March Veteran of the Month

Born in Talihina and raised in Wilburton, Oklahoma (District 6), Leonard Draper graduated from Wilburton High School in 1968. After graduation, he volunteered for the U.S. Marine Corp. He attended Recruit Training in San Diego, California.

After Infantry School, he went to Okinawa, Japan, before heading to Vietnam, where he spent one year and achieved the rank of Lance Corporal. LCpl Draper was wounded in action in Vietnam and awarded the Purple Heart and Combat Action Ribbon. He served as a Mortarman and Infantry Marine. After returning from Vietnam, LCpl Draper was released from the Marine Corps in 1970.

He returned to Oklahoma and held various jobs in an ammunition plant. He then went to work in the oil field. In 1973, LCpl Draper attended Northeastern Oklahoma State College and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management and Business Economics. After graduation, he traveled the U.S. and returned to the Wilburton area to care for his mother.