NEW CANAAN, CT - In observance of Veteran's Day, New Canaan Public Schools would like to recognize and pay tribute to the dedicated veterans who have served in our armed forces and continue to serve as some of our beloved staff members here today. Please continue reading to learn more about the staff members who have helped protect our nation and play an important role in the lives of the students here at NCPS.
Captain Paul "Tony" Barnett is a Physics Teacher at New Canaan High School and has been with the district for 20 years. Before becoming a teacher, Mr. Barnett had an extensive background in the armed forces. Mr. Barnett graduated from The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in 1996 and was initially assigned as a Combat Information Center Officer and Mine Warfare Officer. In 1999, he left active duty and entered the Navy Reserves as the Administration Department Head and Intelligence Officer for the U.S. Forces Korea Detachment ONE ZERO TWO. He continued his military career in a variety of other leadership roles, including the Executive Officer for the Navy Reserve Naval Security Force, Administrative, Supply and Medical Department Head for Maritime Expeditionary Security Division TWO THREE, Commanding Officer of Navy Reserve Naval Security Force, War Game Director for the Joint Service War Game Korea United, Operations Officer for the Multi National Coordination Center at U.S. Forces Korea Daegu, Civil Affairs Officer with the Army’s 354th Civil Affairs Brigade in Iraq and Operations Officer to the NR Naval Leadership and Ethic Center until his retirement in February 2022. He has been awarded several medals and commendations throughout his career, including the Bronze Star, Navy Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Commendation, among other notable accolades.
Michael Forcucci is the Social Studies Department Chair and Teacher at New Canaan High School. He has been with the district for five years and has taught World History I, World History II, United States History, and AP American Government and Politics. Prior to his time at NCHS, he served in the 1/102nd, which fell under the 86th Brigade Combat Team. From 2009 to 2010, he was deployed to Afghanistan as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom X and served as an Infantry Scout Team Leader in Laghman Province, Afghanistan. During this time, he ensured security for the local Afghans and supported the creation of democratic institutions, such as public education, infrastructure, and elections
Commander Paul Reid is an A.P. Physics Teacher who has worked at NCHS for 15 years. Prior to his time at NCHS, Mr. Reid served in the U.S. Coast Guard for 25 years, holding several positions until retiring as Commander. He spent half of his career abroad homeported ships in New York and Detroit, overseeing material imports responsible for making steels as well as search, rescue, and aid missions all over the Great Lakes regions. After some time, Mr. Reid took on continued his career in administrative positions, first serving as the Chair of the Physical Department and, eventually, the Director of Human Resources at the Coast Guard
Officer Matthew Blank is currently a Sergeant First Class in the Connecticut Army National Guard and a New Canaan Police Officer. At Saxe, he is the School Resource Officer, and is known for his leadership in directing the school plays. Officer Blank has specialized his Advanced Individual Training in military intelligence which involves using data to find patterns in order to predict military situations. Officer Blank is currently the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the Intelligence section of the 1109th Theater Aviation Support Maintenance Group, TASM-G. Throughout his military career, he has been to multiple trainings and has deployed to the Horn of Africa in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Freedom Sentinel.
Kevin Hearty is a Latin Teacher at Saxe Middle School and has been working for the district for 20 years. Before becoming a teacher, Mr. Hearty served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1900 to 1996 and was a Supply and Unit Armorer. He completed his training in Fort Jackson, South Carolina, Fort Lee, Virginia and Fort Devens, Massachusetts and has served in units all over the state of Connecticut and Georgia. During his time as a Supply and Unit Armorer, Mr. Hearty was responsible for supporting units with essential supplies, such as tactical essentials and armor.
Joshua MacDonald is a Physical Education Teacher who has taught at South Elementary School for 17 years. Before his time in the South, Mr. MacDonald served in the United States Air Force, specializing in meteorological and navigation systems. During the summer following his high school graduation, Mr. MacDonald had his basic training in San Antonio, Texas, followed by technical training at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi. He was then stationed at Edwards AFB in California for some time before heading to Osan AB in South Korea. In his role, Mr. MacDonald maintained weather and navigation equipment, which assisted aircraft, helicopters, and the space shuttles in completing daily missions and aiding them during inclement weather situations
Thank you again for your service. We wish you, your family, and the other men and women who have served our country a very Happy Veterans Day.