Linking Students to the Vietnam Era: Lessons Learned
Curriculum | Linking | Speakers | Resources | Bridges
| Linking Toolkit Linking Letter to Veterans Sample Questions Link Reflection |
Through the student-veteran linking experience, we have discovered that personal interactions reach beyond academics and touch each and every student in a different way. Understanding war, death, politics, patriotism, values, and commitment is a significant by-product of these personal interactions with living historical figures. Students are encouraged to share their knowledge with their peers, and this knowledge has opened up the lines of communication with their parents.
The final piece of the link interview is a written reflection by each student about the lessons that they have learned from the link interview experience.
Jason C., student,
linked with Vice Admiral Emmett H. Tidd, veteran
"I value my time with Vice Admiral Tidd so much more than any time spent reading the book. I felt something no book has ever given me or ever will, and that is pride. I am proud to say I am an American."
Senior Jason C. interviews Vice Admiral and Mrs. Emmett Tidd before their classroom visit.
Joanna S., student, linked with Joseph Galloway, former UPI reporter, current Senior Writer, US News & World Report
"Interviewing Mr. Galloway has been quite an experience. His responses are one of a kind and very interesting. Every answer adds new light to the issue, causing one to think about his answer. It has been an honor to hear and understand the memories, lessons, and recollections from someone of his stature and success."
Michelle B., student, linked with former POW, Captain Eugene "Red" McDaniel, a family friend
"Captain McDaniel is probably the most interesting and brave man I have ever met...He taught me that no matter what the obstacle, never lose your faith and beliefs."
Kate P., student, linked with David Samuels, veteran
"I appreciate the commitment of Mr. Samuels to our education...When I joined the course I knew little about the military. While getting to know him, I learned from his stories. I am amazed at the willpower of anyone in combat, and I gained a definite respect for veterans because of Mr. Samuels and others."
Mary
Catherine J., student, linked with Bob Isenberg, veteran
"Not only have I learned more about the Vietnam War than I ever thought possible, I have also learned many life lessons such as the importance of history and being an active citizen."
Kathryn K., student, linked with Nancy Mahnke, Red Cross worker
"While interviewing Nancy Mahnke, I have learned about the war from a woman's point of view! I have learned so much about what the women did in the war. I have also learned a lot about PTSD."
Sharla S., student, linked with Jim Nelson, veteran
"Captain Nelson has a sense of honor and virtue that is rarely found among today's youth, and by sharing his personal accounts, he passes on invaluable knowledge to us and future generations."
Pamela L., student, linked with Carl Bimbo, veteran
"The afternoon I spent with Mr. Bimbo, I learned more than could ever be taught in a lifetime. He spoke of how it truly feels to be in war, not as a soldier, but as a real person...Many things can be learned from this experience, but one of the most valuable may be to never take for granted the freedom you have, the little things in life, and those you cherish most in life."
Caron C., linked with her father, James, veteran
"This interview has had a great effect on the relationship between my father and me. It opened up a window of communication between us...I am so very proud of my dad and so thankful that God protected him during the war so that he could be my father today."
Duong N., student, linked with her father, Phuoc, former ARVN soldier
"This interview helped me get closer with my dad and understand what a hard life he has been through. From this interview, I love my dad more as a hero, and I have greater respect for all the people who fought for their country."
Missy T., student, linked with Lee Wilson, veteran
"I now have a greater appreciation for those who went and put their lives on the line to help save another country. I will continue to study this time period. I still have tons of questions. I have learned not to trust everyone and everything you hear. I have a greater appreciation for what I have, and I am grateful for the country I live in. May we all stand a little taller and a little wiser."