Published: November 11, 2007 03:08 am            

Veterans’ History Project

Stories of service in time of war being collected

FAIRMONT — Students and community members have joined Fairmont State to preserve the stories of American veterans.

In 2004, Fairmont State University joined the American Folklife Center’s Veterans’ History Project, an effort to collect the stories of veterans and civilians who served their country during times of war. Through interviews and information garnered from wartime correspondence and visual artifacts, volunteers use video to document and preserve individuals’ personal experience stories.

As a collaboration between campus and community, the Veterans History Project at Fairmont State seeks to honor veterans’ contributions; involve students in service; teach the culture of war through vicarious experience; immerse students in the study of heritage; enhance students’ appreciation of older generations; provide an opportunity for a rich speaking and writing experience; and foster cross-disciplinary and community partnerships.

As part of the project, Fairmont State history professor Patrick Albano shared his experiences in Vietnam in a public interview last week. The event was co-sponsored by FSU Student Government.

Albano was interviewed by Student Government President Kasha Brown, who asked him about his entry into the Marine Corps and his experineces in Vietnam. He spoke about boot camp on Parris Island and his service as a jet mechanic. In his 10 years of service, Albano received numerous service and personal awards, from the Vietnam Service medal to various letters and medals of commendation.

He also spoke about race issues among the troops. Albano said it was almost like a “war within a war” with extreme tension between black and white troops.

Albano spoke about his return from the service and how it was difficult to find a job. Surrounded by memoriabilia, including his dress and basic uniforms, Albano spoke about how he was received.

“I was walking down Hollywood and Vine (in Los Angeles) wearing that uniform and people were throwing empty beer bottles at me and calling me names I won’t repeat,” Albano said.

He noted when the Vietnam veterans returned, they didn’t have good support or care, as the veterans returning from the first Gulf War and the War on Terror now have. He noted the Vietnam War is arguably viewed as a loss, and he believes Americans are embarrassed about it.

“If we lose this war (the War on Terror), and we must not, Vietnam will forever fade into history,” Albano said.

Eventually, he used the GI Bill to go to college, then received his masters and doctorate degrees.

A native of New Jersey, Albano said he came to West Virginia because of a soldier whose name he couldn’t recall, who carried him out of a ditch and back to base. The man was from West Virginia, Albano said.

He remains active in the Marine Corps League and helps with the Toys For Tots Christmas campaign each year, he said.

Fairmont State invites the community to be involved in the project to collect veterans stories. Those who served their country during any of our country’s wars and would like to be interviewed — or, students or community members who would like to volunteer — should contact Stephanie White, administrative associate in the Center for Teaching Excellence, at 367-4508 or Stephanie.White@fairmontstate.edu.

E-mail Katie Wilson at kwilson@timeswv.com.

        

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