As the Westminster Public Schools community paused this week to say thank you to its veterans, What’s Up WPS asked several staff members what their time in the military meant to them.

A common theme emerged — service to others. Each veteran reflected on how the lessons of discipline, teamwork, and integrity have shaped the way they serve students and colleagues today.

Charles Price — U.S. Army | 1971-1978 | WPS Logistics Department 

A Bandsman, ceremonial bugler, and honor guard member with the 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized), Charles Price spent seven years in the Army.

“My gratitude is that, at my age, I’m still healthy and able to come to work each day,” he joked.

Price’s pride in service and commitment to others continues to show through in his daily work for WPS students.

Derek Hawkins — U.S. Navy | 1988-1993 | Westminster High School Teacher 

Derek Hawkins trained reservists in a helicopter squadron during his five years of Navy service. Inspired by his grandfather’s legacy, Hawkins joined out of a sense of duty and family pride.

“I have always loved the idea of ‘Service before Self,’” he shared — a value that continues to guide him in his role with the district.

Jimmy Chism — U.S. Army National Guard | Principal John E. Flynn A Marzano Academy

Jimmy Chism served eight years in the Army National Guard, reaching the rank of Captain as a Military Intelligence Officer.

“What I gained most from that experience was a deep sense of service to others and a commitment to integrity above all else,” he said.

Patrick Lineberger — U.S. Navy | 1988-1996 | Westminster High School Teacher 

Patrick Lineberger enlisted in the Navy while still in high school, serving during the height of the war on drugs and the first Gulf War. Stationed in Florida, his unit communicated with patrol boats chasing down drug runners.

“The Navy taught me personal responsibility, accountability, what it truly means to be a member of a team, and many other great life lessons,” he recalled.

Lineberger’s quick rise to E5 and his Navy Achievement Medal reflect the dedication he now brings to his work at WPS.

William Asper — U.S. Navy | 1998-2006 | WAIS Head Custodian 

A Westminster High School graduate, William Asper joined the Navy just months after graduation and served aboard the USS Harry S. Truman, one of the newest aircraft carriers of its time. Working in the ship’s Reactor Department, he traveled the world — from the Mediterranean to Dubai — before completing his service as a Reservist with the Seabees, the Navy’s construction battalion.

“The Seabees have a motto: ‘We build; we fight!’ and ‘Can Do,’” Asper explained. “As a family man and custodian, I’ve adopted that same ‘can do’ attitude for every obstacle life brings. That mindset comes directly from my military training.”

Each of these veterans shared a deep sense of gratitude — not just for their time in uniform, but for the opportunity to continue serving others through their work in Westminster Public Schools.

“In serving others, you grow as a person,” one veteran summed up.

Mark Belnay, History Teacher at Hidden Lake Secondary School believes it is very important for his students to not only honor U.S. Veterans, but to understand how their sacrifices have shaped our lives. For him, the lesson is very personal. His grandfather, Anthony Foschini served in Europe in World War II in the Army Corps of Engineers. He participated in D-Day and helped liberate a concentration camp.