William “Bill” LaPrise, a Miamisburg resident, served in the military for nearly 28 years, retiring in 1994.

The 68-year-old served in Vietnam, earning a Bronze Star for Meritorious Service.

LaPrise’s grandfather, and his four brothers, served in World War I, and his father served in World War II.

LaPrise has been married to Ann for 46 years. The couple has three daughters and eight grandchildren. He worked for the Miamisburg City Schools as a school psychologist for 13 years. LaPrise also worked for the district as people services director and retired as deputy superintendent in 2001.

He currently works part time at the Miami Valley Regional Center, a section of the Montgomery County Education Service Center.

“What I’m doing as a volunteer right now is something I’m really very honored to be afforded the opportunity to do,” LaPrise said. “I am the civilian aide to the secretary of the Army (John McHugh). It is a volunteer position, representing the secretary at Army-related functions in the state of Ohio. There are about 90 of us across the country.”

Favorite memory of your hometown: “Watching the school district achieve Excellent status as a consequence of all the work the people put into improving the quality of the school program.”

Branch of service, rank, years in service: U.S. Army, Brig. Gen., five years active duty and 23 years Army National Guard reserve

How person got involved in the military: “I graduated from the University of Dayton and went to the ROTC program there. I graduated in 1966 and immediately went to active duty. I served two and half years in Germany, 12 months in Vietnam and 12 months in Fort Knox.”

What actions he performed: “I had some pretty exciting times. I had a total of almost 10 years as a brigade command with the Ohio Guard. I spent quite a bit of time at the Aleutian Islands.”

Most satisfying part about the person’s work: “The opportunity to work with a lot of young men and young women, who, at that time, were all volunteers. I met some great people; the enlisted folks are amazing.”

Most memorable moment of service: “It’s a mixed feeling. The most intense time I spent in the service was the whole Desert Storm era in 1991, and going to the defense of Kuwait. We mobilized almost every unit in the command I had at that time. That is the memory that stands out.”