John D. Vanderhoof, the 37th governor of Colorado and a former president of Club 20, has an understanding of the agricultural industry that is highly praised by Colorado's farmers and ranchers. Vanderhoof was elected as a state representative in 1950 and served in that capacity for 20 years. He spent six years as floor leader and six years as Speaker of the House. In 1970, he was elected lieutenant governor, and in 1973 he became governor. Vanderhoof served in the South Pacific during World War II, winning the Distinguished Flying Cross and two air medals. He was presented with the Colorado Farm Bureau's highest honor in 1983-the "Service to Agriculture Award."