The veterans were stationed at tables in the library, and students learned what it was like serving on an aircraft carrier, as a tank gunner, in the Army Signal Corps, and in other capacities.
“It’s nice to see the young people interested in veterans,” said Louis Dorio, who served in the U.S. Navy from 1966-69. “They were really interested in not only what I did in the service but what I did after the service.”
Ed Cook told his story of getting separated from his family as a boy in Lithuania during World War II. He was sent to an orphanage for several years and ultimately was adopted by an American family. He never forgot the kindness of an American soldier when he was four. As an American, he joined U.S. Army and served in Germany in the build-up to the Vietnam War.
“I learned a lot from these vets today,” Ossining High School senior Elvis Becerra said. “I learned that not only are they hard workers but that they were always dedicated from the start.”
Bob Ferguson spoke to students about what it was like to leave Vietnam at the end of his tour in the Army Signal Corps.
“As soon as that plane lifts off the ground and that pilot says to us, ‘We are now out of South Vietnamese airspace. We are over international waters,’ there was a sense of exhilaration," Ferguson said. "We’re going home. I can’t believe I’m going home,’” It’s a feeling you can’t describe and let me tell you, it hits you emotionally.”
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