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In an attempt to summarize some of the thoughts that I’ve had throughout this assignment I took these two pictures. One of them is about how the end can be peaceful, and the other is trying to represent irreversible change.
At the start of this project I had very little thoughts about war or it’s affects; no one had previously taken the time to encourage me to think about it. As the project progressed, as we talked with veterans first hand, and those who worked with them, my awareness and my opinion on war has been changed. One example of how my thinking has changed is that I once thought that, ‘War is a bad experience for everybody,’ but really some people appreciate the order of life in the service as well as the thrill of the adventures which that kind of a life offers. In addition, there are many veterans who have transfered back into civilian society without any problems, which supports the idea that war doesn’t have to be an event that debilitates ones entire life, although each person reacts to their time in that environment differently.
This project has been very insightful and necessary. I’m ashamed that I hadn’t given the wars going on right now more attention sooner. It’s foolish to think that just because they are in a foreign land that they don’t have anything to do with me. I feel like it’s necessary for all of us to be aware of what’s happening in the world around us. Before this project I thought that world events were important but I didn’t give War the respect or attention that it deserves. Now though, I don’t see myself ever again thinking of war as ‘something that’s going on over there.’
So this may be a little morbid, but before I dove into my big dinner the other night I analyzed the surface of the cooked turkey and thought of the war.
The word carnage popped in my mind–so I looked it up.
Carnage [noun]
The killing of a large number of people.
Origin early 17th century. From French, from Italian carnaggio, from Latin caro, carno (-flesh).
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This assignment has helped me to better understand war and what my friends in it are going thorough. I feel like i will never truly understand, but that some light has been shed on the subject of war and what people in it go thought.
So my images for the second part of this assignment are going with the same theme of the first ones but are some what lighter to represent having light shed on the topic of war for me. Paula
I would like to thank you for coming to visit us and talking about your experiences. It’s nice to know what the previous generation whet through in times of war and what your point of view on it is. This visit helped me be able to see the difference between then and what’s going on now. Paula
there were a couple of things that struck me during jerry’s chat. first, the conditions that he lived… or survived in, were tragic. living in a dug out hole in hot humid vietnam, and having that be better than the worst conditions, is terrible. it also makes me grateful that at least this war in iraq has a bit more organization and, from jeff’s description, soldiers had a place to go back to and unwind a little.
the other thing that i found interesting was that he contradicted my preconceptions of this war’s vets. im sure its because the iraq war is the one im living through and experiencing, but i felt that young iraq vets are a group that wants to speak about their experiences. it was eye opening to hear that jerry finds iraq vets compartmentalizing and not talking through their experiences.
this also makes me wonder if the factor of time and distance plays a bigger role than i thought. i cant help but compare jerry and jeff’s visits and i’m curious if in 30 years, these new iraq veterans will have the same attitudes as those from vietnam. different stories, but with time to resolve and space to regain normalcy, will the iraq veterans be the ones reaching out to the new veterans from some future war. is it a circular cycle, or ever-changing evolution?
It was really amusing trying to stuff all of us in a corner and experience our first conference call.
It’s been really great listening to all of the different views and see how war affects us all differently. I think doing the conference call was a great way to be relaxed and ask questions about the war and veterans. I remember I felt a bit anxious before Jerry came in to talk to us, and this was a nice way to get feedback as well. I think that the social worker was very insightful for saying the things she did. She upheld herself very well and was able to give us a piece of veteran’s minds without actually being one.
The best part of doing the conference call was when it was over and we all admitted that it was difficult to talk to the phone and imagine what she looked like.
Thank you for taking time out of your schedule to come share your experiences with our class. Your photograph of where you were stationed was helpful to understanding a little more about what Vietnam was like.
Before Jerry’s visit I didn’t know much of anything about Vietnam. It made me interested in the generation differences between Jeff and Jerry. Jeff was much more contained and solemn about his experience, where as Jerry, having had more time to process his experience, was more open and light-hearted. Although I’ve picked out this difference, by no means am I saying that I feel that either should be in a different place (in reference to their experience with war); rather, that it’s thought provoking to see how veterans can differ depending on how recently they have been under the constant stress of war.
Jerry said that he still can’t sleep through the night, which gives us an example of how long to expect the effects of war to last. It’s foolish that I had expected war to “ware off”; after both of these visits it’s clear that war has lasting effects, many of which are unforeseeable. Similarly, they both make me look at the word ”VET” in a different light, one that is vastly more considerate, humble and respectful.
I’m so thrilled I got to listen to Jerry’s experiences from NAM. It’s something hard for me to actually comprehend:
America has been a painted picture for me–with freedom/rights and beauty. But after hearing stories about conditions that aren’t suitable to live in and being forced into these situations is really frightening! It makes me cherish the life I have and thankful for vets like Jerry who give up everything to support our country. I think the thing that struck me the most about Jerry was his personality. He was so cheery and didn’t show us a ‘darker’ side–like many vets I imagine that suffer from the after effects. What warmed me the most was his persistence about giving welcome home presents and holiday related presents. I agree that it’s important and reassuring to vets and it doesn’t take long for us to do. I’d like to send something now, especially with the holidays drawing nearer.
I think it took a lot of courage for Jerry to come in and speak, and I know we all appreciated his company.
Thank you, Jerry!
-Danielle
The contrast between Jerry’s visit and Jeff’s visit was interesting. I wonder why it is that Jerry’s generation of veterans enjoy surrounding themselves with fellow vets and reminiscing because i remember Jeff stating that he really doesn’t do that. I can’t help but to keep reflecting on his comment about his respect for these new, younger veterans and their ability to put the time they served behind them and move forward. Compared to Jerry’s talk with us, Jeff’s seemed more raw and I don’t know if it was because of the visuals that were presented to us, the time that had past for them or the fact that I feel Jerry somehow glorifies his experience.
Another quote of his I enjoyed was “i didn’t do it, but i was part of it”, a lot of veterans must be able to relate to that.
