The program sets out to develop meaningful conversations with various generations through a series of interviews between the students of today and American veterans. There are four sessions featuring veterans from WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the wars in Afghanistan & Iraq. We have also added a fifth session featuring the Bosnian War (more info through the tab above).
What sets this program apart from just inviting a veteran to talk with a group of 30 students is that it is more personable. Student groups of two to four talk with one person about, not only their experience in the American armed forces, but also about American history and life lessons. This is a rewarding experience not only for the students who get to talk face to face with a person who lived through the history we study, but also for the veterans who have the opportunity to work with the next generation and share their stories.
 The program dates are listed on the panel to the right. The time commitment is flexible with whatever works for individuals volunteering time. Program times will vary depending on the amount of participants, but it will be during the school day. Student organizers will be in touch via the phone and/or email with the specific event times with plenty of notice. Participants are volunteering their time, so really whatever works for them, works for us.  If you know someone who may be interested, please send names with a phone number and/or email address to Brad Durnell at (314) 489-9326 or bradleydurnell@claytonschools.net. All veterans are welcomed. We are eager to involve more women in the program to either discuss their time in service or the situation on the home front. In addition, we have been pretty active in our efforts to spread this program to other schools. The groundwork has been laid, the format is proven, the list of volunteers is ever-growing, and the benefits are bountiful. Please contact us if you are interested in expanding this type of a program to another school in the area. |
