Interview a Veteran Project

Due Date: We will share our interview stories with the class on Thursday, November 11.

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       Let's honor the veterans who have served or are still serving our country. Interview a veteran and share your new learning with the class with a nonfiction presentation, given through a primary source.  The interview may be focused on the questions provided and any other original questions.  Interviews may be completed in person, over the phone or through online communication. 

        Once the interview is completed, use the notes to create a nonfiction passage about the individual’s experience in the military. 

      Type the piece into our google classroom document, labeled Veteran Interview.  Then create a presentation to be given to the class on Veterans’ Day: Thursday, November 11.  You may use PowerPoint or Google Slides to show both the information and the pictures provided by the veteran.  Please do not use unrelated internet images.  You will turn in both the speech and a presentation.  

       Finding the veteran is part of the fun. They may be a relative, neighbor or family friend. Be kind and very appreciative of the veteran’s time. They are giving you their own piece of history to share with the class. 

      Use these questions to guide the interview. There is no need to interrupt the veteran to ensure all questions are answered. If the story gets going, keep taking your notes and use the information to create an interesting presentation.

     Above all, listen. Let this important individual share his or her military experience. These stories are a meaningful piece of history. Listen.

 

Guiding Questions:

1. In what branch of the United States Armed Forces did you serve?

2. Did you enlist or were you drafted? If enlisted, why did you choose to join the military.

3. How many years did you serve or have you served?

4. Please give your proper title, in regards to your rank in the military.

5. Did you serve in any overseas countries or conflicts? If so, where did you serve?

6. How did you keep in touch with your family when you served away from home?

7. In what battles or conflicts, if any, did you serve?

8. What are some of your fondest memories of your service?

9. Did you receive any military medals, honors or awards?

10. What challenges did you face while you were serving?

11. What was your favorite part of being in the military?

12. What are some of the most valuable lessons that you learned as a result of your military experience?

13. Do you feel that it is important for us to celebrate Veterans’ Day? Please explain your thoughts.

14. What is the best way to honor or thank a veteran for their service?

15. Do you have any accounts or stories that you would like to share with me?

16. Would you recommend joining the military?

17. Do you have any pictures of your military career that I might copy and share with my class?