By Debbie Tedeschi
On Thursday, May 26, 2016, eight veterans from various wars met with Weber Middle School’s eighth grade students. The students met in groups of 6 for approximately 10 minutes per session and then each group rotated to interview a different soldier. Participants included mostly veterans from the Port Washington VFW Henderson-Marino Post 1819.
They were: Army Sgt. Jay Alexander (Vietnam), Army Capt. Cliff Cotten (Iraq), Army Capt. Richard Ertel (Vietnam), Army Sgt. John B. Fiore (Vietnam), Navy LCdr Courtney Gordon-Tennant (War on Terror), Army Capt. Peter Ripullone (Vietnam),
Marine Sgt. Maria Salazar (Iraq), and this year’s Co-Grand Marshal, Army Sgt. Jerald H. Tedeschi (Vietnam).
Under the guidance of their Social Studies teacher, Mrs. Holly Gober and English teacher, Mr. Jeff Moss, the students were asked to write two interesting facts and/or comments about the veteran they spoke with.
The interviews began with each veteran distributing a red poppy to each student. The flower is a symbol of our fallen soldiers and is a salute to the brave men and women of the Armed Forces who serve our nation. This flower continues to grow on World War I battle fields.
The veterans shared some historical information as well as some of their personal experiences. Several brought photos and memorabilia.
The students were extremely interested and curious about the living conditions of each region the soldiers served in. They wanted to know what soldiers ate, where they slept, their modes of transportation, what their duties were and whether or not they interacted with the civilians.
Some students asked about the soldiers biggest fears, the weapons they used, their opinions on the wars and whether or not we were there for the right reasons. Several asked whether the soldiers enlisted or drafted. They inquired about major events they encountered, Agent Orange and other chemicals, etc. The two women veterans were asked how it was to be a woman in the service.
It was an excellent way to enrich and enhance the social studies curriculum.
