More detail on this person: Gary L. Hilding
age: 56 was born on July 24, 1948, at Fort
Leavenworth, KS. He graduated from Leavenworth
High School in 1966; earned a BS in Economics
from Washburn University at Topeka, KS in 1976;
and Master s Degree from the University of
Missouri in 1984. This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site:
03/10/2024
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Gary enlisted in the Army in 1969 and was
commissioned an officer in June 1970 at Fort Sill,
OK. He graduated and received his wings at Fort
Rucker as a member of the class 71-8. Following
graduation, he was assigned to A Troop 7/17 Air
Cav Unit in Viet Nam, flying assault and medivac
missions. After his tour in Viet Nam, he spent
the next three years in Germany, serving as the
41st Field Artillery Group Airfield Commander and
the 2/5 Field Artillery Unit Commander.
Gary worked in the civil service for the next 30
years. He spent two years at the Social Security
Administration and 28 years at the United States
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency.
He was highly respected throughout the U.S. as an
expert in the area of Human Resources. Gary
worked the majority of his civil service career in
Kansas City, and the last two years in Washington,
D.C., at the USDA Headquarters.
Gary was very proud of his service to his country,
to be a Viet Nam Veteran, and a helicopter pilot.
He loved gardening, playing pool, and riding his
Heritage Springer Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
Besides being a member of the VHPA and the 7/17
Ruthless Riders, he was a member of the First
United Methodist Church of Independence, MO, the
Harley Owner's Group and the Air Capital Carnival
Glass Association.
Gary was a loving husband, devoted father and
grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Julie, of
36 years; son and wife of Smithville, MO; daughter
and husband of Rolla, MO; and four beautiful grand
daughters.
From: Julie Hilding