WAUPUN - The past has come alive for scores of sophomores in Nate Brieske's and Lisa Lenz' world history/service-learning class. Instead of studying old books and yellowing newspapers about World War II, they went to the source - the men who actually served and fought.
"The students were shocked to sit down and shake the hands of veterans, and listen to their stories and their experiences in war," said Brieske. "Not only in war but what they did when they came back, and how they couldn't just return and everything was back to normal. I think the kids definitely appreciate the veterans in our community a lot more now."
Brieske said a service-learning project involves finding a need in the community and - after investigation, planning and preparation - taking action. In this case taking action involved interviewing veterans.
People are also reading…
Brieske said they decided to interview area WWII veterans because the number of survivors is dwindling fast.
The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates only 2.5 million WWII vets are still alive, and are dying at a rate of more than 1,000 a day.
For the project, the students split into groups. Some groups were formed and dissolved as needed. Core groups included the question group which formulated questions; the communications group which found the veterans and set up the interview; and the interview group which conducted the interviews.
When Army veteran Ken Tessman came to be interviewed, he was picked up at home by students. After introducing him to the class, they asked his permission to be videotaped.
The interview started with openers such as, "What service were you in? What rank? Were you drafted or enlisted? What was your job? What is your most memorable experience?
As to the most memorable experience Tessman said it was when he felt his back and it was sticky.
"I was wounded," he said.
Some answers surprised the class.
"What did you do in your spare time?"
"Chase women," Tessman said.
The class burst out in laughter.
"Any words of wisdom for the students?"
"I've found that life takes care of itself as it goes on," Tessman said, "and it's good to be nice to people."
Nick Duesterbeck was in charge of organizing recorded information. "The most exciting part was probably when Ken Tessman came in. He was cool, and made everyone in the class laugh. Some of the stories surprised me."
Duesterbeck enjoyed learning about WWII this way. "It sticks with you longer, because it's a hands-on type of learning," he said.
Cole Pinnow was part of the interview group. Often they would go to the veteran's home for the interview. "I liked hearing everybody's story and what they did for us; for our country. Learning it in class isn't the same as hearing it from somebody who was actually there and witnessed it firsthand."
Maryah Roeder said that by being on the communications committee she became better at speaking slower and being more precise with her words. "I had the honor of making a phone interview with Charles Rieck, a POW during WWII. By talking to Mr. Rieck I was able to get a small glimpse of his experiences and better understand the cost of freedom," she said.
Emily Hilt said, "I learned that we should all be thankful for what we have today because thousands of men and women died for our freedom. Without these veterans, we might not be living in the world we are today.
Brieske said the project was time consuming, but worth it. "It took over a month, and the kids were working before school, and on weekends. But they learned how to get along with each other, how to become leaders, and hopefully they can take a project like this and just be a better citizen in the community.
"You can see the difference," he said. "Now when we say the "Pledge of Allegiance" many kids are more engaged and reflect what it means to be an American."
In all 17 people were interviewed including 15 vets, the commander of the Waupun VFW post, and a woman who talked about life in America during the war.
DVDs of each interview will be donated to the Waupun Public Library, The Waupun Historical Society/Waupun Heritage Museum, the city of Waupun, the Waupun Area Junior/Senior High School and to each individual interviewed.
Â
