January 13, 2022

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

Jasan during a field presentation.

Jasan Hileman holds dear this quote from George Santayana, philosopher, essayist, poet and novelist. The Potomac Edison employee is doing his part to ensure we remember the past through a passion for history – especially the Civil War.

“For more than 30 years I have been reading about that tumultuous period in our country’s history,” said Jasan, manager, Regional Work Management. “As a long-time Pennsylvanian, visits to Gettysburg were a regular occurrence. However, in 2011, relocating to south central Pennsylvania to work at Potomac Edison, I was able become more involved at Gettysburg.”

Since then, that’s exactly what he’s done during his personal time.

Jasan became a member of the Cumberland Valley Civil War Round Table, which is a group of individuals who share an interest in Civil War history.

“Our club volunteers at the Gettysburg National Military Park and performs regular maintenance, such as maintaining a number of historic fence lines on the Gettysburg battlefield, he said. “These fences are a reminder of how many people’s lives were shattered by the tragedy of war.”

Not long after he began volunteering, Jasan became a licensed battlefield guide – responsible for providing historically accurate, engaging and enjoyable tours.  “Our responsibility as licensed guides dates back to 1915, when Gettysburg veterans petitioned the government to institute regulations to ensure the story of ‘what they did here’ would be conveyed accurately,” said Jasan.

“We also provide specialty tours upon request where we focus on any specific aspect of the battle or Civil War in general,” said Jasan. “I also give tours for the Gettysburg Foundation leadership program, which provides team-building experiences using the backdrop of the historic site. A number of FirstEnergy leaders have participated.”

Jasan has been with the company for 30 years. In his current position, he’s responsible for promoting best practices in all facets of operational processes, performance metrics, and field support of Work Management software and hardware.

Jasan shares this advice with fellow employees:

“History is important – it’s not just stories of the past, it is our shared experience. History is the story of our mistakes and our triumphs. We can’t strive for a better tomorrow if we do not fully understand where we have been and what mistakes we have made in the past.”

Jasan, second left, with a few of the Gettysburg’s fence team volunteers, including fellow Potomac Edison employee Eric Himes, meter technician associate (far right).

Jasan, l., takes a photo with a group of visitors at Gettysburg’s Abraham Lincoln statue.