Today is a day we have set aside to honor our United States Veterans. But the call to service is something that many service members don’t lose once they are discharged. That’s one of the reasons that so many veterans gravitate towards the teaching professions once their military service is complete. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 2% of teachers in our nation’s classrooms are military veterans.

Military veterans have many personality traits that make them particularly suited for a career in teaching. When entering the teaching profession, veterans are typically older and have had more varied life experiences. In addition, veterans can bring a wealth of leadership qualities to the classroom. An understanding of the importance of discipline, an appreciation of the value of education, the ability to adapt, and the capacity to work well, even under highly stressful circumstances, are some of the qualities that veterans can bring to the classroom. Also, often veterans possess the ability to persevere, which is a trait that is especially needed in a profession that has a high turnover rate.

Another valuable characteristic that many veterans possess is their potential to connect with students from ethnically diverse neighborhoods or lower-economic backgrounds, because many veterans themselves come from such circumstances. They understand from firsthand experience how challenging some school environments can be, and therefore may be more invested in helping to make a difference in such school systems. Furthermore, veterans have been especially trained to accomplish tasks collaboratively.

For these reasons, and many more, veterans are invaluable as Chalkboard Champions. So, today and every day, let’s celebrate our nation’s veterans who are also teachers!

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 that 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.

Teacher and principal Nelson Bartram fought on the Union side during the Civil War. Photo Credit: Library of Congress

Many hardworking educators have served their country well during times of war. One of these was Nelson Bartram, a teacher and principal who fought during the Civil War on the Union side.

Nelson was born in Westport, New York, on January 7, 1832. While still a child his family relocated to Manhattan. At the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, Nelson was working as a teacher managing a night school on Nineteenth Street. At the same time, he was employed as a principal at the public school on West Twenty Fourth Street.

When the War Between the States broke out, Nelson mustered into service with the Seventeenth Infantry as a captain, Company B, on May 22, 1861. He was promoted to major of the regiment in December of that year, and lieutenant colonel in May, 1862. He mustered out of service with the regiment in June, 1863. He was then appointed lieutenant colonel of the new 15th New York Cavalry. In September, 1863, he resigned that post to accept a commission as colonel of the 20th US Colored Troops (USCT) organized on Riker’s Island in February, 1864. While serving in the military, Nelson was a witness to all the major engagements that the Army of the Potomac fought in until December 1863. This Chalkboard Hero mustered out with 20th USCT in October, 1865.