One-page interview with Vietnam Conflict Veteran(s) due Mon, May 7

Southeast Asia: Vietnam and its neighbors, 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, youth leader or sports coach.

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 in 14 pt Arial. Snappy title, documentation.
Add a map of Vietnam.
12 pts
Due Mon, May 7.

If your interview runs short, please fill out the page with an additional interview (or 2) from an online source.