A class about Vietnam

[White Oak]

I have been asked to come out to Shreveport,La to give a class on Vietnam to my Grand nephew school class(He's 13 years old)They are studying Vietnam and when he mentioned it to his Grandfather,my brother,he called and ask if I could come.Don't know what they know Vietnam and don't know what they are going to ask but you can bet your last dollar I will tell them the truth as I know it.I'm just hoping that no profanity slips in while I'm talking.Got to be there Friday at 1:30,any and all suggestions welcome

[MORTARDUDE]

Danny :

Try to remember when you were 13.. ( for me along about 1961 ) ...try to recall at that time what you thought about WW2....well back that up 10 or more years ( back to the early 1930s ) ....as far as they are concerned you may be "ancient history".... I guess what I am trying to say is give them examples and instances they can relate to. Your post on here ( with all the great pictures ) was top-notch, one of the best I have ever seen anywhere about a tour in Vietnam. Just to present that with your comments would be outstanding !! Hopefully someone in the class will have had a close relative there and can give the others some information before your presentation. I have received all kinds of questions and comments from those under 30 about my service in Vietnam. Most times they don't have a clue, and some just don't care. Wishing you all the best.

Take care,

Larry

[DMZ-LT]

Danny , thought when you posted your pictures of your tour it would make a great history class. Take your pictures and a slide projecture and just tell them like you told us. I'd like to be in that class.

[exlrrp]

(My sons name is Dan)

I did this too, back in '99, it was one of the peak experiences in my life. The daughter of my girlfriend (of the time) was going to marin Academy, a posh private school here. She invited me to speak at her history class (11th grade)
These were 16 year olds, a little olderthan you'll be facing. I would definitely pitch your talk to consider their age. I wound up teaching whole class in it (56 minutes)
I started with a little background and tactics--drew out on the blackboard the countries and the Ho Chi Minh Trail,. Then ran though the timeline. Then gave my on personal experiences. Then me an the teacher talked a litttle about it and then the kids asked me questions. Isteered well away from the "my best friend died in my arms" stuff and also more venereal aspects of my tour untill one girl asked me if they gave us time off to visit prostitutes like in the play " Miss Saigon" Well how do you answerr THAT one to a group of teenagers? I justsaid that when young men with money in their pockets meet young women who need money in desperate circumstances, there's only gonna be one result--at 16 they should know this by now.
I brought all the pictures I have of the war and passed out copies--this goes over big.
This first class went over so well that they askd me back again to speak with David Harris, the noted resistor. (His doughter had been in the class) This was too good to resist
He showed up and thought I was going to debate the merits of the war--too bad! I protested the Vietnam War too. Another roadkill that didn't know what a lrrp was. I ambushed him! I had read his book "Our War" wherein he talks real snotty (IMHO) and maligns Vietnam veterans. (This was right after I'd read Stolen Valor)So I nailed him on his stereotyped perceptions of Vietnam veterans where he thought I was going to debate the merits of the war. HAR!! Made him look like a piece of cheese!
I consider this to have beeen one of the peak experiences of my life, now all I have left to do is nail Jane Fonda and we're all even.

James

[39mto39g]

I did this for my kid last year (14)
There going to ask you how you felt about the protesters back home, how you were treated when you got back, What your job was, How long were you there, (some of the boys will even ask if you killed anyone) Don't get graffic, tell them about giving c-rations to villagers, Discribe what you carried, tell them about heating food with c-4 and what was in c-rations, Jungle boots, etc.
Be honest

The boys will all be wide eyed, the giles will be euuuuu!

Ron

[Boats]

You may want to tape yourself before going to class. I've done this several times when giving a presentations. Listen to it - I mean listen to it carefully. The tone of your voice the subject matter you are discussing and then put it on pause.

Think about what questions may be asked. Ask you Nephew what he thinks about VN or what he thinks he knows?

Kids are very smart and they will spot or pickup on things adults say when they want to. However, being 13 they sometimes (like) adults say things before thinking about what they just said.

My grand-daughter will hold some great conversations with her Nana and I'm amazed for 5 years old just how smart they are.

You will do fine - begin at the beginning and work your way to the end. When you reflect on the memorial wall do it with courage and grace and complete your report by wishing them - Peace on Earth an goodwill toward's Men.

Good Luck my friend - you will do fine.

[b3196]

Did it in 2001. You will be amazed at the questions these kids have. Nost of the questions have already been screened by the teacher. My first comment to the class was to ask me anything they wanted, and if I didnt know the answer or didnt want to answer the question, I would tell them and the reason why. If any of the questions get to you (You know when you get something in your eye and they start to water) Think of something funny that happened to you or your buddies and tell the class. It worked for me. You will enjoy it
Good Luck
Bob K

[SEATJERKER]

...of a lifetime for all of you,...

...A lot of useful information about presentations has been offered so far, and if I may contribute from a distant point of view,...

...From what I have seen in the last few years, the "the flower of truth" is starting to open, What was once "unspeakable" in schools has blossumed, and now is ready to re seed, and the children out there now have no preconceived notions about the Vietnam war, there isn't any media directing negitives only towards the Veterans, and they, (you all), are alowed to speak "FREELY" upon your experiences,...

...The facts should be presented along with the "baggage" that goes with it, these children, no matter how young, will formulate their own opinions, and thus should know "the whole truth" not just what we think they want to hear, as gently as you want is "OK", but I feel that the issues have been SO shrouded over the years as to soften the facts, these children must know all of the truths from those that were there,...

... graphic, no, but direct, yes, you are going to look into the eyes of someone, who in 5 years might be in the same position a lot of you were in 35 years ago, feeling that some tid bit of information you convey now might add a sense of realizism that may help them later in making the correct judgement, I hope your not feeling that I'm that far fetched,...

...It is hard to provide today's youth with a foundation to build upon, and their values have not been tested in the manner that all of your was tested, to provide a brief look at the realities of the past, you might just help change the future,...

...you can touch on "history", or "personals", or a vast wealth of your knowledge, and they are sponges, they will soak up every word,...

...remember to whole heartily mention those that are still POW/MIA's and that it is still ours, and their responsability to find out the truth regarding each, and everyone of them,...

...Your strengh shall build their character, and guide them on the path of truth, and honor,...

..."Welcome home Dan",...

...

[Boats]

SJ

Very well said and I agree - nice piece of work and good advice.

[catman]

Danny...although I am not a Vietnam Vet, I did this same thing for my sons class. Best damn thing to ever come from my service. I took all my photo albums and some items from my bunker. The practice grenades were the biggest hit. Kids had free rein to ask anything they wanted and boy some of them can really get to you. Good luck, I know i will take those memories to the grave.

Trav