Your Turn/Paul Havermale

Published 12:00 am Saturday, June 6, 2026

When I was a kid, I wanted to be … a professional baseball player for the Cardinals.

What would you rather be doing right now? Reading a good book or hanging with my grandkids.

Shhhhhh! Don’t tell anyone that … I like to take bubble baths and now candles are in the mix, ala Chandler on “Friends.”

Other than your wedding day and/or the birth of your children, what was your proudest moment? When I completed basic training, and when a client said our help with their successful VA claim was life-changing.

It really stinks when … people are slowing me down, either on the road or just in general.

What word in the dictionary would your face be next to? Passionate.

I always laugh when … I am with my grandkids.

Invite any three people, living or dead, to dinner. Who are they? My son Bradley, my parents (Angie and Steve) and my father-in-law (Jerry). A lot of things to discuss and things left unsaid. I miss them all since their passing.

At the end of a really long day at work, I like to … take the aforementioned bubble bath!

People who knew me in high school thought I was … a bit wild.

My most unforgettable brush with greatness was … I sat at an airport gate with pro wrestlers, the Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff. Those dudes were large!

I would drop all my plans tonight if I had the chance to … spend time with the grandkids.

If someone gave me a million dollars, there is STILL no way I would … stop working with veterans or on veterans causes.

America should be more concerned about … mental health and the stigma around mental health issues and treatment. Mental health issues are an epidemic that is potentially deadly.

I’m OK if there’s ever a national shortage of … books and hats.

When I’m on the Internet, I always go to … Facebook to catch up on stuff going on with friends and around town.

What is the most useful piece of advice you have ever received? “Five minutes early is on time. On time is late.” – Drill Sgt. Kitzman in basic training.

When I’m cruising down the road, I’m likely listening to … ‘80s rock or classical music.

I always get sentimental when … I think about my wife and our journey together. She is amazing.

The older I get, the more I realize … I am not always right.

If I had one “do-over,” I would … talk to my son Bradley more.

My favorite item of clothing is … my Broncos jerseys. I have one in each color that I wear to match the team colors on game day. Go Broncos!

If I’ve learned anything at all … Tomorrow is not promised, and life passes way too quickly.

Paul Havermale, 60, is the superintendent of the Veterans Assistance Commission of Adams County. He has been married to Pam (Eberhardt) Havermale for over 40 years. Havermale was born in Kirksville, Mo., and other than some military time, he has lived in Quincy since the age of 10. The Havermales have three sons, one deceased, and six grandchildren.