FLEMING ISLAND, Fla. — "We are the last of the walking historians," says Gary Newman, Vice President of the Florida Council of the Vietnam Veterans of America. Newman is happy about the news he's received from the head of Clay County schools.
It's come after years of frustration. Newman says, "We've been trying for 12 years to get into schools in Clay County." But, he says, "We've been more or less rejected."
Now, though, Superintendent David Broskie has announced he'll work with Vietnam veterans to schedule times they will come into the classroom to help teach about their experiences and the Vietnam War.
Broskie, who has a close family member who served in Vietnam, put out this statement:
"As Superintendent of Schools and a former history teacher, I am excited to partner with our local chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America Florida State Council to provide our secondary students in Clay County with personal stories and eyewitness accounts from our local Vietnam veterans. Giving our students the opportunity to hear directly from Vietnam veterans about their lived experiences during the Vietnam War goes far beyond what is mentioned in a textbook. I am truly indebted to all the men and women who bravely served our country and I know this partnership with our local Vietnam Veterans chapter will be moving and inspiring for our students as well,” said Superintendent David Broskie
Newman says he appreciates the First Coast News project, "Voices of Bravery," as an impetus for the new invitation for vets into schools.
"We so appreciate that," Newman says. Anchor Jeannie Blaylock and a group of Vietnam vets connected with ROTC instructors, Warrant Officer David Keller and Chief Petty Officer Kevin Mathews. An event was planned to show the new First Coast News documentary, "Voices of Bravery," to a room full of students, including Navy JROTC members. It turned out to be a prototype for future events.
The students were quiet and respectful during the documentary, and afterward asked the Vietnam veterans good questions, such as, "How did you keep up hope during the fighting in Vietnam?" and "Do you think you were trained for the jungle?"
The students also learned the disrespect Vietnam vets endured when they came home. Most students seemed surprised to discover protestors spat on some veterans and called them bad names.
After the presentations and question sessions, the students gathered for photos, arm-in-arm, with their new veteran friends.
A nice bond from communicating about a topic often set aside as taboo.
Newman told the teenagers, "When you see a Vietnam veteran, first say, 'Welcome Home!' And then say, 'Thank you for your service.' And we will love you even more."
If you would like our First Coast News team to come show our documentary and bring Vietnam veterans along for Q & A, please contact Jeannie Blaylock: jblaylock@firstcoastnews.com
You can watch "Voices of Bravery" on First Coast News+ streaming now on Roku and Fire TV.
