Veterans Are Living History Books

February 27, 2026

Veteran & Family Services Office

We took history classes in school. Some of us liked them and some of us didn’t. We formed images in our minds about how things looked or how events happened. History books told stories about times past that were documented or passed down through the generations. Those stories were all before our time, and now they grace the pages of an open book as reminders.

The veteran living in your home, the one standing in front of you or wearing a baseball cap, is your current open history book. They have stories that you will not find written anywhere. Each played a part in the freedom and democracy of this country. They were given a job — a mission to accomplish— and they did what their country tasked them to do. Each of their stories is unique. While the history books give us an overview, many individual stories are still present for us to hear and learn from.

Have you ever sat down and really listened to what they have to say? This is your opportunity, because one day you will not have the chance to ask or listen. This is your moment to experience living history.

When speaking with veterans about their military experiences, prompt them with open-ended questions. Allow them to answer with as much or as little information as they are comfortable sharing. Remember, some memories can be painful and will not be shared.

What questions can you ask? Try: What branch of the military were you in? Why did you choose that branch? How long did you serve? In what era did you serve? Ask them to share a memory from basic training. Ask about their fondest memory while serving. Where were you stationed? What is something you learned in the military that you still practice today? Ask whether they would do it all again. Remember, no pressure, open-ended questions allow them to share freely without feeling pushed to discuss anything they prefer not to. You can ask if they were in combat, but avoid detailed questions about it.

Ask permission to document their stories while they talk. You don’t need a fancy set-up., record it with your cellphone. Those moments will remain alive in their own words.

This is history that can be passed to future generations. Who is going to tell the veteran’s story when they are no longer able?

Peer Support Specialist - Darrell Whitman 520-610-2037

Peer Support Specialist - Wesley Rhodes 520-610-4384

Veteran Service Officer –Kim Skelton 520-610-7644