Veterans History Project at Da Vinci

Congressman Mike Thompson visited Da Vinci Charter Academy High School on Tuesday to pick up student-produced videos of interviews with war veterans that are to be archived at the Library of Congress. Part of the 11^th grade U.S. History curriculum require students to examine and analyze the effects of war on both the individual and society.  This is done through a multi-faceted project called America at War, motivated by the Veteran’s History Project – a national program that aims to “collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war.”

Student Connor Wuertz introduces Congressman Thompson

The event held at the Da Vinci campus on Tuesday, February 1^st included the viewing of interview clips, student commentary, a question-and-answer period with Congressman Mike Thompson, as well as a chance for veterans to speak directly to students.

Mike Cohen, an infantryman in the Army during the Vietnam War, recounted an experience he had as a new soldier: watching other soldiers shoot a corpse filled with gas, and thinking he “could never become that callous or inhumane.” He went on to say that years of service had ultimately, hardened him. “I could think and function, but not feel… You can lose yourself (in a war) and never find yourself again.”

Afterwards, a second clip was shown detailing the experience of Michael Dufrense, a history teacher at Holmes Junior High and Staff Sergeant in the California National Guard, who served in Iraq after graduating from high school. Nick Harter, a junior, reflected on an important question he was left with: “These young men, not much older than me, were trained on how to do their jobs overseas. But were they trained on how to come back home?” Harter then invited Thompson to the stage.

“I’ve visited many other schools for this same reason, but none have put on a show like you’ve done here today.” He commended the students’ efforts – not only to partake in the national project – but also to organize and execute the acceptance ceremony. Thompson went on to laud the learning style at Da Vinci, explaining he’d always learned better through hands-on experience in his youth.

Questions from students included how his experience as a Vietnam War veteran had colored his time as a congressman during the Gulf and Iraq War. Thompson answered by supporting a “pro-veteran, anti-war stance” advocated by a veteran earlier in the ceremony. “War ought to be the absolute last option on the table… I’m not willing to send boys and girls overseas unless I’m sure it’s the last thing we can do.”

Afterwards, veterans were invited to share a few words. Delaurence Treadwell, Staff Sergeant in the Army who served in Iraq, thanked students and staff for providing him the opportunity to share his story and praised the students involved, “I’m proud to say I was at this school event, and I can see the phenomenal things they (the students) are going to do.”

Mike Cohen also thanked the students for the opportunity to speak about his experience. “I’ve spent years hiding behind society, other veterans, and myself avoiding the subject.” He talked about stories he’d heard as a boy that painted a less grim and more humorous image of war. “I think it’s the biggest crime and shame to not tell them or make them understand what war is.”

After the ceremony, student Henry Spivey said that through the project, he is better able to understand the experience of a veteran. He is most proud of “narrowing the gap between people and veterans by doing this interview.”

Dominic Perez, a junior, also spoke to the fact that they were contributing to history. “We’re doing something that’s bigger than us, bigger than the assignment. It’s something that is important because it’ll be available for later generations.”

Ted Robinson was a Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy during WWII and shared a tent with John F. Kennedy. He is pictured here with student Caroline Paikoff.

Tyler Millsap, English teacher and lead-coordinator of the event, beamed with pride. “I’m most proud of my students for committing so much of their outside time to this, and for going above and beyond the expectations of the project. I’m thankful for all of the community support. I think this was a reciprocal experience for both students, and veterans, alike.”

The success of this years’ event has prompted staff to run the project with this component again next year. Veterans who would like to participate should contact Millsap at tmillsap@djusd.k12.ca.us.