Every year on Veterans Day, Americans honor the service of veterans and their service. John Carroll chose to honor four staff members who have served in the military.

Sargent Clarance Nichols, Dr. Paul Lazor, Mr. Tom Vierheller, and Mr. Tom Blevins have all served in a branch of the military.

Sgt. Nichols served in the U.S Marine Corps. Sgt. Nichols was stationed all over, but his favorite place was California, Camp Pendleton.

Sgt. Nichols commented, “I was very young, straight out of high school. I wanted to do something that matters. It helped me out throughout my adulthood. The Armed Forces is a place if you believe in your country; it’s a good place for you, not only just to get your bearing together in growth and maturity; it helps you understand your life as an adult better.”

Sgt. Nichols’ highest rank was Corporal. He said that his most vivid memory is boot camp. He describes that having your Sargent wake you up in the morning while you are half asleep “is something you will never forget…I can remember it like it was yesterday.”

Sargent Nichols said that one life lesson that one can get in the military is accountability. “Being able to deal with life. . . being able to not only be accountable but have the awareness of helping others.”

Another John Carroll staff member who served is Religion Teacher Tom Vierheller. Mr. Vierheller was part of the U.S. Marines Corps. Mr. Vierheller mainly was stationed on the East Coast, but his favorite place was “NAS Jacksonville, Florida with its beautiful weather and impressive facilities.”

Mr. Vierheller said, “I was raised by a father who had a heart condition and could not serve in WWII, but he planted the ‘service seed’ by telling me about my namesake, Thomas E. Vierheller, a true hero of that war. He was my father’s first cousin. Also, I felt that I had lived a very protected life and felt challenged to get out of my proverbial comfort zone.”

For Mr. Vierheller, his time in the military is a way to serve for his family and to have the honor it brings to them. Mr. Vierheller was extremely grateful for the many “Thank Yous” he got from students and other teachers on Veterans Day.

On Veterans Day, he gets to remember the reasons why he served. Mr. Vierheller wishes that more people knew more about the needs of homeless and wounded veterans.

Mr. Vierheller said, “I learned humility, commitment to mission and care for others. My training in leadership as well as a solid work ethic, confidence, problem solving, and teamwork have served me well in my working career post-military service. However, the most important lesson I learned is the sacrosanct importance of integrity. One final practical life lesson I was exposed to was the Corps’ approach to race.”

Mr. Vierheller shared he learned the value of cooperation between Americans of all races and that the leaders stressed that “everyone is needed to protect and save lives.”
He added that the best part about his service was the honor of being a Platoon Leader and getting to be responsible for more than fifty Marines as this is a big accomplishment that many don’t get to experience.

When Mr. Vierheller attended boot camp, he was an “honor graduate” and got to wear his blues to his graduation. He said, “Two and a half years later, having my parents pin on my Second Lieutenant bars on Commissioning Day” was the best memory he has.

Another veteran, Dr. Paul Lazor works in the history department. Dr. Lazor served in the U.S. Navy between 1980 to 1985 and was a Lieutenant. He got to help the active-duty members and families with their mental health.

Dr. Lazor joined the Navy while he was in graduate school when the Navy provided him with a scholarship. He had a very good experience during his years there.

Dr. Lazor said, “I was provided excellent training in the internship and had a lot of challenging job opportunities. After the internship, I was sent overseas to the Naval base in Subic Bay, Philippines. This was a great experience as I was given a lot of responsibilities and was able to enjoy a different culture and travel all over Asia. I also met my wife while stationed there. I later was sent to Subbase in Groton, Connecticut.”

Dr. Lazor’s reason for joining was for his father, who served in the Navy during WWII. Dr. Lazor wanted to honor his father and make sure that he made his father proud. His service had an impact on this life by making him more professional. The service prepared Dr. Lazor for coming to work for JC.

On Veterans Day itself, JC recognized these men on the morning announcements, They were visited by Mr. Jake Hollin and Mrs. Dawn Teel who presented them with a boutonniere, a lunch voucher for the cafeteria and a JC coffee mug.

During the Thanksgiving Prayer Service on November 22, they were all asked to stand and be recognized. Additionally, spouses and children, of veterans were recognized.