By the Director of the Bergmann & Moore Veterans Law Clinic at HPU Law – Assistant Dean Ashley Castillo
As the Director of the Bergmann & Moore Veterans Law Clinic (Clinic) at High Point University School of Law, I experience Veterans Day through a lens shaped by both professional calling and personal history. Although I did not have the honor of serving in the Armed Forces, I have been surrounded by those who have. Members of my family served, including my grandfather—a World War II combat veteran whose legacy continues to guide me. I have also spent years reading and evaluating case files as counsel to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals and Acting Veterans Law Judge. In the Clinic, I now stand beside veterans and their families as we navigate complex legal processes together. Through these experiences, I have witnessed firsthand the victories, hardships, sacrifices, and enduring strength of those who have served.
My vision for the Bergmann & Moore Veterans Law Clinic is rooted in service—both to our veterans and to the future advocates who will represent them. We are committed to assisting veterans throughout the Triad and preparing second-year law students to practice with skill, compassion, and integrity. In every case we undertake, we honor the principle that freedom is not without cost, and that those who bore that cost deserve our respect and strong advocacy.
This Veterans Day, I wanted to amplify the voices of those who have worn the uniform. I asked two combat veterans to share what Veterans Day means to them.
Chris Fraser, United States Marine Corps (Combat Veteran), reflected:
“I remember seeing World War II veterans in their uniforms when I was very young—the pride in their eyes, the way they held their heads high during the National Anthem. Now, as a veteran myself, I feel it is my duty to carry forward that tradition. I want the next generation to see that serving this country was not a burden—it was my honor and privilege. I would do it all again in a heartbeat.”
SSGT. Jeffrey Johnson, United States Marine Corps, 1989–2000 (Combat Veteran, Special Operations), shared his perspective:
“Growing up in a small town with my grandfather—a proud World War II Marine—as my mentor, I learned early what service and sacrifice truly mean. Watching veterans march in parades inspired me well before I became a Marine myself. Today, with my son now wearing the uniform, Veterans Day carries even more weight. It is a reminder of the generations who have stood guard so others may live in freedom.”
As we observe this Veterans Day, whether you have served, are currently serving, love
someone who has served, or are simply a member of a grateful community, I invite you to pause and reflect on what this day means. Let us honor the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication of our veterans—and let us continue the work of supporting them in meaningful ways.
To all who have served and continue to serve, thank you.