a shout out to principal donald j. slater

i went to hall (LONGGGGGGGGGGGG before principal slater's term mind you). i didn't realize the current principal had been stationed in iraq. i for one am glad you're home (even though it's been a couple of years) safe and sound. thank you for serving

Service Gave Official New Perspective
In November 2003, Donald J. Slater, principal of West Hartford's Hall High School, announced he was headed to Iraq for a tour of duty with the Connecticut Army National Guard's 118th Area Support Medical Battalion. Slater, whose Newington-based unit assisted with medical aid and evacuations in Iraq, would spend 17 months away including pre- and post-deployment operations. Since his return to work at Hall in March 2005, Slater said he has gained new perspectives on leadership and education.Almost three years have passed since Slater returned from Iraq after a yearlong deployment. He has held the top job at Hall since 2002, first on an interim basis and then as principal.Slater, 42, prefers not to discuss the details of his work in Iraq. But, he is quick to acknowledge how his tour of duty in the Middle East has affected him as an educator and leader of one of the top high schools in the state........

welcome home

to the 192nd Engineer Battalion of the Connecticut Army National Guard! thanks for serving. we just are so happy you are HOME

Connecticut engineering battalion comes home
by News Channel 8's Crystal Haynes
Windsor Locks (WTNH) _ There was another huge homecoming this morning as members of a Stratford-based engineering battalion returned today after being away for more than a year.
The 192nd Engineer Battalion of the Connecticut Army National Guard out of Stratford was greeted with anticipation and excitement.
"I was gonna not cry when I got off the bus, but that didn't work too good," said Lt. Col. James Gibbons of the Connecticut Army National Guard.
It was hard to hold back the tears today for all the families of the 30 member unit who served a year in Iraq.
"Complete release, and excitement and happiness. You know you're anxious the entire time and when he finally steps off that bus everything just feels so good," said Sara Gibbons........