Honoring Service. Preserving Stories. Inspiring the Future.

Experience Jack’s powerful, real-life stories about leadership, faith, and discovering purpose beyond the uniform. Whether you are a student, a local leader, or a member of our community, we would love to have you with us as we take this journey at the Gillette College Technical Center.

Lars J. “Jack” Hillesland, is a Vietnam Veteran who served with the 173rd Airborne Brigade as a paratrooper. He spent much of his professional career as a government contractor in management with Lockheed Martin and will soon publish his first novel, Ethan’s Way, the story of a Vietnam Veteran with strikingly similar experiences.

Vietnam Service: 28 Sept 1970 – 25 Aug 1971

Army Commendation Medal

Badges:

Parachutist Badge

Combat Infantryman’s Badge

Ribbons/Medals:

National Defense Service Medal

Vietnam Service Medal w/1 Campaign Star

Vietnam Campaign Medal w/Device 60

Bronze Star Medal