In 2025, National Military Appreciation Month is observed throughout the entire month of May. This month-long celebration is dedicated to honoring and thanking the men and women who have served in the U.S. military. May includes several military-related observances like Armed Forces Day, Military Spouse Appreciation Day, and Memorial Day. This month, we honor our current and past members of the military, their spouses and families. See our Hartford Public Schools veterans, families, and members of the armed forces.
Jennifer Nascimento, OTD, Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Hartford Public Schools
In the Army National Guard , finished my 6 year commitment as an Officer Candidate. My military time taught me structure, responsibility, consistency, and commitment. Working as part of a team in the US Army translates into my work in a fantastic dynamic OT PT department!
Technical Sergeant, Ruth Petkaitis, Music educator at West Middle community school
United States Air Force, Retired; Six years of active duty service, 18 years National Guard, 24 years total service; United States Air Force Band, Clarinet and vocalist
I've had the opportunity to travel to over 20 countries, performing in most of them. In the Air Force, you learn teamwork and persistence. The Air Force prides itself in attention to detail and excellence. It was indeed an honor to serve.
Eli Hernandez, School Safety Officer at Sport and Medical Sciences Academy
I am a 6-year veteran of the United States Marine Corps. My last rank was E-4 Corporal before being Honorable Discharged 2018. I was last stationed in Camp Pendleton, CA but was deployed to Afghanistan, Haiti, and several other countries in South America. My MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) was: 1371 -- Combat Engineer.
Being a Marine Corps veteran is my proudest accomplishment in life so far. I have gotten to see and experience things that only a very minor amount of people will be able to relate to. The Marine Corps instills things in you that will last a lifetime. Honor, Courage and Commitment is the foundation of the way I carry myself, the way I think, talk, and everything that I do. Semper Fi!!
Peter-John Barrella, Teacher (Chemistry, Biology, Junior Seminar) & Head Baseball Coach, Weaver High School
Military Branch: Army; My last rank was E5 (Sergeant), and my last unit was 942nd Transportation Company in Branford, Connecticut. My highest obtained rank was a pay grade of E6 when I was an Officer Candidate.
I joined the military to regain my discipline and complete my bachelor's degree from UCONN. Both became a reality. I served six years in the Connecticut Army National Guard, one year in the Individual Ready Reserve, and one year in the Army Reserve which fulfilled my eight-year contract with the military. Through my time in the Army, I was able to visit over twenty-three U.S. states. I was MOS'qualified as a motor transport operator, so I was able to travel with my unit regularly to other installations. I graduated from Basic Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina in 2013, which was the same year as I completed my bachelor's degree at UCONN. I graduated from advanced individualized training as a motor transport operator from Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri in 2015 due to formerly being an Officer Candidate and a Military Police Trainee prior to switching my MOS to Motor Transport Operator (AKA Truck Driver).
Ms. Cydonie Brown, Paraprofessional at McDonough Middle School
U.S. Navy Veteran
I proudly served in the United States Navy during Desert Storm, stationed at Misawa Air Base—the largest intelligence base—and at NASA Ames Research Center, NAVCOMMDET, Moffett Field in California. Those experiences shaped who I am today: someone who believes in dedication, resilience, and never leaving anyone behind.
Today, I’m honored to serve in a different way—as a paraprofessional at McDonough Middle School. My journey here has been rich and varied. I’ve been a bartender in Las Vegas, a National Park Ranger at incredible sites like Grand Canyon National Park, Hoover Dam, Lewis and Clark National Historic Park, Grand Coulee Dam, and Weir Farm National Historic Site. I've taught abroad in Japan, worked as a supervisor at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., and helped others grow as an English conversation teacher in Osaka and Yokohama.
What brings me the most joy now is working with teens. Supporting students, step by step, as they discover their strengths and achieve their goals reminds me daily why I chose this path. My military background taught me that whether in times of war or peace, you don’t leave anyone behind—and that’s a principle I bring to my work in education.
In my spare time, I’m preparing for the Praxis II Math Core exam and continuing college courses at night—because I believe in lifelong learning. Hartford Public Schools has given me the chance to work with a beautifully diverse student community, help with events like the school talent show, Black History Month Activity, Spelling Bee, and enjoy the gift of being close to home, a seven-minute drive😀.
A few things I love: traveling the world, volunteering (like at the National Democratic Convention in Chicago), attending Indigenous Powwows, cheering at the Calgary Stampede, catching concerts at the XL Center, and capturing foodie photos—my pictures have reached 97 million views so far!
To my students, I’m Ms. Brown. To my two brilliant, college-graduate daughters, I’m Mom. And to my community, I’m someone who always gives a little more than expected—because that’s just who I am.
Peggy Zopelis, Pre-K Teacher, Hartford PreK Magnet- South Campus
My husband was in the Army for 20 years. He retired several years ago as a LT Colonel. He retired out of Connecticut as he was the ROTC Commander for the state.
My husband and I raised three daughters in the military life and it was such a gift to them. They are strong, adventurous, and accepting. A military life provided them with rich and diverse experiences. They are willing to try new things and accepting of others. As a family we moved more than 12 times in the 20 years we spent in the Army. We lived overseas and all over the US.
Carrie Blais, Health & Physical Education Teacher, Burr Middle School
As a proud member of the United States Marine Corps, I served as a diesel mechanic stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC. During my time in service, I had the honor of deploying twice to Iraq. While there, I participated in the Lioness program, working alongside infantry units to patrol, conduct home searches, and engage in combat operations.
My experience in the Marine Corps instilled in me valuable qualities such as patience and resilience, teaching me the importance of adapting to and overcoming challenges. I truly cherish my time in the service and the lessons it has imparted.