For the past 17 years, James (Jim) Hillman and his wife Cathy have called Chateau Elan home, but his story stretches far beyond the neighborhood. As a U.S. Air Force veteran, Jim's journey began with a deep sense of duty and inspiration drawn from his father, who served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. Following in his father’s footsteps, Jim found not only a way to serve his country but also an opportunity to pursue higher education through the GI Bill.

Jim’s commitment to the military is not just a personal one—it's a family tradition. His wife Cathy, like Jim, grew up in a family with a rich history of service. Both their fathers and grandfathers were members of the Armed Forces, creating a shared bond that has strengthened their connection to the military community.

After enlisting in the U.S. Air Force, Jim completed boot camp at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, followed by technical training at Camp Bullis. Excited to explore the world beyond his hometown of Orlando, Florida, Jim was eager to discover where his orders would take him next. When he saw "GFMT" on his paperwork, he assumed he’d be heading to Germany, like many of his classmates. To his surprise, "GFMT" stood for Great Falls, Montana—a domestic post located in the northwest United States.

Although he remained stateside throughout his four years of service, Jim found joy in an unexpected place: the Air Force softball team. Playing ball with his fellow servicemen became one of the highlights of his time in Montana, creating memories that have stayed with him long after his military service concluded.

While stationed in Montana, Jim experienced some difficult moments, particularly adjusting to the long, harsh winters and the distance from home. But fate had other plans. One day, during a visit to a local credit union on his day off, Jim met Cathy, who had recently returned from England where her father had been stationed before his retirement. A connection was sparked, and soon after, they began dating. The rest, as they say, is history. The two were married and eventually settled into their life together in Chateau Elan.

Even though his military service was brief, Jim is proud of his time in the Air Force. Today, he continues to support veterans’ organizations and encourages others to give back to those who have served. Jim has a profound respect for veterans of wartime, including his own father, a World War II veteran, and Cathy’s father, who served in Vietnam. Their sacrifices, and the memories of those who never returned, weigh heavily on Jim’s heart.

Jim also passes on his military values to younger generations, including his son, David, who served four years in the U.S. Navy. He encourages young people to consider military service, noting that it offers unmatched life lessons and personal growth. "I believe every young American should spend at least two years in service to their country," Jim says. "The experiences gained can be truly life-changing, especially for those unsure if college is their next step."

Although Jim humbly downplays his own service, he holds deep admiration for those who fought in wartime, many of whom he counts as close friends here in the Chateau Elan community. "I believe the true veterans are those who served during wartime. They lived through unimaginable experiences and returned to share their stories, allowing us to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice."

Jim Hillman’s story is a reminder of the enduring legacy of military service and the many ways in which veterans contribute to our communities long after their service has ended. With a heart full of gratitude, Jim honors all those who have served, and he remains a proud member of both his military and neighborhood families. As Jim so poignantly says, “May God bless all our veterans!”