On May 21st, 2013 Four American Vietnam Veterans, all members of The State of IL Military Order of the Purple Heart spent hours educating Jrs in High School. There amazing english teacher assigned them the reading of “The Things They Carried.” We opened the assembly in the “Little Theater.” This space proved to be the perfect venue for an intimate and in depth discussion to answer the questions of the day. Forty years later these young students were grappling with the concept of war and the warriors experience. The group assembled were shown a video to cover in a brief overview the basic history of war affected by our Nation. After grounding the youth with more than three hundred and twenty one years since the pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock to today, each Veteran gave a brief overview of their history serving in the Army.
The questions posed by the students and answered respectfully by the four patriots, flowed with a rhythm and level of mutual respect and sensitivity. The tone and demeanor of these mature students under the keen direction of their professional educators, was truly impressive. Following the volli of intrigue met with true life’s experience, and the silence of the attuned students was palpable. At the conclusion of the Veterans presentation and a positive video conclusion, all but a handful came to the dias to thank, the four Purple Heart Veterans, and to see some of “The Things they Carried!”
We would like to thank both Marti Seaton and Ryan Crissey for their gracious invitation and tutelage. Bravo your guidance as educators will help to keep America’s Military History ALIVE!
Thank You to these brilliant Veterans for their sharing, and trust of the young people to know how to interact in an appropriate positive fashion.
John Kapior served in the Army and was drafted at the age of 20. He served Honorably with the 4th ID 11c-20 motor 4.2 as a Buffalo Soldier. John was a Mortor Man. Wounded 6/14/1967
Phillip Galvan served in the Army and was drafted at the age of 23. He served Honorably with the 199 Light Infantry Brigade 3rd of the 7th. He was a combat wireman 11 Bravo. Phil was a Tunnel Rat.
Jim Wiginton served in the Army and was drafted at the age of 24. He served Honorably with the 1st Cavalry Division 227 Assault Helicopter crew chief as a door gunner. Jim was a door Gunner Wounded 12/11/1966
Dan Finn Served in the Army and was drafted at the age of 19. He served Honorably with the 25th ID 4th of the 23rd Tomahawks. He was an infantryman and Track Driver. Wounded 9/27/67
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