John David Vanderhoof
Encyclopedia
John David Vanderhoof served as the 37th Governor of Colorado
from 1973-1975 as a Republican
. He served as Lieutenant Governor of Colorado under John Arthur Love
from 1971 until 1973 when Love was appointed to the National Energy Policy Office by President Richard Nixon
. Vanderhoof was a banker and served in Naval Aviation
during World War II
, and received two Purple Heart
s, the Distinguished Flying Cross
and three Air Medals. Elected to the Colorado State House of Representatives in 1950, and served twenty years until 1970. Former chairman of Game and Fish Committee, and Business Affairs Committee of the House. Minority floor leader during 43rd General Assembly and elected Speaker of the House for the 44th, 46th, and 47th General Assemblies. Graduated from Glendale College in California
in 1942. First Lt. Governor elected under new constitutional provision calling for joint election of Governor
and Lt. Governor.
In 2010, a graduate student at the University of Phoenix
discovered that Vanderhoof had possession of one of two moon rocks that were presented to the state of Colorado by President Richard Nixon in 1976. Vanderhoof voluntarily surrendered the rock, which at the time was estimated to be worth $5 million. The rock was subsequently put on display at the Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum
.
Governor of Colorado
The Governor of Colorado is the head of the executive branch of Colorado's government and the commander-in-chief of the state's military forces. The governor has a duty to enforce state laws, and the power to either approve or veto bills passed by the Colorado General Assembly, to convene the...
from 1973-1975 as a Republican
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
. He served as Lieutenant Governor of Colorado under John Arthur Love
John Arthur Love
John Arthur Love was a United States attorney and Republican politician who served as the 36th Governor of the State of Colorado from 1963 to 1973....
from 1971 until 1973 when Love was appointed to the National Energy Policy Office by President Richard Nixon
Richard Nixon
Richard Milhous Nixon was the 37th President of the United States, serving from 1969 to 1974. The only president to resign the office, Nixon had previously served as a US representative and senator from California and as the 36th Vice President of the United States from 1953 to 1961 under...
. Vanderhoof was a banker and served in Naval Aviation
Naval aviation
Naval aviation is the application of manned military air power by navies, including ships that embark fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters. In contrast, maritime aviation is the operation of aircraft in a maritime role under the command of non-naval forces such as the former RAF Coastal Command or a...
during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, and received two Purple Heart
Purple Heart
The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located in New Windsor, New York...
s, the Distinguished Flying Cross
Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)
The Distinguished Flying Cross is a medal awarded to any officer or enlisted member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes himself or herself in support of operations by "heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight, subsequent to November 11, 1918." The...
and three Air Medals. Elected to the Colorado State House of Representatives in 1950, and served twenty years until 1970. Former chairman of Game and Fish Committee, and Business Affairs Committee of the House. Minority floor leader during 43rd General Assembly and elected Speaker of the House for the 44th, 46th, and 47th General Assemblies. Graduated from Glendale College in California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
in 1942. First Lt. Governor elected under new constitutional provision calling for joint election of Governor
Governor
A governor is a governing official, usually the executive of a non-sovereign level of government, ranking under the head of state...
and Lt. Governor.
In 2010, a graduate student at the University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix
The University of Phoenix is a for-profit institution of higher learning. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Apollo Group Inc. which is publicly traded , an S&P 500 corporation based in Phoenix, Arizona...
discovered that Vanderhoof had possession of one of two moon rocks that were presented to the state of Colorado by President Richard Nixon in 1976. Vanderhoof voluntarily surrendered the rock, which at the time was estimated to be worth $5 million. The rock was subsequently put on display at the Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum
Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum
The Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum is a geology museum based in the Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, USA. It was established in 1873 and opened in 1874....
.