Veterans Studies Project

Date

2019-Present

Description

EKU Veterans Studies (VTS) was the nation’s first academic program designed to teach students about the unique identities, cultures, and experiences of members of the U.S. Armed Forces. VTS courses combine critical inquiry, civic engagement, and meaningful interactions between veterans and non-veterans to dispel stereotypes, highlight veterans’ strengths, and consider the veteran’s role in American society.

A key component of VTS 200 Introduction to Veterans Studies is the oral history recording completed for the William H. Berge Center. In-person and online students located throughout the country go out into their home communities each year and find veterans with unique stories and perspectives to share. These veterans come from all backgrounds and eras of service. In completing these recordings, EKU students gain real-world archival experience, deepen their understandings of course content, and engage in the type of dialogue with veterans that can help bridge the divide between military and civilian cultures.

Rights

Contact Special Collections and Archives, Crabbe Library, Eastern Kentucky University for reproductions, duplications, rights and permission to publish.

Title

Veterans Studies Project

Project Interviews

Vietnam War Army veteran and VTS Instructor Peter Berres discusses his military service, motivations for joining and his life after service. In particular, Berres details his navigating the ins and outs of being in a military family and his resultant military service.

Lawrence Warford discusses his military service experiences. Lawrence shares details on his life from before, during and after the military.

During this interview Retired Sargent Ryan Greenman of the United States Army shares his thoughts on what it’s like at basic training and what it was like starting a family while in the military. Greenman also talks about his experiences in Afghanistan and the mental health and physical injuries his unit faced.

Donald Woods joined the Marine Corps in 2007 and served three deployments. He comments on his encounters with I.E.D. attacks and small arms fire engagements. Woods also discusses how he adjusted to military life, as well as his life after service.

C.J. Bolen comments on his service service record and his transition from service member to civilian, including discussions over those skills and services that aided him in his return to civilian life.

John Little begins with details over his personal background before going into the military. Next, he comments on his experiences in basic training and his thoughts about that experience and how it made him into who he is today. Little then moves on to describe his duties as a petty officer, his first impressions of combat, rankings of fellow…

During this interview Ashley Peebles discusses where she came from, what her job was in the military, and what it was like as a female in a male dominated unit. Peebles discusses her pre and post deployment activities and the alienation that a soldier may feel when returning from Environment. She also comments on how important acceptance is in the…

Cindy Manente served in the active Air Force from 1991-1998, after she obtained an undergraduate degree and a Master’s degree. In her interview, she talks about her decision to join, her family’s reaction and her preparedness beforehand. She also talks about her experience serving as a female and her dual role as an officer and military spouse.…

The content of the interview reveals pertinent early life information such as birthplace, date, and conditions of childhood for Buria Vinson. Vinson then moves into the cultural and personal motivations for joining the military. She also provides perspective on the cultural differences between military and civilian life.
View all 537 interviews