Long name. Short explanation, the Interview of Sansei (third generation JA) Veterans of the Vietnam Era. The Vietnam Era is considered 1960 to early 1970s. Veterans are defined as anyone that served in the armed forces during that time period. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Reserves, National Guard, Coast Guard, etc. Assignment is not a factor, In country (Vietnam) stateside, other countries.
Interviews are conducted according to the Library of Congress Veteran History Project. We record and document according to their guidelines and submit raw footage to the VHP. They will edit and post on their website.
The questions we ask are slightly modified to reflect the JA community. Some were born in camp, most out of the incarceration resettlement. We try to cover the community they grew up in, military experience and their repatriation into civilian society. Benefits (life lessons, VA assistance, etc.), reflections.
It is our attempt to recognize a forgotten or ignored portion of our JA community. The two of us (Don Bannai and myself) are not veterans. I missed the draft lottery by two months. But during Vietnam whether you were drafted or fortunate to not be, you were affected. I may have followed the lottery knowing that I was not affected, but they lived it.
The unexpected benefits of these interviews, is that it has given us a wide perspective of the war. Some fought in Korea, some stayed stateside, some overseas in Europe, some before the escalation of the conflict. Some in the thick of it. Each veteran has his unique story and we are trying to preserve those stories. Already, too many have passed. And many still struggle with the VA, PTSD and agent Orange.
The interviews are in 20 minute segments, and if at any time they don't feel comfortable with a question, we move on. Many have said, they have not told these stories to their family, or talked with other veterans. We hope it helps them move on and provide a history for their grandchildren.
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