Roy Oliver honored as Jefferson County's Veteran of the Month

FAIRBURY, Neb. -- A Marine Corps veteran was honored as Jefferson County’s Veteran of the Month Tuesday.

Roy Oliver was born in Waynesville, Missouri where his dad made a living as a truck driver. The family moved around Missouri and into Nebraska in Oliver’s youth.

He dropped out of high school in 12th grade to join the United States Marine Corps in 1971. He attended basic training in San Diego, California until he needed abdominal hernia surgery. 

After recovering, Private Oliver trained in demolitions until 1972 where he was assigned to guard duty after. 

Lance Corporal Oliver was honorably discharged in June of 1973 where he received a Rifle Marksmanship Badge, along with other medals. 

Oliver moved to Fairbury in 1996 after he farmed and raised cattle in Washington State. Health concerns prevented him from working but he hunted and fished when he could. 

“It feels great," Oliver said. "They asked me about how I would feel coming and I said it would feel nice. My quilt is going on my recliner where I sit every day. The pictures and all that stuff will be hanging on my wall.”

He currently lives in Fairbury where he visits the Veteran Service Office regularly and enjoys Elvis impersonators.