This Veterans Day, we honor and hold space for our Veterans, their families and loved ones. This Veterans Day, we encourage you to take a moment to thank a veteran for their service. Thank you to some of our HPS staff who shared their military experiences, history and images, below.
Ross Paisker, ELA & Science Teacher, Grade 5, Betances STEM Magnet School
Military Service, United States Army, 31B (Military Police) and E4 (Specialist)
"I served as a Military Police officer in the United States Army from 2009-2013. My time in the military taught me not to be afraid to fail. It also showed me that no matter the hand one is dealt in life, there are ways to make something out of yourself. Do not be afraid of failure! Make yourself feel uncomfortable! That is how we learn about ourselves. That is how we grow!" -- Mr. Paisker
Peter-John Barrella, Chemistry Teacher, Weaver High School
Army National Guard (6 years), Army Reserve (2 years): last rank was Sergeant; last company was 942nd Transportation Company of Branford, Connecticut.
"The military helped me regain my structure, discipline and drive that I had when I wrestled in high school. The military aided me in getting my undergraduate degree from UCONN and helped me explore the United States as I visited over 20 states as a service member. I made my family proud of me by following in the footsteps of my GGG grandfather who fought on the side of the Union during the Civil War. Serving is also a family tradition as both of my grandfathers served (one in WWII and the other in the Korean War)." Peter-John Barrella
Eric Grant, Physical Education / Health Teacher, Milner Middle School
Army National Guard, CT, Staff Sergeant / E6 rank
"I joined the Army National Guard in 1989 during my Senior year of high school as a means to help pay for college. I was accepted to UCONN, and my participation in the Army allowed me to attend UCONN by providing me with a tuition waiver (no charge for tuition), the G.I. Bill monthly paycheck, and a cash signing bonus. I completed my Army Basic Training and Advanced School Training both at Fort Jackson, SC in 1990, and returned to college that Fall. I enjoyed my time serving and training in the Army for 6 years, and as an active member and 2 years as an inactive member (meaning I could be called up for duty at any time during those two years). I worked in the CT Headquarters, Troop Command in New London. Our unit was activated for the Desert Storm encounter and began preparations, but by God's grace, they deactivated us. I present joining the military to our Hartford middle school students, but also inform them that it is not an easy endeavor, but can be a very rewarding experience."
Tammy Donovan RN/BSN, School Nurse, Betances Learning Lab Magnet School
Army Nurse, 1st Lieutenant
"I was honored to serve as an Army nurse. My experience as an Army nurse taught me resilience, adaptability, and compassion under pressure. I learned to provide expert care, lead with calm confidence, and to value teamwork and integrity in every situation. I was stationed at Letterman Army Medical Center in San Francisco and 67 Evacuation Hospital Wurzburg, Germany."
Christina Williams, Special Education Teacher, Grade 1, Naylor School
United States Army, Staff Sergeant (SSG), Powder River- Let ‘er Buck!
"My time in the Army taught me that doing the hard but right thing isn’t about thumping your chest, it’s about quiet courage, integrity and standing up for others even when no one is watching. The photo below that was taken early in my career during a mobilization to Texas in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) with the 91st Division (Wild West Division.)"
LeAnne Hnatiuk, HPS Purchasing and Payable Specialist, Finance Dept.
Navy 1986-1993 & Coast Guard 1993-1996, E-5 - Stationed at San Diego, Mojave Desert and Honolulu
"My experience allowed me to travel to Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Guam, Bahrain, Alaska, San Francisco and more."
Timothy J. Bryant, EDS, Speech Language Pathologist, Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School and Hartford PreK Magnet School
US Navy, Seaman First-Class/Midshipman; San Diego, California
"I enlisted in the United States Navy and attended Bootcamp in San Diego California after receiving a scholarship to a Naval Academy Prep School. I completed the prep school and then went to Southern University enrolled in NAVAL ROTC. I COMPLETED four years of ROTC and two years of active enlistment in the Navy. I was released from my commission due to my not passing the flight physical for future Navy pilots."
Jennifer Nascimento, OTD, Doctor of Occupational Therapy, HPS Occupational Therapist, Occupational and Physical Therapy
Army- E4 Specialist, Officer candidate, stationed in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri
"Being in the military gave me structure, discipline and a routine. Being in the military taught me to fight for the rights of those who can’t always fight for their own!"
Grace Adorno, Dental Hygienist, Sealant Grantee, Burr Middle School/Betances STEM, Kennelly, Naylor, Annie Fisher STEM Magnet, Capital Prep, Global Communications
E-5, US Coast Guard
"The military taught me what true sacrifice for a greater good means and what patriotism looks like."
Kimberly Webster, Math Teacher, Classical Magnet School
US Army Reserve, SFC Retired
"My Military experience taught me how to handle difficult situations, remain calm in those situations, a Esprit de corps, rely on my brothers and sisters in arms, push my limits to accomplish goals, train solders, command soldiers and to defend democracy and those who are in need."
Vincent Smith, former Behavior Tech, Hartford Public High School
Air Force, Airman
The son of Marie Smith, Hartford Public High School IGoals Teacher, Vincent Smith, worked at HPHS in the Nursing Academy years ago as Behavior Tech. He is currently in the Airforce, served in Afghanistan, and still an Airman. His mom shares, "I would like to pay tribute to him for his service to our people and country, the USA. He is my son. Honoring my son along with all our Vets and thanking them for their service."
We thank all our veterans for their service.