Hartford Public Schools -

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.

Sgt. LantabenWilliams, BA.MSOL. MBA. MHD.m, School Safety Officer/SSO, Weaver High School and Achievement First

U.S. Army, Sergeant / Infantryman Battalion

"My military experience wasn’t just “fair” — it was earned through direct, sustained participation in an Infantry Battalion serving in a combat zone theater. I operated in environments where discipline, precision, and resilience were non-negotiable. My mission extended beyond combat; I provided critical aid to host nation communities, reinforcing stability and strengthening alliances on the ground. I served in four wars under the 10th MTN Division, SFOR, and NATO Command — a level of operational exposure few can claim.

Through the OIF–OEF Campaign, I deployed to Bosnia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Germany, and Kuwait, executing missions that demanded absolute commitment and strategic focus. These campaigns were not routine assignments. They were a direct stand in defense of democracy, the American people, and our national interests against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Serving my country has been an honor — one I carried with pride, discipline, and unwavering loyalty." -- Lantaben Williams BA. MSOL. MBA. MHD2027

Carrie Blais, Health and Physical Education Teacher, Burr Middle School

Marine Corps, Sergeant, stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

"As a Marine Corps Sergeant, Heavy Equipment Engineer, and team member in the Lioness program, I developed command-level discipline grounded in adaptability, composure under pressure, and tactical leadership. Leading operations ranging from critical equipment readiness to active combat patrols, searches, and firefights in Iraq taught me to make decisive, high-stakes decisions with clarity and earn my team's absolute trust. To me, holding the rank of Sergeant meant taking full ownership of the mission and the safety of my Marines—a mindset of proactive accountability that defines how I lead today." -- Carrie Blais

Spencer Mulligan, son of Ellie Mulligan, Certified Special Education Teacher, ILS Classroom, Burr Middle School

Spencer Mulligan is U.S. Army, Private First-Class

"We are incredibly proud of him and how the Army has changed his life for the better. He keeps climbing through the ranks. He will be deployed in March for a little while, and we are honored to be his parents." -- Ellie Mulligan

Jennifer Nascimento, OTD, Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Hartford Public Schools District-wide Occupational therapist

Army- E4 Specialist stationed in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and Fort Sam Houston; final rank, Officer candidate

"The military afforded me the opportunity to learn how to listen and learn how to lead. As a first-generation student, I was not sure what my educational path should be. The GI bill helped fund my bachelor's and master's degrees in occupational therapy. My commanding officers helped me pave the way. 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!" -- Dr. Jennifer Nascimento

Tammy Donovan, School Nurse, Betances Early Learning Lab

United States Army, 1st Lieutenant, Letterman Army Medical Center, San Francisco and 67 Evacuation Hospital Wurzburg Germany

"I am proud to say I was an Army Nurse who worked in Army hospitals taking care of military members, active, retirees, and their family members. Served during Desert Storm." -- Tammy Donovan

Joseph Scalercio, Engineering Pathway Teacher, Hartford Public High School
United States Navy, Senior Chief, Retired, 26 years of service

"The Navy taught me that I was capable of more than I thought, and pushed me to be a better person. I intend to carry that forward in my classroom, helping students achieve more, and also learn that valuable lesson of perseverance." -- Joseph Scalercio

Ross Paisker, Grade 4 Classroom Teacher, Capital Preparatory Magnet School

United States Army, 31B (Military Police), 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 uncomfortable! That is how we learn about ourselves, that is how we grow!" -- Mr. Paisker

Carmello Genovese, Grade 5 Math/Science Teacher, Sánchez School

United States Army, E-4 Specialist, 82nd Airborne Division Ft. Bragg, N. C.: 1982-1984

"Some of the key life lessons I learned while serving was discipline, taking ownership, adaptability, camaraderie while working with diverse personalities, the value of time and punctuality and mental toughness. It was an honor and privilege to serve my country and an invaluable experience." -- Carmello Genovese

Robert J. Greene, Teacher of Advanced Manufacturing, New Visions Program

United States Naval Submarine Service (1988 - 1996); Machinist Mate Second Class (Submarines) - Auxiliary Engineering Equipment; Division (A-Div)

"Serving on the original commissioning crew aboard the USS Pennsylvania (SSBN-735B) was the defining chapter of my military career. It taught me the true meaning of resilience, accountability, and precision execution. Being part of that initial crew meant breathing life into cold steel, building a culture of excellence from scratch, and forging a bond with shipmates that only comes from creating something together. That experience taught me that no system is greater than the people running it and that trust is the real foundation of success.

To me, being a veteran also means carrying a lifelong legacy of dedication, knowing the standards we set early on laid the groundwork for decades of deterrence, the quiet, submerged watch that keeps the peace and discourages others from threatening our way of life. It means belonging to a lineage of Americans who placed the needs of the Republic above their own, bound together by the weight of that duty. Service is a moral covenant; not just a badge of the past, but a quiet, ongoing vow to protect our nation.

Because American service members swear allegiance to the Constitution rather than any individual leader, being a veteran means having a deep, daily devotion to the rule of law and the framework of freedom." -- Robert J. Greene

Luther McBride III, MHIS, Information Technology Operations Manager

US Marine Corps, Corporal, Stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina

"My military experience taught me discipline, readiness, loyalty, and leadership. " -- Luther McBride III

Cydonie Brown, Paraeducator, Hartford Public High School

United States Navy, Radioman, Misawa Air Base in Japan

"My name is Miss Brown, a member of the Piapot First Nations.I have been serving Hartford Public Schools for nearly four and a half years, working in the Special Education Department, where I have the privilege of helping students learn, grow, and succeed.

While stationed in Japan, I had the opportunity to travel to eight different countries. I flew on missions to South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, enjoyed Korean barbecue in Seoul on my days off, and went Christmas shopping in Hong Kong. I had so many wonderful experiences that I never even flew home during my entire tour of duty! I was young, adventurous, and thoroughly enjoying life as a U.S. Navy sailor.

One of the most rewarding parts of my experience was learning Japanese. Because I could communicate with the local community, I became an informal ambassador on base, encouraging other Navy personnel to learn the language and embrace Japanese culture. Living in rural Japan opened doors to incredible experiences, from traditional Japanese fishing to opportunities to serve as a translator and even appear on Japanese television.

Those experiences taught me that learning a language is about building relationships, understanding different cultures, and opening doors to opportunities you might never imagine. Principal Marjorie Rice and Principal Lisa Massaro gave me the opportunity to teach Japanese at McDonough Middle School for a year and Breakthrough North Magnet School. I did not think many students would want to study Japanese in afterschool, but more than 60 signed up on the first day. Ten students stayed the course and graduated from the first Japanese culture class. Learning Japanese from a woman of color and a U.S. Navy veteran was an eye-opening experience for them, and teaching them led me down the path toward a career in education.

Today, I bring those same values of cultural understanding, dedication, and service to Hartford Public High School. Working with students in Special Education is something I truly love. There is nothing more rewarding than watching my student's overcome challenges, reach their goals, and discover what they can achieve. Whether I am giving them a traditional high-five or telling them how proud I am of their accomplishments, I want them to know that I believe in them. Just as I was proud to serve my country, I am proud to serve my students.

This Veterans Day, I encourage everyone, whether you served in the military or not, to take a moment to celebrate and recognize those who have worn the uniform of our nation. Military service comes with sacrifices that are not always visible. Veterans have missed holidays with their families, birthdays, anniversaries, and precious moments that can never be recovered. Many have served far from home, endured difficult conditions, and faced the realities of war so that others could enjoy the freedoms we sometimes take for granted.

So, when you meet a veteran, please remember that “Thank you for your service” means more than just words. It is a recognition of the time, dedication, courage, and personal sacrifices that came with serving our country.

Today, I stand proud of my service in the United States Navy, grateful for the experiences that shaped my life, and honored to continue serving the next generation through education. To all my fellow veterans, from every branch of service: thank you for your dedication, your sacrifices, and your commitment to our nation.

🇺🇸 Happy Veterans Day! Once a sailor, always a sailor. Proud to have served, and proud to continue making a difference. " -- Cydonie Brown