a.d. elliott is a wanderer, writer, and photographer currently living in Salem, Virginia. 

In addition to the travel writings at www.takethebackroads.com, you can also read her book reviews at www.riteoffancy.com and US military biographies at www.everydaypatriot.com

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