Thanks to a unique partnership with a local veterans group, students at several Lancaster County high schools can get a firsthand account of the Vietnam War. A panel of veterans, organized by Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter 1008, provides students with an immersive experience, offering insights that go beyond what they read in history books.

The panel, which has been visiting local schools for nearly a decade, includes veterans from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force, each of whom shares a unique perspective.

Education chair John Hoober, who organizes the visits, explained that the veterans' goal is not to teach a traditional history lesson but to engage students with personal stories. "What do these kids want to know about the Vietnam War and the Vietnam era? Almost all of their questions lead to our personal experiences," he said.

The panel is composed of diverse veterans with varying roles in the conflict. Some were boots on the ground, in the midst of the conflict, while others served in supplies, finance and mechanics. The diversity offers a well-rounded view of the war.

The veterans begin each program by introducing themselves and sharing their backgrounds, including their service during major events like the Tet Offensive and the Brown Water Navy's patrol of the Mekong Delta. Afterward, students have the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with the veterans.

At most talks, students share their knowledge of the war, including experiences such as visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. They often ask questions about post-traumatic stress disorder and Agent Orange, the herbicide used during the war, as well as experiences of "tunnel rats" - soldiers tasked with clearing underground enemy tunnels. The panelists share their stories of danger and survival, offering personal insights into the physical and emotional toll of their service.

The veterans also bring personal memorabilia to display and share with students before and after the panel presentations. Items include photos of the soldiers in their youth along with pieces of their uniforms or objects they kept with them while they served.

Mary Nolt, a social studies teacher at Manheim Central High School, has hosted the veterans panel for several years.

"My hope is students will grasp the power of living history through the Vietnam veterans panel," she said. "These gentlemen always come with a smile and willing and ready to share their stories with the students. ... It is one thing for us to talk about the Vietnam War in history class; it is another for students to interact with and learn from those who lived through this time period in such a unique and special way."

Along with a presentation at Manheim Central High School that happened earlier this month, the panel presented at Donegal High School, Garden Spot High School and Elizabethtown Area High School in December. January presentations also included dates at Lampeter-Strasburg High School and Cocalico High School. Upcoming sessions are scheduled for Columbia High School on Friday, March 21, and at Ephrata High School on Tuesday, March 25.

The veterans' visit is part of the ongoing mission of VVA Chapter 1008 to educate the public about the Vietnam War and honor those who served. The group also participates in community service, such as ringing bells for the Salvation Army during the holidays and sending sympathy cards to families of deceased Vietnam veterans.

Chapter 1008 currently has about 150 members and welcomes new recruits who served on active duty in Vietnam between November 1, 1955, and May 7, 1975, or in any duty location between August 5, 1964, and May 7, 1975. For more information, visit https://vva.org.