Honoring all American veterans today, and remembering that many of our country’s dedicated and hardworking teachers are also veterans!
Happy Veterans Day, teachers!
Reply
Teacher, judge, author, and Korean conflict veteran Robert Gustaveson
Former teacher and Korean Conflict veteran Robert Gustaveson was also an exemplary judge and a successful author. Photo credit: Russon Mortuary and Crematory
I always feel privileged to share stories about individuals who have served as dedicated classroom teachers and have also served our country as veterans. One of these was Robert Gustaveson, a former middle school teacher who also served in the United States Air Force.
Robert was born on February 3, 1928, in Los Angeles, California. He was raised there until his family relocated to Hyrum, Utah. A young man of strong religious beliefs, after his high school graduation he returned to California to complete a mission for the Church of Latter-Day Saints. Once he returned from his mission, Robert completed the requirements for his Bachelor’s degree and then his Master’s degree, both from Utah State University.
During the Korean Conflict, Robert served as an officer in the United States Air Force. He was assigned to the 5th Air Force 67th Tactical Recognizance Wing in Kimpo. His heroism there earned Robert three battle stars.
Once he completed his military service, Robert accepted a teaching position at a middle school in Salt Lake City, Utah. While working as an educator there, he met and married his wife, Julia.
After a period of time, Robert decided to shift from a career in education to a career in law. He attended law school at the University of Utah, and once he earned his Juris Doctorate, Robert and Julia returned to California, settling in the area of Pomona and Claremont. The former teacher was elected City Attorney in Pomona, and in 1973, he became a Superior Court Judge for Los Angeles County. He also served as a Presiding Judge of the Los Angeles County Municipal courts.
After his retirement in 2003, Robert continued to serve as a judge on assignment. He also authored and published seven novels. In addition, he was a prolific artist, and enjoyed sketching, painting, and drawing cartoons.
Sadly, this Renaisance man passed away on Nov. 2, 2021, of congestive heart failure. He was 93 years old. He was laid to rest at the Hyrum City Cemetery in Hyrum, Utah.
Share this:
This work matters…
Consider gifting Unleashed! to your children or their teacher!
When considering a gift for a school-age child, or even for the child’s teacher, I’d like to suggest my most recent book, Unleashed! The Dog Park Chronicles, which is now available in both paperback and ebook versions from amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com. This is my first novel for young people. But the volume has also garnered praise from adults who have read it and loved it!
In the book, I have created a charming cast of animal characters and their human companions who live in or visit the local dog park. Each event which takes place holds an essential message about kindness, community, inclusion, and personal responsibility. There are also messages of anti-bullying and anti-prejudice.
In addition, the narrative includes commentary about how young people can appreciate nature, even if they live in a suburban environment. I explore themes related to the migratory patterns of Canada geese, the natural instincts of the animal characters, and the progression of the seasons.
The dog park described in the novel, Vila Borba, really exists! It is located not far from my home in Chino Hills, California. And depicted on the cover of the book are two of my very own pets! The little white terrier mix on the front cover is Kurby, whose rescue story is described in Chapter 4. (In the book the Kurby character is named Bowser.) The elegant black and white tuxedo pictured on the back cover is my own ladycat, Licorice.
This 156-page book would make a terrific seasonal gift for your children or their teacher.
Share this:
Shopping suggestion for the holiday season!
Author Terry Lee Marzell displays two of her books that would make inspirational reading during Winter Break.
Season’s Greetings! I’m sure busy educators all over the country are getting ready to launch into instructional programs, create holiday lessons and programs, work on finals, and calculate semester grades. So much to do before the onset of Winter Break! At the same time, these dedicated professionals are decorating their classrooms, homes, and yards for the season, while also addressing holiday cards, baking cookies, and shopping for gifts. So much to do to get ready for the holidays, too!
Speaking of holiday shopping, I have a suggestion! Why not buy an inspirational book for the teacher in your family, your child’s special teacher, or the co-worker at your school? Or you could indulge yourself, and stock upon something inspirational to read during your much-needed Winter Break. I have two splendid titles to suggest: Chalkboard Champions: Twelve Remarkable Teacher who Educated America’s Disenfranchised Students (available here) and Chalkboard Heroes: Twelve Courageous Teachers and Their Deeds of Valor (available here), each one available in print or in e-book formats and reasonably priced.
Enjoy!
