Tag Archives: Veterans

Teacher, coach, and former professional football player Herb Banet

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Teacher, coach, counselor, and former professional football player Herb Banet. Photo credit: Manchester University

When I think of Chalkboard Champions, I never forget all of our nation’s talented coaches. These dedicated professionals work many long hours with our young people, teaching them the value of self-discipline, healthy competition, fair play, and teamwork, and helping them to choose a healthy, active lifestyle. One such Chalkboard Champion is Herb Banet, a high school teacher, basketball coach, and guidance counselor from Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Herb was born in 1913 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. As a high school student, he was a gifted athlete.  At 6’2″ and 200 pounds, he earned All-City Honors in both football and basketball. After his graduation from Fort Wayne South High School in 1933, he attended Manchester University in North Manchester, Indiana, where he played collegiate football. While at Manchester, Herb played All-Conference Football and All-State Football in 1934, 1935, and 1936. During the 1937 season, Herb played in the National Football League with the Green Bay Packers.

As if all this were not enough, Herb was also a war hero. When World War II broke out, he served his country in the US Navy.

These experiences served him well during his eighteen-year career as a coach at Central High School in Fort Wayne. While coaching there, his team made one trip to the Final Four in 1960, where they were defeated by just one point by East Chicago Washington. Later in Herb’s career he served as a guidance counselor at Northrup High School. This talented educator retired in 1979. In recognition of his illustrious career as an athlete, he was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000.

Herb Banet passed away in 2003 at the age of 89 years of age. He is buried at Falls Memorial Gardens in Wabash, Indiana. It is certain that his efforts as a gifted teacher, coach, and counselor will always be well-remembered.

Educator, Army veteran, and local politician Norton Younglove

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Educator, US veteran, and local politician Norton Younglove.of California. Photo credit: Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

Many exemplary educators have served their county in the military and their community in public office. One of these is Norton Younglove, a teacher from California, Army veteran, and former local civil servant.

Norton was born in Riverside, California, on October 8, 1929. After he graduated from Riverside High School in 1947, he earned his Bachelor’s degree from Williamette University in Salem, Oregon. He married his wife, Ardith, and the couple returned to Riverside, where Norton worked in his father’s business, Home Oil Company.

During the Korean Conflict, Norton became a member of the US Army Signal Corps and served in Korea. Once he completed his stint in the Army, Norton earned his teaching credentials and accepted a position at first Sierra Junior High School and then at Ramona High School, where he taught courses in US Government.

It was at this point in his life that Norton decided to become involved in local politics. He served on the Riverside City Council. He also served as a County Supervisor for six consecutive terms, retiring from the Board in 1994. In addition, he served as a member of the South Coast Air Quality Management District, and earned a reputation as a fighter who adamantly opposed air pollution. He was also instrumental in establishing a final resting place for many veterans at the Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside.

Throughout his life Norton was an accomplished sailor, winning the Snipes West Coast championship in his youth, and in the 1960s, he captured the title of the Labor Day Regatta with his three sons serving as his crew.

Norton passed away in Riverside, California, on January 17, 2025. He was 95 years old. To honor his legacy, the Norton Younglove Reserve in Beaumont, the Norton Younglove Community Center in Highgrove, and the Norton Younglove Senior Center in Calimesa—all located in Southern California—have been dedicated to his work.

Thank you for your service, Veterans!

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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!

Teacher, judge, and Korean conflict veteran Robert Gustaveson

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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.

Aaron Fussell: NC educator, legislator, and Bronze Star recipient

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North Carolina teacher, legislator, and World War II veteran Aaron Fussell earned the Bronze Star for his war-time service. Photo credit: Find a Grave

Many fine educators have also served our country in the military. Many more have served their community in public office. Aaron Fussell, a teacher from North Carolina, has done both.

Aaron was born on July 5, 1923, in Rose Hill, North Carolina. In 1940, he graduated from Rose Hill High School. The following summer, he worked for his uncle in Laurinburg, where he did the bookkeeping and handled the payroll. Next, Aaron earned his Bachelor’s degree from Atlantic Christian College in Wilson. He earned his Master’s degree in Education from the University of North Carolina. He also completed post-graduate courses at North Carolina State University and Duke University. While in college, Aaron played basketball, baseball, and tennis, a game at which he especially excelled.

During World War II, Aaron served his country as a corporal in the US Army. He was among the troops that comprised the 203rd Field Artillery Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, when they landed on Omaha Beach in Normandy in June, 1944. Later, he fought in the Battle of the Bulge. In fact, Aaron earned a Bronze Star for fighting in 318 continuous days of combat.

Once the war was over, Aaron became a teacher and coach at Elm City High School in 1946. He worked his way up the ranks, first as an Assistant Principal at Whiteville High School, then as the Principal of Millbrook High School in 1953, and finally as the Superintendent of Wake County Schools in 1957. He held that position until 1976, during which time he ensured the integration of the school district. In all, Aaron’s career as an educator spanned 31 years.

In addition to his work as an educator, Aaron was elected on the Democratic ticket to the North Carolina House of Representatives. He served in that body from 1978 to 1994, a total of 16 years. In this position, he supported many bills for improved education, including a state Basic Education Plan and a statewide curriculum which was adopted in the 1980s. In addition, the former teacher supported a mandatory seatbelt law and statewide watershed protection.

Teacher, politician, and veteran Aaron Fussell passed away on July 7, 2014, in Raleigh, North Carolina. He was 91 years old.