UNK HISTORY STUDENTS RECORD VETS EXPERIENCES

Glennis Nagel
Director, Media Communications, 308.865.8454

Students’ interviews of 40 veterans this past semester as a project in history classes taught by Drs. Linda Van Ingen and Roger Davis will become part of the permanent records in the Library of Congress Folklore Center.

Heidi LaClair of Kearney (left), shown with Dr. Van Ingen, interviewed her father-in-law Jerry Brown of Norfolk for the project. Brown is a World War II veteran. Brown’s story will not only become part of the permanent records in the Library of Congress, but also a family history for his grandchildren.

In Nebraska, the project is being sponsored and promoted by AARP and by the office of State Sen. DiAnna Schimek. Sen. Schimek’s office will handle shipping of the tapes and documents to the LOC.

“I am thrilled that these students have undertaken this task,” Sen. Schimek said, “because it leads to the development of certain skills. But more importantly, it makes them aware of what these veterans have done for our country.

“It also provides these students with an understanding and awareness of history while preserving records for posterity,” she said.

Students interviewed veterans of WW II, the Korean War, Vietnam War and the Persian Gulf.