Reader’s Corner: A class, and book, like no other

During Veterans Homecoming Week, area residents and visitors had multiple opportunities to attend the Patriotic Film Festival at College of the Ozarks. Based on attendance at the performances this writer was able to attend, the festival was a popular attraction, with many attendees as impacted by it as I was. 

The films represented a sample of the content of “Vietnam 101: A Class Like No Other,” a class offered at the college and the title of the accompanying textbook, of which copies were available at the films. Written by former C of O President Dr. Jerry C. Davis, the book shares the perspective of veterans who have also served as guest instructors and accompanied students on educational trips to the places where those veterans served. 

The book and the class are of inestimable value in giving students perspective on the history of the Vietnam conflict, helping many better understand their grandparents and other family members who served during that time. Just a few of the questions examined in the book, and by the experience, include, “Why did/do soldiers fight?” “What are the qualities of a good leader, especially during the worst circumstances imaginable?” “How did women serve?” “What are the strongest memories from time as a POW?” 

Although I’ve just started reading the book, inspired by the film festival, I’m already gaining better understanding of men and women, including relatives, who were serving in Vietnam when I was in elementary school. If you missed the film festival, you can still find out how to get a copy of this excellent book by visiting www.cofo.edu.