November 11 is Veterans Day, a federal holiday that is meant to honor all veterans of the uniformed services who served or are still serving during times of peace as well as war. Each year, the Hillsboro Globe salutes those veterans who work directly with Hillsboro High School students. It is important to recognize these members of our community because they have given service to protect our freedoms and democracy in the United States.

It is not a surprise that so many of our veterans at Hillsboro are in administration, coach a team or are serving in a capacity that directly impacts our campus by mentoring students.

The Hillsboro Globe recognizes and salutes Dr. Scott Davis, Jr., Jason Gardiner, Daniel Llamas, Andrew Mathis, Dr. Shuler Pelham, and Daniel Stover for their service to the United States Armed Forces.

Dr. Scott Davis is a Physical Education teacher and a coach on the Hillsboro Football team. He served in the National Guard from 1087-1992. About his service, he said, ‘The armed services provided a career path or educational opportunity for many service-minded individuals. My opportunity to serve our country provided me with a greater insight of the importance of the United States of America.”

Jason Gardiner also coaches football and is a Health teacher at Hillsboro. He served in the Marine Corps for 10 years from 1998 – 2008. Regarding his service to the United States Coach Gardiner stated, “Being in the service made me realize what real life is. I saw while serving overseas you had to be prepared for the unexpected things in life. You never know what will come your way. You have to be prepared for anything that comes your way.”

Serving in the military provides many opportunities such as a chance to see more of the world and to get an education. Daniel Llamas, a Campus Supervisor and is an assistant coach on the Burros’s Baseball team. He served 24 years in the Navy and took advantage of the chance to obtain an education. “I was able to attain a college degree, travel and leadership skills.. I am very grateful.”

Andrew Mathis is a linesman coach for the football team, teaches special education, and has been devoted to sharing the importance of having a purpose in life with the young men he works with. He has served in both the Army and the Army Reserves from 1973 to the present. He said it is important to share what he learned in the Army such as being on time, completing tasks, and serving those around you.

Dr. Shuler Pelham is Hillsboro’s Executive Principal and is a graduate of West Point. He is a graduate of MNPS who went on to play football at West Point, serve in the Army following his education, and is now in service to those at Hillsboro. See more on his service here in the companion article“… and the wall came tumbling down”.

Daniel Stover is a Campus Supervisor at Hillsboro and served from 1989 to the present in the Army and the U.S. Army Reserve. “Consciousness on the importance of self-care,” Mr. Stover states is one of the most important things he has learned while serving the United States Army.  “Taking steps to care for the physical health, mental health, and emotional well-being” is essential.

History of Veteran’s Day

Veterans Day has its origins at the end of World War I when at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, the fighting ended with the signing of an armistice.

In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first Armistice Day, Nov. 11. The day is also known as Remembrance Day in the Commonwealth of Nations. Wilson’s proclamation stated: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”