WSU_Veterans_Voices

I have heard quite a bit. Some stories are sad and some are happy. The saddest theme I hear is the way Vietnam Vets were treated when they got home. Here is a good example. Starting at about 4:40 he gets into what coming home was like. It just sucks knowing they left hell (Vietnam) to come home to being spit on.

Well I am a Afghan Vet myself so my views on war are already pretty strong. Talking to these guys doesn't do much for changing my opinions. It does give me insight to what the other wars were like and how they are similar to my experience. It is very therapeutic talking about this with people who have similar experiences though.

Great question!

WWII: Tremendous pride and love of country. They knew they were fighting an evil thing. Most are still very humble and usually say something along the lines of "I was just doing my job" or "I did what every one else was doing."

Korea: I've only talked to a couple Korean War Vets but most feel they were doing what they were supposed to do and feel proud of their service.

Vietnam: I see both sides with Vietnam Vets. Some are happy about their service and glad they did it (even some draftees). The other half feel like we fought for the wrong reasons. Many Vietnam Vets feel like they had their backs turned on them by everyone. They were turned on by politicians, the American public and even the WWII Veterans. I have heard stories of VFWs not allowing Vietnam Veterans to join at some point.

Desert Storm/Iraq/Afghanistan: Most service members are proud for what they have done(stopping the spread of terrorism and the opium trade). I would say it depends on what they experienced. The guys who lost friends overseas during these conflicts feel more negative towards US involvement in the Middle East.

Everyone's experience was different and everyone has a different opinion on their service and their country. Hope this answers your question!

Well it all depends on where you live. Other groups across the U.S. are doing this project. My group only consists of 4 and we don't travel too far out of Dayton, Ohio. If you let me know what city you guys live in I can try to find another group who is doing the same kind of project.

Get in contact with these guys. They are located in Atlanta but they have more resources and travel around the country to get interviews.