Interview with a veteran of the Vietnam Conflict due Ap 6

Danh's Garden Thai & Viet, Shreveport a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

One of the most rewarding projects of first-year social studies, according to many students and parents, is the Vietnam Veteran Interview.

The most difficult part of the project is finding a veteran who can be interviewed. I will expect you to get help from your parents, extended family and friends and perhaps your minister or comparable youth leader.

My goal is to see my students sit down across the table from a veteran of a US war in Asia. So, in truth, if you can find a veteran of the Korean conflict (usually older than Viet vets) or even the rare veteran of WWII in the Pacific, you can substitute.

Vietnam is part of America's history that can guide our thinking in regards US involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan.

These Vietnam veteran questions are designed to create a low-stress interview. The primary reason for this interview is to give you experience in using a Primary Source. The material you gather will not come from a book or online entry; it will come from a person who was an eye witness. You will be gathering a bit of evidence as a student historian.

1. Name and your service branch?
2. Year(s) you served in Vietnam?
3. Your responsibilities in the service while in ‘Nam.
4. Locations you visited in Vietnam. In which place did you stay the longest?
5. The geography of the Vietnam you observed.
6. Climate?
7. Describe the people of Vietnam, both physically & psychologically.
8. Changes in your attitude toward the US in Vietnam. (optional)
9. What should teens learn about the conflict?
10. Your favorite movie or book about ‘Nam? (optional)

Type and title, etc etc
12 pts
Due Ap 6.

You may substitute an interview with a veteran of Korea or WWII / Pacific war.