"The demand for oral history has never been greater. In addition to providing important information for official historians to supplement official records, oral histories today are used in a variety of ways ranging from informing soldiers and leaders about their predecessors' experiences to "bringing to life" museum exhibits with the words (and sounds) of participants. The result is a fuller appreciation and understanding of the events and experiences that constitute the history and heritage of the U.S. Army."
- U.S. Army Guide to Oral History
Disclaimer: Virtual Reality is no longer a part of this project. (Though, it will be used in following projects as a way to expand the concept)
The inspiration for this project came from three places: my grandfather's experience of serving for the armed forces during WWII, my past experience working in AmeriCorps with other oral history projects in different military periods, and the desire to showcase this history in new and exciting ways in order to promote awareness and understanding of our veterans.
Oral histories are a profound and inherently human method of preserving the past. Not only are we preserving history, but we are also capturing human emotions and feelings that help to enrich what's being told. By sharing these stories with the public, I hope to create a richly empathetic, engaging and shared human experience.
As a veteran, when you speak about your experiences in the military, you are providing a great service and resource for your country. Your story is immensely valuable both as a historical record and as a
true-to-life narrative that people can learn from.
Project Goals:
1.) Create and archive a Vietnam oral history video interview collection, consisting of 1hr+ long interviews with multiple Vietnam veterans (preferably, 15-20, if not more).
2.) Work with veterans to design, curate and build an immersive exhibition space that puts the viewer in a Vietnam-like environment.
3.) Use artistic means and physical computing methods to create a
multi-sensory immersive installation.
Promote awareness and understanding of veteran experiences by engaging with emerging technology.
(Joshua Haggard modeling the oculus go for marketing in the project.)
Here is a Wordpress blog where we talk about the interview experience as we see it and give you a glimpse into the lives of these Vietnam Veterans.
Transcripts: (Click on a NAME to download a short, five-page example of the corresponding transcript)
(Click on a PHOTO to be taken to a short video snippet of their interview)
If you would like the full version of the transcript, please contact me (Jacob Erickson) by e-mail (syosha505@gmail.com) to make your request.
1.) Genovevo Gonzales 2.) José Paul Salas
3.) Adan Vigil 4.) Abelino Montoya
5.) Eldon Forsee 6.) José Maestas
7.) Roy Valdez 8.) Max Garcia
9.) Richard Reed
