Story by Representative Curtis Johnson
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Representative Curtis Johnson has introduced legislation in the State House to name the new Tennessee State Veterans Home in honor of Brigadier General Wendell H. Gilbert. Brigadier General (Retired) Wendell H. Gilbert was born, raised, and educated in Clarksville and Montgomery County.
Gilbert graduated from West Point and is a veteran of the Vietnam conflict. During his service, he received the Legion of Merit with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal with1 Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Silver Star and with Bronze Star, and 4 Overseas Bars.
After retiring from the U.S. Army, General Gilbert served as Tennessee’s Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, Deputy to Governor Don Sundquist for Homeland Security, and Vice-President for Development and University Relations for 17 years at Austin Peay State University.
He has remained active in the community by serving as President of the Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce, President of the Tennessee-Kentucky Chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA), President of the Clarksville Rotary Club, founding chairman of Citizens of Fort Campbell, charter member of Leadership Clarksville Board of Directors, and a member of the AUSA National Resolution Committee.
Senator Mark Green has introduced the companion bill in the State Senate.